Abstract：This article centers on the realist turn in Ge Fei’s 21st-Century novels, delving into the latent Dickens elements in Ge Fei’s literary style and narrative strategies, as well as Ge Fei’s ability to engage in an equal dialogue with this tradition. The study first identifies a marked shift in Ge Fei’s recent works: his narrative focus has transitioned from the structural experimentation and philosophical inquiries characteristic of his avant-garde period to concrete depictions of social structures, individual destinies, and emotional predicaments within everyday life. This transformation signifies not merely an adjustment in narrative techniques but a fundamental reorientation of literary philosophy. Within this process, Dickens, as a pivotal figure in the realist tradition—with his attention to marginalized social groups, portrayals of real-world suffering, and emphasis on ethical and emotional dimensions—serves as a critical reference point for understanding Ge Fei’s narrative evolution. Secondly, the article examines the parallels between Ge Fei and Dickens through the lens of autobiographical narrative traditions, particularly in their shared exploration of intellectuals’ spiritual dilemmas. It highlights a “downward shift” in Ge Fei’s character construction: rather than situating intellectuals within abstract historical or philosophical frameworks, he repositions them within the mundane realities of daily life. By casting these figures as “superfluous men”, Ge Fei bridges the spiritual disillusionment of intellectuals with the existential struggles of the masses. This approach reflects a broader endeavor to reinvigorate literature’s capacity to engage with reality and reconstruct ethical empathy. Building on Ge Fei’s emphasis on novelistic experience, the article posits a philosophical alignment between Ge Fei and Dickens: both of them view fiction not as a purely aesthetic exercise but as a medium rooted in the author’s lived experiences, serving as a vessel for emotional and ethical expression. Just as Dickens infused David Copperfield with autobiographical reflections and sociocultural observations, Ge Fei projects his personal experiences and values onto characters like Tan Duanwu, transforming them into literary embodiments of the universal spiritual condition of intellectuals. Ultimately, the article argues that the resonance between Ge Fei and Dickens lies not in superficial mimicry of linguistic style or narrative structure but in their shared commitment to social consciousness, ethical characterization, literary empathy, and a vision to “return literature to the masses”. Against the backdrop of globalization and rapid societal transformation, Ge Fei’s adoption of the Dickensian realism—particularly its profound concern for ordinary people—facilitates a “lowering of the literary gaze”. This shift simultaneously addresses the evolving demands of contemporary Chinese literature in grappling with issues such as intellectual identity, literary publicness, and social critique.
吴秀峰. 格非21世纪小说现实主义转向中的狄更斯因素[J]. 浙江大学学报(人文社会科学版), 2026, 56(3): 107-117.
Wu Xiufeng. Dickens Elements in the Shift Towards Realism in Ge Fei’s Novels of the New Century. JOURNAL OF ZHEJIANG UNIVERSITY, 2026, 56(3): 107-117.
2026, Vol. 56 
