Life Record

Author: Shen Congwen
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-07-01
Features: Classics are the treasures left behind by time, portraits and annotations of human nature. The significance of classics lies in their freshness with repeated readings, remaining an unchanging landscape on the bookshelves of readers regardless of how time flows. In the ever-changing flow of time and life, where nothing can be repeated, classics are the words, sounds, and expressions that have conquered time. Those honest statements, those fearless cries, those reflections on the human spirit awaken our past hopes, inspire our current courage, and free us from emptiness, vanity, and doubt about the future. These images of wise people and timeless words purify our souls, shake our spirits, and teach us what can be missed but not erased, and what is fleeting yet invaluable. Indeed, every era should have its own literature. But classic literature belongs not only to its own time but also to later generations of readers who can appreciate and share the artistic resonance with it. Life is rarely smooth, with disappointments and unhappiness being the norm. When you are weary, emotion will support you as you move forward. Life’s Record conveys this truth in simple language, profound meaning, and skillful writing. The entire piece can be divided into three parts: the first part is from the beginning to "as if mocking me," the second part is from "I envy everything" to "as long as you give me the method," and the rest is the third part. The opening of the article is unique and captivating. The author "bathed in the gentle warmth of the sun," "recognized spring from the light of the sun," yet on such fine weather, they argue with the pine trees and the wind, envy the happiness of the yellow chickens, revealing their dissatisfaction with life, their restless frustration, and their inability to "live in the sunlight," remaining silent and weary. Thus, we follow with curiosity. However, don’t expect the author to name-drop or complain passionately. Instead, they simply say, "What I hoped for has still not been realized," completing the act of "throwing it away." What did they hope for? A substantial sum of money? A sincere encouragement? Or a complete rest? Continuing, we learn of the author’s helplessness and weariness with work, their pursuit of faint hopes. From the tragic experiences of other friends, we understand that the author too "suffered from hunger and cold" in their pursuit of "Kongfangyou" (the coin). The word "money" is too vulgar, and the author refuses to write it in the article, fearing it would pollute the text. Yet we deeply feel their need for it through the words. The outstretched hand can only grasp work, and the flame of the soul is constantly consumed. Some people have become rigid, and the author even envies them, tormented by the relentless demands of their work. At this point, we see the author’s inner conflicts tangled together, a pain like being ground into meat, as they desperately try to extinguish the fire of their soul. And we, too, cannot help but furrow our brows. Let’s look at the third part. "Suddenly remembering" illuminates our eyes, and we follow the author’s "research." There are a few scenes here, with three people: mother, sister, and older brother. The mother’s frailty, the sister’s shyness, and the older brother’s reluctant farewell—all are unremarkable yet like the waves of the sea striking our hearts. Because, what could be more simple yet sincere? Because of wanting to "make Mom’s face fatter," the author never withdraws their outstretched hand, still clinging to faint hopes. Thus, our eyes are also moistened with tears. The author’s thoughts stagnate as the sun sets, "my waist still aches," proving they remain "weary." "Wanting to pick a stone to strike those arrogant yellow chickens," shows they still envy. But when the author "prepares to face the wind at night," we exhale in relief, seeing them transform passivity into action, no longer fearing weariness and helplessness. Because emotion has lifted a sky in their heart, where it has always been clear and bright. Though reality conflicts with it, there is also beauty in the pain. In this article, the author uses the technique of first suppressing and then uplifting, making the ending more impactful. The author also excels at using vivid "images" to express emotions, making them feel real. Life’s Record?—It must be the record of how emotion supports you through adversity!