In Mandarin literary analysis, understanding how sentences are formed is really important. One key way is through the passive voice.

The passive voice in Mandarin uses the word "被" (bèi). This changes the focus from who is doing something to the action itself or who is affected by it. This shift can change our feelings about a story and how we understand it.

Understanding Passive Voice Structure

1. Basic Structure:
   The passive voice usually follows this pattern:

   • Subject + 被 + Doer + Action.
     For example:
   • 他被老师批评 (Tā bèi lǎoshī pīpíng) – He was criticized by the teacher.
     Here, "他" (He) is receiving the action, and "老师" (teacher) is doing the action.

2. Emphasis Shift:
   Using the passive voice can change how we see a story. It can make characters feel helpless or like victims. For example:

   • 这个故事被读者广泛讨论 (Zhège gùshì bèi dúzhě guǎngfàn tǎolùn) – This story has been widely discussed by readers.
     This sentence highlights the story, not the readers talking about it.

Implications in Literary Analysis

• Character Focus:
  Passive sentences can help us focus on characters’ experiences rather than just their actions. In classic works like Lu Xun's stories, we see how society impacts people. For example:

  • 她被认为是家中的埋没人才 (Tā bèi rènwéi shì jiā zhōng de máimò réncái) – She is seen as a lost talent in the family.
    This shows the challenges women face and how society often ignores them, which is important for deeper themes.

• Mood and Tone:
  The passive voice can create different feelings in a story. For example:

  • 城市被遗忘 (Chéngshì bèi yíwàng) – The city has been forgotten.
    This gives a sad feeling to the setting, making us think about loneliness or changes over time.

• Cultural Perspectives:
  In Mandarin writing, the passive voice often shows a focus on community and society rather than just individuals. Literary critiques can explore how characters are part of a larger picture.

Key Vocabulary to Remember

• 被 (bèi): The word we use for passive voice.
• 批评 (pīpíng): To criticize.
• 讨论 (tǎolùn): To discuss.
• 遗忘 (yíwàng): To forget.
• 认为 (rènwéi): To regard or think of.

Practice Sentences

1. 书被翻译成多种语言 (Shū bèi fānyì chéng duōzhǒng yǔyán) – The book has been translated into many languages.
2. 作品被评为杰作 (Zuòpǐn bèi píngwèi jiézuò) – The work has been rated as a masterpiece.

Learning about passive sentences in Mandarin literary analysis helps us understand themes, characters, and social comments in texts. The passive voice is a valuable tool for your analysis.