Narrative Devices in the Shiji

Contents
Acknowledgments
Introduction
	The Tradition of Biographical Reading
	Returning to the Narratives
	Structure of the Book
Chapter 1 The Turn to Textual Unity
	Historical Context: Fragmentation and Fluidity of Early Texts
	Records of the Historian: The Turning Point
	Consistency in Character
	Character Development
	Conclusion
Chapter 2 Temporal Order: Weaving a Synthesized Causality
	Temporal Orders
	Chronological Order Establishing Cumulative Causes
	Simultaneous Events Incorporating Situational Stimuli
	Prolepses Highlighting Essential Inner Qualities
	Analepses Connecting Specific Actions
	Conclusion
Chapter 3 Narrative Speed: Elaborating Stairs Ascending to Power
	Narrative Speed
	Prophecy versus Process: The Tian Lineage’s Usurpation in Zuo Commentary and Records of the Historian
	Progress versus “Facts”: Empress Dowager Lü in Records of the Historian and History of the Han
	Conclusion
Chapter 4 Multiple Points of View: Illuminating Desires and Dynamics
	Point of View
	Rulers and Their Consorts
	Rulers and Ministers
	Conclusion
Conclusion
Notes
Bibliography
Index