Abstract:When elaborating his “theory of righteousness (yi, 义)”, FANG Bao put forward, explained, and implemented “Shi Fa (史法)”, namely, the principle and approach of histriographical writings, which is actually a narrative theory. He advocated true content and beautiful language in narration. The author should not only adhere to proper narrative ethics, but also apply superb narrative techniques, which are the two key points of narratology. In view of the prevailing trend of “intentionally untruthful writing” and “giving farfetched interpretation” among litterateurs and historians, he spoke out against flattery and exaggeration. In view of the mediocre, dull, and empty narration at the time, he transformed the proposition of “not recording ordinary things” of contemporary classic school into the proposition of literary narratology, which requires the refinement of plots and the delicate arrangement of details. This provides reference for the construction of narrative ethics and the innovation of narrative techniques. In this sense, “theory of righteousness” has significance and value for narratology.
王先霈. 方苞“义法说”的叙事学价值[J]. 《深圳大学学报》(人文社科版), 2021, 38(2): 114-120.
WANG Xian-pei. Narrative Value of FANG Bao's “Theory of Righteousness”. , 2021, 38(2): 114-120.