White Collection Volume 4: The Sixth Finger (Volume 4)

Author: Ba Xianyong
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2000-04-01
Features: One of the defining characteristics of Chinese literature is its reflection on the rise and fall of dynasties, evoking a sense of melancholy for the times. From Qu Yuan's Li Sao to Du Fu's Autumn Meditations (Eight Poems), the profound sense of the vicissitudes of life expressed in these works represents the highest realm of Chinese literature. This is epitomized in Romance of the Three Kingdoms with the line "The green mountains remain, but the red sun sets again and again," conveying a historical sense, and in Dream of the Red Chamber with the line "Where are the generals and ministers of past dynasties? A heap of tombs covered with grass," reflecting a sense of impermanence. Ba Xianyong has returned. He came back in late June. He was just visiting. At public literary gatherings, you won't see his. The Summer Writing Workshop organized by the Gengshen Cultural and Educational Institute invited him to give two lectures, but the American professor who teaches Chinese literature kept complaining: "What should I talk about? I've never taught in Chinese—must I?" Yu Guangzhong patted his shoulder: "In Taipei, it's common for writers to give lectures. If you stay for another three months, TV and radio stations will all invite you!" But Ba Xianyong wouldn't stay that long. In early September, he would be returning to teach at the Santa Barbara campus of Zhongzhou University.