A Study of Animal Narration in Mo Yan's Life and Death Fatigue

Abstract

Mo Yan masterfully employs the distinctive narrative device of animal perspective throughout "Life and Death Fatigue," which endows the novel with a rich tapestry of profound content and distinctive formal qualities. This innovative approach transcends the traditional narrative constraints that confine the narrative voice to human experiences, and instead, it crafts a literary realm that oscillates between the realms of reality and surrealism. By bestowing animals with human-like rationality and insight, while simultaneously preserving their intrinsic animalistic instincts and irrational behaviors, Mo Yan creates a multifaceted narrative that challenges and expands the boundaries of storytelling. This article aims to delve into the intricacies of the animal narrative within the book and to further investigate the metaphorical depth that the author conveys through his portrayal of animals.