NAMING CHARACTERS - AN ARTISTIC TECHNIQUE IN COMPOSING LITERARY WORKS (IN “BIG BREASTS AND WIDE HIPS” BY MO YAN)

Abstract

A character is the soul of a literary work. During the writing process, a writer is much concerned about choosing names for their characters. Naming characters is considered an artistic device to convey content and ideas in literary works. “Big Breasts and Wide Hips” by Mo Yan is  well-known in Chinese literature, and even in Vietnam. Characters’ names in “Big Breasts and Wide Hips” are meaningful and concise, urging the readers to ponder. The article attempts to clarify characteristics of over 20 characters’ names in this work and to highlight the significance of naming characters in expressing ideas and content of literary works as well as the writer’s talents.