Treppe Girl (World Literature Library)

Author: (German) Heize
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-04-01
Features: To truly understand the characteristics of Heize's short and medium-length fiction, one cannot overlook his pursuit and creation in artistic form. Corresponding to his pursuit of beauty and goodness in content, he also strives for harmony and completeness in form. In his early works, when the content was rich and fresh, he indeed created some artistic treasures with high skill. His ideas and arrangements were exquisite and unique, and the plots of his stories were full of twists and turns. Almost every outstanding work was dramatic and romantic, with unexpected and engaging elements, that is to say, each had its own "eagle." His language was pure and bright, often poetic and rich in imagery. His descriptions of natural scenery, especially of Italy, were realistic and vivid, often making readers feel as if they were there. The development of his works was full of ups and downs, with changes that were well-paced. For example, in Andrea del Lario, the three attempts on assassination were depicted from dark to light, from abstract to concrete, becoming increasingly gripping with each attempt. The endings of his novels were also often ingenious and breathtaking. Of course, some of his works, especially his later ones, sometimes showed signs of excessive refinement and fell prey to aestheticism due to his deliberate craftsmanship. Occasionally, he also had flaws, such as the beginning of Anina and the ending of On the Tiber, which could serve as examples. But regardless, as a short and medium-length fictionist with a unique style like Paul Heize, there is much in his art that we can study, learn from, and appreciate.