Collected Works by Zhou Zuoren — Miscellaneous Writings from Yao Tang

Author: Zhou Zuoren
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-06-01
Features: This collection includes twenty-seven essays, with fifteen written in the 29th year of the Republic of China and twelve in the past two years. Initially titled "Notes from Yicang Studio," it has now been revised to "Medicine Hall Miscellaneous Writings." After reviewing the compiled essays, I wonder if these writings show any new trends. A simple answer is no. As is customary, many moralists' words have been addressed in the preface to Rainy Day Book in the 14th year of the Republic of China, so this is not new. The style of the articles seems to have changed slightly, with more classical elements. In reality, my writing style has not changed. The method is to write as best as possible according to the meaning, regardless of sentence structure. If some classical elements appear here, it is for this reason—just as sometimes vulgar words appear, it is not that I suddenly decided to write classical Chinese.
Speaking of classical Chinese, it is not entirely an undesirable thing. Just like the attire of the late Qing dynasty—small jackets and trousers to robes and hats—many of the materials were usable, but they could no longer be worn in that manner, nor could they be worn when dirty and greasy. During the New Literature Movement, although some people loudly advocated tearing these clothes and throwing them into the toilet, no one actually did so. Instead, they stripped completely, like myself, took a thorough bath in the bathhouse, and then selected and wore clean undergarments and shirts. The open-front robes were also repaired for use, but white cotton socks were mostly replaced with black socks, and a dark brown felt hat might be added to the head. The changes in attire after the founding of the Republic of China were originally like this, and there is nothing particularly strange about it. The court robes became excellent winter coats, and the blue silk gauze also served as a proper formal attire for the Republic. Moreover, not only that, peacock robes could be made into chair cushions, and round coral crowns could be on canes—this was the best possible use. The only issue is that the robes should no longer be sewn to the chest, and the coral crowns should not be placed on the head. They could be used elsewhere without any problem.
Our vernacular prose is roughly like this—a rather shabby appearance. Although we are reluctant to use foreign goods, our living conditions force us to make use of old things. The most beautiful decorations are perhaps just a coral cane. If this is considered a return to the past, it shows too shallow an understanding. It is like a villager seeing a cane and mistaking it for wearing a red topknot.
There is another point worth specially mentioning: our vernacular prose has already been "washed" and refined. Although it still wears robes and small jackets, the body is different. This is something that should be emphasized. I often have a prejudice when reading others' writings, paying attention to the intellectual elements, and the same applies to my own writing. Even though these articles are not well-written, they have been carefully considered. Even if they resemble classical Chinese in form, their content is not found in ordinary classical Chinese. It is said that literature is a form of propaganda. Writing this preface, I make this declaration, as if advertising an old shop at the beginning, which is quite appropriate. Perhaps it will not be laughed at by the readers.
December 30, 1933.