| dc.description.abstract | Thesis Abstract
Since the construction of historical fiction / novels is based on the necessity of taking materials from “history” and the fictionalized nature of “novel” creation, the intricate connections between “historical fiction / novels” and “history” have caused the controversy of critics over the nature of the genre “historical fiction / novels.” In other words, are “historical novels” categorized as “history” or “fiction?” Due to the differences in perceptions of the historical fiction genre, different critics have different understandings of “fiction” and “reality.” This is a key point that affects the values of such literary works; thus, competing ideas in the theory on fact or fiction have become important subjects for discussion in the criticism of historical fiction.
In view of the forewords, notes, and viewpoints in research discourse of Ming-Ching historical fiction / novels and the theory on fact or fiction, understanding of these concepts and their content are often limited by “common sense” definitions that demarcate based on the “selection criteria” of “phenomenon” or “objectivity.” The consensus at which it arrives is based on whether the characters and events indeed happened in history as the standard for defining “reality” and “fiction.” However, using this angle to determine and orient standards for the “fiction” genre can overlook the inspiration of aesthetics on the subjective spiritual level, and the conscious realization of pursuit of value judgments. Thus, using this understanding as the basis, the purpose of this study is to clarify the controversy over historical fiction / novels and the theory on fact or fiction, and explore the value, meaning, and significance of the theory on fact or fiction on historical fiction / novels, in hopes of prompting deeper thought on the orientation problem of this type of literature.
Thus the research of this study begins with an evaluation of the formation of “historical novels,” points out the reasons for the controversy of theory on fact or fiction, and then analyzes the different concepts of the historical fiction genre. Then, the viewpoints on “fiction” and “fact” are explained and reevaluated, pointing out the subjective and objective references and meanings. Furthermore, this study uses the Confucian literary view as theoretical basis to analyze the operation of aesthetic consciousness of fact-fiction manipulation in historical fiction, and uses fictional texts as examples to discuss the significance and meaning of fact and fiction aesthetics and fictionalization in historical fiction. The conclusion points out that by using the angle of subjective spiritual aspects to derive meaning from fiction, it is possible to allow for an escape from the relative limits of fact or fiction material selection and the content ratios, and to enter an absolutely genuine realm of the feelings of the psyche. Usage of the aesthetic consciousness to analyze the meaning of concepts of reality and fiction can convey the significance and necessity of fictionalized historical chronicles, and it is possible to transcend phenomenal limits and allow for a real understanding of the meaning of fact and fiction.
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