PHD. DISSERTATION INFORMATION
Dissertation title: “Historiographical Discourse in Vietnamese Novels after 1986: A Case Study of Novels by Authors Nguyễn Mộng Giác, Hoàng Quốc Hải, and Nguyễn Xuân Khánh.”
Major: Literary Theory
Major code: 9220120
PhD. student’s full name: Lê Thị Gấm
Academic Advisor: Assoc. Prof., Nguyễn Thành Thi, Ph.D
Facility: University of Social Sciences and Humanities - Vietnam National University - Ho Chi Minh City
+ Dissertation abstract:
This dissertation analyses the content and rhetorical strategies of historiographical discourse in Vietnamese novels after 1986 through a case study of novels by authors Nguyễn Mộng Giác, Hoàng Quốc Hải and Nguyễn Xuân Khánh.
This dissertation employs discourse theory and the system of narratology theory from Russia as the basis for its approach. Typological and comparative methods are utilised throughout the research process to identify the patterns of historiographical discourse genres. These methods have also been utilised to explore similarities and differences among the works.
Through the investigation, the dissertation determines that the historical novels of three authors correspond to three models constructing the historiographical discourse in Vietnamese literature during the renovation period in Vietnam.The works of Hoàng Quốc Hải develop discourse according to the strategy of the legendary model, creating history as a journey of national events associated with the leading role of the central government. The works of Nguyễn Xuân Khánh develop discourse through the strategy of the parable model, creating history as a collision and conflict of ideologies. The works of Nguyễn Mộng Giác develop discourse according to the strategy of the biographical model, constructing history as the life situations and experiences of the characters. Through the analysis of content and rhetorical strategies in the novels of these three authors, the thesis identifies forms of historiographical construction in Vietnamese literature during the renovation period in Vietnam, simultaneously demonstrating the applicability of discourse theory in resolving the problem of truth–fiction problems and the value of historical constructs.
+ Research Results:
1. This dissertation has presented a system of perspectives on historical narrative and the research situation of historical novels in Vietnam after 1986, thereby identifying noteworthy achievements and remaining shortcomings.
2. This dissertation has presented the system of discourse theory from the perspective of Russian applied narratology, demonstrating the applicability of the theory to solve historical narrative problems. This dissertation also presents a system of historical discourse models using source genres: legend, parable, and biography, as proposed by Russian narratological theorists. Furthermore, the dissertation illustrates the innovative aspects of literary works, showcasing a diverse range of approaches. It simultaneously utilizes a core genre as a model for historical discourse and integrates other source genres to achieve expressive intent and convey messages reflective of the contemporary era (in the novels of Nguyễn Xuân Khánh and Nguyễn Mộng Giác).
3. This dissertation has proven that the historical novels of Hoàng Quốc Hải, Nguyễn Xuân Khánh and Nguyễn Mộng Giác represent three models of historiographical strategies in Vietnamese literature during the renovation period in Vietnam: legend, parable, and biography. Thereby, the dissertation contributes to identifying the diversity of historical novel models, their role and position in Vietnamese literature in the renovation period.
+ Practical values/ Potentials for further research:
With the aforementioned results, the dissertation “Historiographical Discourse in Vietnamese Novels after 1986: A Case Study of Novels by Authors Nguyễn Mộng Giác, Hoàng Quốc Hải, and Nguyễn Xuân Khánh” can serve as:
(1) A reference material for the research and teaching of Vietnamese literature in the renovation period.
(2) A reference material for researching and teaching literary discourse theory and narratology theory.
From these outcomes, the dissertation suggests new and intriguing research on:
(1) The relationship between literature and historiography in interpreting the past.
(2) Discursive authorities in historical narration (speakers, subjects, and recipients).
(3) Historical images and literary images.
Confirmation by Academic Advisors PhD. Student
Assoc. Prof., Nguyễn Thành Thi, Ph.D Lê Thị Gấm