Drowning? On a night when spring is drunk

Author: Yu Dafu
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-11-01
Features: As a pioneer of romantic lyrical fiction in 20th-century China, Yu Dafu pioneered a new genre of modern vernacular novels, and a long list of writers have been influenced by him. Therefore, it is no surprise that Yu Dafu became a leading figure in modern Chinese literature during the May Fourth Movement and for a considerable period thereafter. In fact, his influence once rivaled that of Lu Xun. When studying the history of 20th-century Chinese literature, Yu Dafu's works, especially his novels, cannot be overlooked, as he remains "steadfastly present" to this day. From The Drowning to Late Osmanthus, Yu Dafu's novels often depict women, smoking, drinking, and tears, frequently employing a melancholic and sorrowful tone, speaking "softly and sorrowfully." His style is characterized by a unique "autobiographical" form, where he expresses and affirms himself with astonishing honesty and sincerity.