Contemporary Western Literary Masterpieces: Close Reading (Volume 1/2)

Author: Shen Liyan
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-01-02
Features: The title "Close Reading" is chosen to avoid superficial appreciation that scratches the itch without touching the bone, and to genuinely assist readers in their interpretation. In writing, we strive to adhere to the following principles: Since the works are difficult to understand yet require interpretation, we avoid the trick of avoiding difficulties and seek ease. We do not employ ambiguous or evasive language, but instead aim to propose clear opinions based on close reading, detailed analysis, and balanced perspectives, providing readers with a more lucid understanding. The idea that "poetry has no definitive interpretation" or "literature is hard to definitively define" cannot be used as an excuse to shirk the necessary responsibility of explanation. The historical and open nature of understanding is precisely realized through continuous interpretation. To fulfill this principle, all authors of this book have devoted hard labor and contributed their wisdom and dedication. Of course, our work is far from flawless, and our limited abilities are not mere pretense of humility, as the great literary theorist Liu Xie once sighed in his "The Heart of the Muses": "The sound is indeed difficult to know, and true understanding is rare—perhaps once in a thousand years!" In the face of those great literary masterpieces, we dare not claim to be connoisseurs. What we can do is to strive to understand them and reveal their rich meanings and extraordinary value as much as possible.