Chenwei - Rhetorical Techniques in the Text of the Romance of the Three Kingdoms

Abstract

Introduction: This article takes the use of rhetorical devices of divination and divination in "Romance of the Three Kingdoms" as the research object, and systematically examines the language form, narrative function, and cultural connotations of divination and divination in the novel text through qualitative research methods. As a unique cultural system of ancient Chinese prophecy, Chenwei integrates mysticism and political metaphor, and is widely used in plot construction, character development, and theme deepening in "Romance of the Three Kingdoms".

Objectives: The aim of this study is to reveal how divination and divination serve as literary rhetorical strategies in novel narration, explore their interactive relationship with the concept of destiny, historical determinism, and the legitimacy of power, and further analyze the ideological construction logic behind the text.

Methods: This study uses the method of textual close reading to conduct rhetorical analysis on more than 30 typical cases of divination and astrology in "Romance of the Three Kingdoms". Combining the theories of exegesis and narratology, the focus is on examining the presentation of divination and astrology (such as nursery rhymes, astrology, omens, prophecies, etc.) and their effects on narrative rhythm, suspense setting, and symbolic metaphor.

Results: Research has found that, firstly, divination strengthens the narrative of destiny through a closed-loop structure of "prophecy fulfillment", such as the prophecy of "the one who replaced Han should be elevated" running through the Han and Wei dynasties, forming a rhetorical representation of the transfer of destiny; Secondly, the rhetoric of divination and astrology has a dual narrative function, serving both as implicit clues for plot development and creating interpretive tension through vague semantics; Once again, the language of divination and divination often uses rhetorical devices such as homophones and broken characters , forming a coding system for political metaphors. The study also found that the novel fictionalizes the details of divination and astrology recorded in historical records, artistically reconstructs its narrative function, and reflects the author's creative strategy of blending historical traditions with folk narratives.

Conclusions: The rhetoric of divination and divination in "Romance of the Three Kingdoms" is not only a literary externalization of historical determinism, but also a rhetorical construction tool for power discourse. Through the mystification of language symbols, it successfully creates a narrative atmosphere of "the will of heaven is difficult to violate", which not only strengthens the tragedy of the novel, but also reflects the complex tension between destiny and human affairs in traditional political culture. This study provides a new perspective for understanding the narrative art of "Romance of the Three Kingdoms" and the intertextual relationship between ancient Chinese novels and mysterious culture.