《宠儿》中的时间是一个多层面的框架式结构。它主要由两个大的层面———现在和过去组成,两个大的层面又被纷繁复杂的事件切割成许多小的层面。这些时间层面无序出现、相互交错、随意搭配,不仅使现在和过去变得支离破碎,而且使叙事变得扑朔迷离、错综复杂。这种时间运用手法有效地烘托了主题,并使作品具有丰富的审美色调。 The time in Beloved is a multi-layered framework. It consists mainly of two major dimensions - now and in the past, the two major dimensions are complicated events cut into many small dimensions. These levels of time appear disorderly, intertwined, and collocated, not only making the present and the past fragmented, but also making the narration complicated and confusing. This time uses techniques to effectively contrast the theme and make the artwork rich in aesthetics.