The Interpretation Of The Prototypes In Mao Dun’s Novels

The archetype is a typical or recurring image. It has been through a long history of accumulation, and it can reflect humanity’s collective unconscious. It is rich with cultural heritage. Mao Dun is a writer who has studied the mythology all over the world in-depth, and thus in the creative process of his novels, he intentionally or unintentionally added a lot of mythological elements. To analyze the myths in Mao Dun’s novels can help us understand the deep meaning of his novels. This thesis interprets his novels from the perspective of the mythological prototype, it consists of four parts:The introduction part briefs the mythological prototype research status and existing problems in and out of China. It also gives a more in-depth discussion on the reasons for the existence of those problems, which leads to the purpose and significance of the writing of this paper. The purpose of this article is to break through the original inertial mode of thinking towards the study of Mao Dun’s novels. It re-examines the works of Mao Dun from the perspective of archetypal criticism, which opens a new interpretation zone.The first chapter analyzes the archetypal characters in Mao Dun’s novels. Obtained through the analysis, Ms. Mei in "The Rainbow" corresponds to the goddess of spring; Wu Sunfu in "Midnight" corresponds to Prometheus. Mei is the deformation of the goddess of spring. Under certain conditions, she is the embodiment of the Nordic goddess of fate. She escaped from Sichuan-the hell on earth to seek freedom; she lives in the moment, courageous chases a free-living. Wu Sunfu is Prometheus in the1930s’China. His failure is the hero’s tragedy,it is the tragedy of an individual fighting against the whole era. By analyze those prototype, we can understand the novels much better.The second chapter is the analysis of the prototype image. It specifically selects the thunderstorms that occur in Mao Dun’s novels frequently as the image. Thunderstorm’s image has a long history in Chinese literature; it even has its own specific meaning. This image occurs in Mao Dun’s novels so many times. It is not simply an atmosphere description; it conveys a deep moral criticism meaning.The third chapter analyzes the motif of those myths."Twilight of the Gods" originated in ancient Greek mythology suggests that the extremely stupid ruling class will inevitably arouse the resistance of the oppressed classes; both the two forces will be killed in their battle. In this case, it will give birth to a new ruling class."Twilight of the Gods" motif in its literal way implies the political status in China; it also conveys the authors’ opinion that the ruling class is bound to perish. The death of Jesus "and" Samson’s Revenge "also reflects that in the occasion of a nation’s crisis, the intellectuals with ideals and faith are to devote themselves to the country’s future.The forth chapter focuses on the inner connection between the prototypes and the novel’creation. On the basis of the previous chapters’analysis, this chapter analyzes the confliction in the writer’s mind during his creation. And thus it talks about the thoughts conveyed in those novels.The conclusions of this thesis is:Mao Dun uses all kinds of prototypes in his novels to convey his confidence in the victory of revolution. It can inspire the readers, and at the same time, it also has a profound thought connotation. With the help of prototype theory, we can feel the confliction in the man who lives in a battled world. We can also realize the intellectuals’salvation sentiments. Prototype theory enables Mao Dun’s novels to have a broad explanation space.