Chinese Journal of Literary Criticism

No.1, 2024

The Mind of the Times and Its Forms—Yousheng and the Problem of Narration in Contemporary Novels

(Abstract)

Fang Wei

Hu Xuewen’s novel Yousheng (Hope of Life) is characterized by a distinctive narrative. From the perspectives of its “half-dead” narrator, “umbrella” narrative structure, and fissured space, we can see the innovation of its narrative form. However, the complex narrative form also reflects the conflict between deconstruction and construction, inheritance and criticism, daily narrative and epic appeal of novels in the new century. The exploration of the cultural epic provides a useful model for the writing of novels in the new era.