Lao She's Humorous Prose Collection · Miscellaneous Talks from Duoshu Zhai

Author: Lao She
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-10-01
Features: If a person's mindset is humorous, no matter what he writes, he can always express that humorous state of mind. Humor is a mindset. The world's lovable people, great people might also be foolish and amusing people. Don Quixote is a good example. A humorous writer will sympathize with a big, fat man chasing hats all over the street, and also sympathize—with understanding—because he knows—the sincerity and greatness of the fool attacking the windmill. —Lao She
Lao She's perspective on life is broad, and my experience in literature tells me that in the world, there are even some literary giants who may excel in portraying characters from a certain class, but none can match Lao She in depicting the diverse characters of life. The language in his works is distinctive—without any ornate words, yet it moves the heart. Its depth and beauty are often beyond words. —Cao Yu
Lao She (1899-1966), originally named Shu Qingchun, styled Sheyu, was a Manchu born in Beijing. Lao She's humor was innate, sometimes even to the point where success or failure depended on it. His humor was everywhere, and the wit and satire in it shone with wisdom. The self-deprecation in Lao She's humor was not just about making fun of himself; behind the so-called "smooth" surface lay profound cultural connotations. Lao She's humor was not only timeless but also possessed eternal charm and value. He was never a writer who just played with words or relied on jokes for laughs. He was a true master of thought, talent, and the art of writing.