The Past and Present of Xu Zhimo: Soaring and Despair

Author: Ruo Fan
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-06-01
Features: Reasons to read this book: He is a "completely unguarded" person, sincere, straightforward, and kind-hearted. Hu Shi called him "entirely a bundle of sympathy" and "just a bundle of love." Yu Dafu said he maintained a "passionate and upright attitude toward life." Zheng Zhenduo praised him as "a person one can rely on." Wang Tongzhao described him as having "extremely pure innocence and a gentle, sincere heart." Zhu Ziqing regarded him as an "excellent modern Chinese poet" second only to Guo Moruo. Recommended for the following groups to read this book: Supporters or opponents of the idea that "love is supreme" and "love is sacred," Supporters or opponents of China's "new poetry," Those who have had smooth or troubled romantic relationships, Young men and women or married couples, People of character or ordinary people, Students from primary to high school. He lived for only 35 years but was considered "one of the most unforgettable Chinese poets of the 20th century." He believed in the principles of "love is supreme" and "love is sacred" and was always ready to sacrifice for these beliefs. He was seen as "a bright, jumping flame of red," illuminating his own life and others', as well as the gray lives around him. He had the courage to "ram the gates of hell with his head" and the rare bravery and passion of "none other than me." He wrote the immortal "Farewell to Konkang," which holds an irreplaceable unique position in Chinese poetry. Zhu Ziqing regarded him as "a life-giving stream that leaps and splashes day and night"—he had an endless amount of vitality. He devoted himself entirely to Lin Huiyin, yet was only seen as a "butterfly in love with flowers." He also devoted himself entirely to Lu Xiaoman, yet was seen as "Zhimo harmed Xiaoman, and Xiaoman harmed Zhimo." He kept searching for places that suited him, yet always ended up in unsatisfactory realities; he kept searching for a land where love was as poetic and dreamlike as a poem, yet always encountered "bad weather." Regarding ideals, national and family matters, and life and society, he once had grand ambitions but could never escape the rule of "illusive reflections and flowing water." He was just a helplessly shouting and running "innocent big boy"—he had an endless amount of loneliness.