Features of Chinese Animalistic Prose on the Example of Gerel-Сhimeg Black Crane’s Novel Black Flame

Abstract

The article examines the themes, images, and artistic features of the animalistic novel Black Flame (2006) by the Chinese writer of Mongolian origin Gerel-Сhimeg Black Сrane’s. The general and comparative analysis of the novel not only reveals the peculiarities of the author’s individual style, but also characterizes the general trends in the development of animalistic prose in China and abroad. Respect for the laws of nature, as well as the theme of love and devotion of an animal to man, run through the entire novel Black Flame as red threads. A characteristic feature of the work is the combination of scientific and artistic styles. Such qualities of the writer as truthfulness and subtle understanding of animal psychology are also remarkable. Among the features of Black Crane’s artistic style, one can note the poetic language enriched with original metaphors and epithets. Instead of the usual narration of the characters’ actions, Gerel-Chimeg focuses on the physical and mental sensations evoked by these actions and transmitted to the readers. The writer does not humanize animals, nevertheless, he manages to penetrate their inner world through the use of a rich arsenal of smells, sounds and even tactile sensations. Today, Gerel-Chimeg is an original and iconic figure among Chinese writers of this genre. The article emphasizes that animalistic literature of such a level plays an important role both in the study of the wild world as well as in the education of humanity in people. The novel Black Flame not only enriches our knowledge of nature and animals of northern and western China, but also evokes a powerful emotional response from the readers.