The Study of Narrative Methodology of Three Kingdoms·Book of Wei
Date Issued
2016
Date
2016
Author(s)
Lee, Choon-Onn
Abstract
In the writing of “The History of the Three Kingdoms”, Chen Shou as Shu Han regime’s adherent must face the history of both Wei, Jin Dynasty’s usurpation and balance the contradiction of historical interpretation between three kingdoms on the Western Jin Dynasty-based stance. Due to the political realities, Chen opted to adopt the tactful narrative strategy created by “The Spring and Autumn Annals”. Scholars previously either criticised Chen’s tactful narrative as harmful to the historical truth or traced the imprint of above-mentioned narrative to emphasize the intention of historian to appraise. However, the related discussions often overlooked Chen’s invention in historiography. In fact, Chen''s tactful narrative is full of variety. It’s not only followed the precedents set by previous historical works, but also formed by Chen’s own creativity. This study focus on “Book of Wei” of “The History of the Three Kingdoms”, assisted by the narration of “Book of Wu” and “Book of Shu”, reveals that Chen blended both the tactful expression of “The Spring and Autumn Annals” and historical biographies originated in “Shiji” to create a new way of historical writing, thus achieved truth. Furthermore, this study also discovered that, the motive of Chen’s historical writing is not only to restore the truth, but also to provide historical context to evaluate contemporary situation. The latter’s coverage includes standard of biographies, selection of historical material, direction of narrative, writing of historical commentaries, etc, refers to different events of Western Jin Dynasty. As for narrative regarding three countries, although Chen obeys the authorities’ stand by admitting the legitimacy of Wei Kingdom, he’s using different methods to show that each of three kingdom possess its own sovereignty. In short, this study aims to reflect the different aspects of Chen’s tactful narrative, thereby capture the conscious mind of the historian.
Subjects
tactful narrative
appraise
reflective value for contemporary situation
using the past to criticize the present
narrative regarding three kingdoms
Type
thesis
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