Novel map

Author: Zheng Shusen / Country: Mainland China
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-06-01
Features: This book presents the latest achievements of Professor Zheng Shusen in the field of novel studies in recent years. The author's unique discoveries in the study of novels are elaborated from three aspects: , it explores the issue of "from external research to internal" in novel studies, specifically discussing the typical changes in 20th-century novel narration—namely, the shift from focusing on external plots to delving into the inner lives of characters. Second, it examines the surrealistic concepts of fantasy, absurdity, and magic in 20th-century novels, tracing their development from being framed within reality to completely abandoning it. Third, it investigates the inheritance, regional characteristics, and critical nature of realism in the 20th century, as well as the efforts in fragmented exploration, deconstructive attempts, and conceptual renewal. The book is written with precision and fluency, presenting insightful perspectives on all aspects of 20th-century novels in a captivating manner, balancing academic rigor with high readability.
Path One: From External to Internal. The shift from focusing on external plots to exploring the inner lives of characters represents the most exemplary change in 20th-century novel narration.
Path Two: Questioning the Essence of Reality. The surrealistic concepts of fantasy, absurdity, and magic, evolving from being framed within reality to completely abandoning it.
Path Three: Variations in Realistic Tone. The inheritance, regional characteristics, and critical nature of realism, along with efforts in stylistic exploration, structural experimentation, and conceptual revision.
Compared to other psychological novels, the works of Italian novelist Italo Svevo are exceptionally rare to be based on Freudian psychoanalysis. The ending of this novel is also particularly striking, concluding with the Earth facing a catastrophic explosion and the impending destruction of the world. Such a deeply pessimistic worldview is clearly intertwined with the protagonist's mental illness. However, this ending may also be linked to the prevailing nihilistic atmosphere in society shortly after World War I. The protagonist in the novel lacks confidence in society and life, with the final line describing life as a patient who alternates between good and bad, but the disease of life is incurable and fatal—thus distinguishing it from ordinary illnesses. "This is somewhat like a body riddled with holes; trying to plug the holes is not only futile but may even lead to suffocation in the long run." The sense of spiritual emptiness in the 1920s is vividly portrayed in Hemingway's novels rooted in realism.
After the publication of Svevo's The Consciousness of Zeno, it was largely overlooked. Interestingly, later, Svevo had the opportunity to become friends with James Joyce and gifted him this book. Joyce, fluent in Italian, greatly admired it, as the psychological novel approach resonated with his own style. He frequently recommended Svevo's work to his friends. In a letter to a friend, Joyce referred to Svevo as "Italy's Proust," a comparison that undoubtedly highlights Svevo's mastery in psychological novels. Unfortunately, Svevo died in a car accident in 1928 shortly after the publication of The Consciousness of Zeno, leaving no opportunity for further exploration. P13-14