鄭清文兩篇小說的敘事結構與輕盈美學

Narrative Structure and Light Aesthetics in Two Novels by Zheng Qingwen

鄭清文的小說給讀者最深切的印象就是清淡和含蓄，在清淡含蓄的語言和委婉內斂的情節中，小說的敘事結構尚埋藏很多待挖掘的面向。本文討論他的兩篇小說，分為六個小節：一、前言概述前人研究成果。二、論述〈姨太太〉以「賣」為中心的敘事結構，從契約論來看小說的人物關係及姨太太在小說中的象徵性。三、論述〈最後的紳士〉以「死」為中心的敘事結構，從契約來看小說的人物關係及阿壽伯在小說中的象徵性。四、討論限制觀點：人物認知的錯誤與價值偏移，從限制的人物視角，來看人物認知的錯誤與偏狹及由此產生的意義分裂。五、輕盈敘事：冰山理論之外，從卡爾維諾的輕盈美學來探究小說的價值，論述作者如何藉由輕重主題的調整，讓情節由喜轉悲或由悲轉喜。六、結論：指出鄭清文的現代主義和獨特美學，以及他如何以細緻的感觸，反省和哀嘆社會的物質文化，他的小說實為時代的回聲。

The deepest impression Zheng Qingwen’s novels give readers is that they are light and subtle, but the art of his novels is definitely more than that, with many other aspects to be explored. This article discusses two of his novels and is divided into six sections: 1. A preface and summary of previous research results. 2. Discussion of the narrative structure of“The Concubine,”centered on“selling oneself,”and an examination of the relationship between the characters in the novel and the symbolic role of the concubine in the novel from the perspective of contract theory. 3. Discussion of the narrative structure of“The Last Gentleman,”centered on“death,”and an examination of the relationship between the characters in the novel and the symbolism of Uncle A-shou in the novel from the perspective of contract theory. 4. Discussion of a constraints perspective related to deviation, looking at errors and prejudices in character cognition and the resulting fragmentation of meaning from a constraints perspective of characters. 5. An exploration of light narrative, evaluating the value of fiction using Calvino’s light aesthetics, discussing how the author can change the plot from joy to sorrow or from sorrow to joy by adjusting the lightness of the theme. 6. A conclusion pointing out Zheng Qingwen’s modernism and unique aesthetics, and how he meticulously reflects on and laments society’s materialistic culture. His novels are truly echoes of the times.