Seven-colored nightmare

Author: Shen Congwen
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-04-01
Features: I need a bit of desire, because if desire clashes with social constraints, it will cause me pain. I need a bit of arrogance, because if I expand its role, I can feel lonely in this reality. What life requires is to be mad about the light and shadows of the present world. Life itself, born from sunshine and rain, is like fire, with both heat and light. The problem of life is dazzling with its colorful illusions, making it hard to look away. It is ancient yet ever new, pursuing enlightenment, which is truly not easy. Shen Congwen created the seven-colored "Nightmare" and fragments of "Blindfolded," drawing directly from nature and the realities of life, extracting philosophy, with a sincere heart and a quiet, almost Zhuangzi-like writing style. A collection of essays and classical poems, expressing historical inspiration from the height of "the solemnity of life" in different genres about different realities. Before his passing, Shen Congwen had a wish to carefully select his works and publish a series of small, pocket-sized booklets. It was not about how exquisite or luxurious they were, but about clear handwriting and a simple, elegant style that was comfortable to look at. The small size made them easy to collect, carry, and read. This selected edition differs from previous compilations. We have added some texts beyond his past works to the front of each booklet. These include musings, diaries, self-examinations, unfinished works, and mainly letters—all collected and organized in recent years, most of which have not been published before. Regardless, these chapters either reflect the author's views on society, literary creation, and historical and literary research at the time, or reflect his circumstances, as well as his inner conflicts, joys, sorrows, and frustrations. Publishing them may help readers gain a broader understanding of his works, his character, and the historical context of the time.