Six Records of a Floating Life

Author: (Qing) Shen Fu / Wang Jide (Commentary)
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2005-01-01
Features: This book is a biographical work. It is divided into six chapters, though most people tend to consider it as four chapters, with the last two being considered spurious. The true nature of these chapters remains uncertain to this day. Based on the author's reading and analysis, the author also holds the view that only the first four chapters were written by Shen Fu himself, while the last two are spurious. This book is a record of the emotions of a scholar living during the Qianlong and Jiaqing reigns of the Qing Dynasty, who was frustrated and unable to realize his talents and ambitions. The essence of the work lies in Volume I, "Records of Joy in the Inner Chamber," and Volume III, "Records of Hardship and Sorrow." Overall, the work reveals that the author's writing is simple and sincere, with fresh and unadorned prose, devoid of ornate language or profound concepts or avant-garde writing techniques. To some extent, it might even give readers a sense of disorganization. As the author explicitly states at the beginning of the text, it is merely a truthful account, aiming to fulfill the kindness of the heavens. The book primarily records the ordinary and modest domestic life of a couple over 23 years, the hardships of their, and the sorrow of losing their wife and child. The praise and criticism of the social realities and human nature are also revealed unintentionally. Activities such as cultivating flowers and plants, practicing, and observations from overseas are secondary in importance.