『도사닛키(土左日記)』를 근거로 한『가게로닛키(蜻蛉日記)』와『사라시나닛키(更級日記)』의 메타픽션

Abstract

This paper explores the characteristics of metafiction in the context of genre blending, ambiguity between reality and fiction, and self-reflection, focusing on the written elements in『Tosa Nikki』, 『Kagero Nikki』, 『Sarashina Nikki』. A common thread across these texts is the authors’ deliberate exposure of the writing process, along with their strong self-awareness of their work as fiction rather than reality. This self-conscious narrative approach often manifests as parody, functioning as a critique of previous texts while simultaneously generating new ones. In the case of『Tosa Nikki』 in the 10th century, this text reflects the perception that the rise of KANA is causing the loss of previous generations of Chinese character-based worldviews. The text blurs the boundaries of authorship by altering the writer's identity, creating intentional ambiguity between the narrator and the subject being described. The metafictional elements in 『Tosa Nikki』 become more pronounced in 『Kagero Nikki』 and 『Sarashina Nikki』. These works demonstrate heightened reader awareness, stronger authorial self-reflection, and a clear sense of individuality and autonomy. The narrative often highlights the process of its own creation, with characters recounting their stories in a manner that blends introspection with narrative construction. By borrowing or parodying images and structures from established genres, these authors composed works that expanded textual diversity and appealed to a broader readership. 『Tosa Nikki』, 『Kagero Nikki』, and 『Sarashina Nikki』 embody the blending of fantasy and realism, disassembling the distinctions between fact and fiction, novel and critique, history and autobiography. They display a dual nature of parody, simultaneously creating new works and critiquing existing genres, reflecting a core metafictional tendency. While elements of metafiction can be identified in varying degrees across literary works, these three texts stand out as quintessential examples in classical literature.