Masterpiece Series, Volume 2: The Black Spring

Author: Henry Miller; Yang Hengda
Publisher:
Publish Date: 1996-01-01
Features: Black Spring consists of ten independent parts, but it is still regarded as a whole, an organic process. Behind the chaotic and diverse styles and techniques lies the consistency of themes and symbolism. The theme presented in this book is to show people a true self, and the author considers this work as his "self-portrait." The longest part of Black Spring is "The Tailor Shop," which primarily depicts the experiences and observations of Henry in his father's tailor shop when he was just over twenty, around the time of World War I, filled with nostalgia. This part mainly employs a realistic style, filled with nostalgic emotions. However, the narrative often carries Henry Miller's characteristic, somewhat like thinking of one thing and then moving on to the next. The most moving aspect of this part is the author's longing and yearning for genuine human emotions, especially the description of him sending his aunt Melia to a mental institution. When he faces a madman, he feels a sense of his own lack of sincerity, leaving the reader with an indescribable feeling.