欲望、残缺、神性 ― 施蛰存历史小说中的存在主义困境

Abstract

Under the framework of the desire narrative, the suppression and indulgence of the ‘desire narration’ in the historical background of his novels, adds a speculative touch to historical deconstruction and realistic contemplation. The repeated description of specific body parts in his novels, indicates that defective bodies are normal in his works. The repetitive description of the ‘defective body’ illustrates the rational psychology that manifests itself in an individual’s anxiety and depression, which leads to the individuals’ choice in the desire plight and their specific existence status. Shi, Zhe-cun’s historical novels demonstrate three core aspects of existentialism and Buddhism: Freedom, death and meaning of life. According to the tenets of existentialism, the ontological existence of human being cannot be realized through knowledge. The realization of life’s existence structure is the description of people’s living style; therefore, irrational experiences such as loneliness, fear, depression, desperation and death are human’s basic forms of existence status. The loneliness and separation displayed in Shi, Zhe-cun’s historical novels echo the existentialist theory. The estrangement between people is eternal, similar to ‘egocentrism’ in Buddhism. The omnipresent death concept in Shi, Zhe-cun’s historical novels and its underlying reincarnation in Buddhism resemble the attitudes of existentialism towards death. Death is deemed as the ‘continuity’ of existence, extending the meani1ng and space of ‘self’, and endows death with new life. One of the prominent oriental classicism features in Shi, Zhe-cun’s novels is ‘All reality is a phantom, and all phantoms are real’ from Buddhism. Influenced by both traditional culture and modern philosophy, Shi, Zhe-cun’s works combine traditional and modern features. The philosophy of his historical novels integrates existentialism and Buddhism. From this perspective, he is able to interpret the paradox of existence. In terms of the aesthetic value, his literary creation is influenced by existentialism, as well as being rooted in China’s traditional literature.