A Comparative Study of Density and Fineness in the Narratives of Chinese and Western Classical Novels

Abstract

Density refers to the number of story elements within a narrative of a given piece of writing. Fineness refers to the sufficiency and inherent completeness of the story elements displayed. In comparison, the density of story elements in ancient Chinese novels is higher, and the fineness is lower, while the density of story elements in Western novels is lower and the fineness is higher. This difference partly contributes to the simplicity and refinement of the structure of Chinese novels and the complexity and delicate nature of the structure of Western novels. However, each of these characteristics has its strengths, in line with the national culture and social framework from which the Chinese and Western novels emerged. As such, these elements found in both Chinese and Western novels can appropriately reflect the way of life of their respective societies and the thoughts and feelings of the people therein, both of which are worthy of recognition.