Abstract:As one of the most important concepts in ancient Chinese novels, “history supplement” is mainly derived from the definition of the function of "history supplement" by ancient novels by historians. This definition mainly occurred in Tang Dynasty, and then became consciousness in novel writing and criticism. “History supplement” developed from three dimensions: One is to attach importance to function of “history”, and consider novels as writing like “history” which has the function of preserving historical facts, providing reference, and disseminating moral principles. Second is to make up for the insufficient education function of “history”, and novels can interpret “righteousness” through “history”, and at the same time can help understand “history”, correct mistakes in “history”, and supplement omission in “history”. Third is that novels can be a remedy for the deficient aesthetical function of “history”, making people achieve special aesthetical enjoyment. The first idea of “history supplement” is permeated in novels after Tang Dynasty, especially obvious in classical Chinese novels. The other two ideas of “history supplement” was mainly prevalent after Song and Yuan Dynasties, and gained ground in vernacular novels. Blending and alteration of these three ideas of “history supplement” is the process in which the artistic features of China’s ancient novels gradually mature, and their value of existence and taste for arts constantly improved.
何悦玲. 中国古代小说“史补”观念生成的史学渊源与价值指向[J]. 《深圳大学学报》(人文社科版), 2017, 34(5): 124-133.
HE Yue-ling. Historical Origin and Value Orientation of “History Supplement” Idea of Ancient Chinese Novels. , 2017, 34(5): 124-133.