佛教传入后志怪叙事性格的变化

随着佛教的传入与迅速发展,中国古代志怪小说从内容到形式,都经历了一场潜移默化的变革.主要表现在:形式上,从"史学"的一部分发展为注重故事性、趣味性的"文学";内容上,从对自然世界的关心转变为对人性的关心;结构上,从单线直叙完善为人物复杂,因果错综,情节曲折的志怪文学.这种变化兴盛于佛教在中国迅速扩大的晋唐之间,形成了不同于初期志怪的佛教类志怪,并推进了中国小说文学的发展.

On the Change of Character in Zhi-guai Fiction after the Introduction of Buddhism

Along with the introduction and development of Buddhism, Chinese classical zhi-guai fiction underwent subtle changes both in content and form. With regard to form, it developed from a part of historiography to literature which paid attention to narration as well as interest. With regard to content, it shifted its major concern from natural world to human nature. With regard to structure, it evolved from straightforward linear narration to complexity of characterization, intricate relations of cause and effect and involving plot of zhi-guai literature. This change was wide-spread during China's Jin and Tang dynasties and was contemporary with the rapid spread of Buddhism in China. It gave rise to a kind of zhi-guai fiction and advanced the development of Chinese classical fiction.