Research Article

A Comparative Study of Suffering Writing from the Perspective of Polyphonic Narration — Taking To Live and The Field of Life and Death as Examples

Sihan FengYanshan University*

* Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract

Based on Bakhtin's polyphonic narration theory as the core framework, this paper analyzes and compares the different forms of suffering writing reflected by the multi-voice narration in To Live and The Field of Life and Death. To Live highlights the "irresistibility" of suffering through "monologic polyphony", triggering reflections on the meaning of individual existence; The Field of Life and Death shows the "collectivity" and "historicity" of suffering through "heteroglossic polyphony", inspiring concern for the fate of the nation. As classic texts of suffering literature, both works structure their narratives with polyphonic multi-voice techniques, presenting a real and powerful Chinese folk society that resists suffering.

Keywords: polyphony; suffering; To Live; The Field of Life and Death
Published: April 28, 2026
DOI: 10.54254/2753-7064/2026.HT32988
Volume: CHR Vol.106
pp. 129-136
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References

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