Welcome to Theoretical Studies in Literature and Art,

Theoretical Studies in Literature and Art ›› 2018, Vol. 38 ›› Issue (3): 22-35.

• Issue in Focus: Posthumanism and the Future of Literary Theory Studies • Previous Articles     Next Articles

From the Bicameral Man to the Self-presider: About The Inner Voice of Characters in Narrative Works

Fu Xiuyan   

  1. the School of Literature at Jiangxi Normal University
  • Online:2018-05-25 Published:2018-10-19
  • About author:Fu Xiuyan, Ph.D., professor in the School of Literature at Jiangxi Normal University. His major research interest is narratology.
  • Supported by:
    the Major Project of the National Social Sciences Fund (No.16ZDA195)

Abstract: One inspiration drawn from Julian Jaynes' theory of bicameral mind is that the construction of human beings' subjective consciousness has not yet been completed, which should arouse great awareness of all researchers in "Science of Man". Cautiously applying this theory to reexamine the characters with inner voice in their ears in narrative works helps us to further understand the mental state of human beings. We cannot ignore the description of consciousness itself which is written by literature as an ideology. Moreover, the depth frequently achieved by this kind of writing is beyond the reach of other kinds. Since the consciousness of robot has become a hotly debated topic, this essay argues that the mental problems of human beings should be an equal concern. Now that we are in fear of the artificial intelligence escaping from human control, maybe we should contemplate whether humankind's consciousness is completely self-presided in the first place.

Key words: bicameral man, subjective consciousness, narrative