Research On The Art Of Language In The Annals Of Kingdoms Of Wu And Yue

The Annals of Kingdoms of Wu and Yue is an important Chinese historical document written by ZhaoYe in the early years of the East Han Dynasty. But in it there are many myths, legends and fictional imaginary description, which weakened its credibility in history, thus it has long been ignored by historians. But from the literary perspective, this work has a unique literary value for its colorful language. This paper tries to make a more comprehensive research on the language of The Annals of Kingdoms of Wu and Yue from four aspects based on the research achievements of the previous and contemporary scholars.This paper is divided into four chapters, focuses on the analysis of the language form, rhetoric work methods, expositional methods and personalized language of the characters'. The first chapter studies the language form of The Annals of Kingdoms of Wu and Yue, which shows:first, the main characteristic of language form is compatible with literary composition in rhyme and prose with a harmonious blend; second, plenty of songs and proverbs are integrated in the narrative, which create a unique artistic charm. The second chapter is an analysis of the rhetorical devices, its main rhetoric devices are parable, parallelism, exaggeration, metaphor, quote etc, making the work language more abound in vivid and expression. Chapter three focus on the expositional methods of The Annals of Kingdoms of Wu and Yue. The various expositional methods used in the description of the characters in the work reflects the arts of language. It was clearly showed in the following aspects:First, it grasp the psychology, draw on advantages and avoid disadvantages by thinking from the other side, giving advice and suggestions for others own good, to win over others and then convince then. Second, exquisite strategies are used to strengthen the effect of exposition, which make the work more convincing and appealing. Third, in order to make deep impression, vivid metaphors are used to make the story more interesting and easy to understand. In The Annals of Kingdoms of Wu and Yue, metaphors are skillfully used for exposition. Especially while the president tried to give suggestions to the king or diplomatic envoys communicate between different nations. Four, argot in the work express the meaning euphemistically. There are two argots of persuasive language in The Annals of Kingdoms of Wu and Yue, that is, one happened when Wu Ju exhorting Chu Zhuangwang, another is when prince friendly exhorting King Fu Chai of Wu. That enables the work more attractive and appealing. Fifth, parallel structures are used frequently to boost the imposing manner. It is well know that parallel structure can enhance the imposing manner and make the reason more fully and thoroughly. Many parallelism sentences are seen in The Annals of Kingdoms of Wu and Yue. Sixth, the work has sufficient grounds for its views through quotation of the past. Quoting of the historical events not only can effectively demonstrated one's own point of view, but also have strong persuasive power, that would strengthen the images of things and vividness of stories. In The Annals of Kingdoms of Wu and Yue, during the argumentation, historical facts are quoted to enhance persuade effect. Especially when the adviser in Wu and Yue Country seek how to persuade the kings. Seventh, some advisors are full of justice and dare to confront the authority. Which means the advisors have the courage to offend the the dignity of the kings and elders in giving advices. Wu Zixu criticize King Fu Chai of Wu for his faults frankly, that is one of the typical example of this expositional rhetoric. After revenge, Wu Zixu tried to pay back the goodness given by King Helyu of Wu, he linked his fate with the future of Wu closely and insisted on protect the interests of Wu from the heart. So when he realized what Fu Chai did would bring a great harm to Wu. Wu Zixu, a fiery temper man would take any risk to point out the mistakes of King directly which show his utter devotion for the County. Eighth, the work tries to make analysis thoroughly from multiple perspectives. The language of Characters in The Annals of Kingdoms of Wu and Yue shows that the author is also good at making comprehensive analysis from multi-angles, which make the exposition sounded more reasonable and thoroughly. For instance, the discussion between Helyu and Wu Zixu on how to make the nations more powerful; Zi Gong went about every nations to drum up support for his ideas; mutual encouragement between the king and his subordinates before Gou Jian engering Wu; the plan made by Gou Jian and eight others senior officials to win over Wu; Wen Zhong's nine ways of how to conquer Wu. All this exclusive and unique exposition has great advantage in telling the fact thoroughly. Ninth, the book gives evidence by the result of divination. Divination is a very important thing to ancients. In the Eastern Han Dynasty, the fact augury was the important phenomenon in China's social history, it was once in fashion in the whole ancient society, had great influence on the politics and people's life at that time. Thus, in Wu and Yue boundary, they have superstition tradition. In another words they are all keen on divination since ancient times. Inevitable, you may notice many divinations in the work too. The characters in The Annals of Kingdoms of Wu and Yue, often ask for divination in an emergency, then take actions according to the guide of the divination results, whereas the consequence tend to confirm the diviners prediction. In the language of many characters, divination are mingled in the words they said to proof. The main advisers in Wu and Yue like Wu zixu, Fan Li, Wen Zhong ect, are all very proficient in arts of divination, and good at giving evidence by divination to foretell the catastrophes. It also let us know rich times feature of language arts in the work of The Annals of Kingdoms of Wu and Yue. The fourth chapter focuses on the characters' language. The characters' language has distinctive personalized features, whether FuCha, Goujian, Wu zixu and other major characters, or minor characters, such as Yaoli, fisheman, the girl beaten silk floss. Their language can accurately express the characters inner mood and personality characteristics, these outstanding characters left a deep impression to the readers. This effect mainly attributed to the personalized language (most are dialogues) to reveal the characteristics of the figures, and the change of the language before and after enrich the description of the characters.