Chinese Journal of Literary Criticism

No.1, 2019 

An Analysis of the Contradiction of Polyphonic Novel Theory and Its Inspiration to Chinese Literary Theory

(Abstract)

Lie Fu

Since Bakhtin proposed polyphonic theory, it has been controversial in the field of literary theory at home and abroad. The unresolved issue is a difficulty in Bakhtin studies and also a fundamental question directly related to the validity of Bakhtin’s polyphonic theory. The key point to the debate lies in the certain theoretical shortcomings of Bakhtin’s original discussion on “externality,” which in turn leads to later generations’ misunderstandings. Therefore, starting from the two different voices by Bakhtin, it can be suggested that Bakhtin’s theory of externality actually has a “two-fold meaning” that would reveal the externality neglected. It is by clarifying this important issue  that can we retain  a new perspective and re-understand the so-called “contradiction” of his two different voices from relative internal and external perspectives to profoundly, rationally and completely grasp the actual implication and meaning of his polyphonic theory and externality theory. In addition, it also reminds us that in the exchanges of Chinese and Western literary theories, we should take initiative to form an independent aesthetic judgment rather than being a recipient or sufferer of aphasia. This should be established in the construction of Chinese literary discourse.