Lao She on Seventy Years

Author: Zhang Guixing (Editor)
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-07-01
Features: Autobiography, Reminiscence, Tracing, Unearthing, Debate, Discussion. Facing the water basin, with the city wall behind, sitting among the tadpoles in the water or the tender dragonflies on the reeds, I can happily sit for a whole day, completely at ease, with nothing to desire or fear, like a child sleeping peacefully in a cradle. This book is part of the series Commentaries on Modern Chinese Writers, and it must be compiled according to the established format. Although the editor has made great efforts to include more entries, the result can only be selective and incomplete, unable to cover everything comprehensively. Especially for some longer essays, I apologize for not being able to include them in this book, and sincerely hope the authors will understand. Lao She is widely recognized as a master of language, and some even say he changed the language of his era. Compared to this predecessor, Wang Shuo's shortcomings are quite evident. If we take this predecessor as a benchmark, it becomes clear: something may appear beautiful, but is it truly beautiful? If not, where is the lack of beauty? Language is a carrier, bearing literature. Lao She's language is excellent, and so is his literature, demonstrating his intellectual depth and personal ideals. The foundation of his lifelong creative achievements lies here. However, Wang Shuo has a peculiar argument. He praises Lao She's character but believes a writer's "character" is not as important. A good character does not guarantee good works, so he would rather have good works than a good character.