Reflections on Masterpieces of Famous Novels - Yuguang

Author: Xu Dishan
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-07-01
Features: Classics are the treasures left behind by time, portraits and annotations of human nature. The significance of classics lies in their freshness with every reading, remaining an unchanging landscape on the bookshelves of readers regardless of how time flows. In the ever-changing space and time, in the irreversible process of life, classics are the words, sounds, and expressions that have conquered time. Those sincere statements, those fearless cries, those reflections on the human spirit, awaken our past hopes, inspire our courage in the present, and free us from emptiness, vanity, and doubt about the future. These images of wise people and their timeless words purify our souls, shake our spirits, and teach us what can be missed but not erased, what is fleeting yet precious.
The authors included in "Insights into Masterpieces of Classic Fiction" are all scavengers and pioneers of modern Chinese literature, as well as experimenters and pioneers of various new artistic forms. No wonder Shi Zhecun, when speaking to me with a hint of pride about the various so-called artistic explorations of younger writers who emerged after the 1980s, especially their attempts at many "avant-garde" modernist techniques like symbolism, impressionism, and stream of consciousness, once remarked, "All of these, we did in the 1930s, and even better than them. It’s nothing new."
Indeed, every era should have its own literature. But classic literature belongs not only to its own time but also to later generations of readers who can appreciate and share an artistic connection with it. Xu Dishan was influenced by Buddhist thought in his early years. His early short stories often feature backgrounds from Southeast Asia, with exotic flavors, intricate plots, and a romantic atmosphere. His novel "Yu Guan," published in 1939, depicts Yu Guan’s savior spirit as he bravely proclaims the teachings of Christian love in the face of an abusive soldier. Yu Guan, a widow who becomes a Christian, tirelessly spreads the gospel everywhere, eventually making the vow to cross the ocean alone despite others’ advice. Due to his deep understanding and mastery of Buddhist philosophy, Xu Dishan could interpret and study Buddhism from a philosophical perspective, enlightening readers with profound and profound insights into life.
Xu Dishan was a unique and stylistically distinctive writer who emerged during the May Fourth Movement. His short story "The Bird of Fate" was published in the revised issue of Story Monthly. His collection of essays and short stories, Echoes from an Empty Mountain, was one of the earliest collections of essays and short stories published after the May Fourth Movement, serialized in Story Monthly from 1922. He was one of the founders of the most influential literary society in the history of modern Chinese literature—the Literary Research Association. In the early days of modern literature, he introduced fresh and unique themes, conducted distinctive artistic explorations, and had a far-reaching impact. The renowned writer Shen Congwen said in the 1930s, "In China, using the lives of non-Han ethnic groups as the basis for creative works and employing the profound wisdom and clarity of Buddhist scriptures to showcase the beauty and elegance of essays—among those who brought the essence of essays to a harmonious realm, Lu Hua Sheng is one (with Zhou Zuoren, Xu Zhimo, Feng Wenbing, and others to be discussed separately). This harmony refers to blending Christian love, Buddhist enlightenment, modern civilization, and ancient emotions into a seamless whole." (Shen Congwen, "On Lu Hua Sheng")
In the early days of the May Fourth Movement, Xu Dishan’s works, whether in fiction or essays, undoubtedly played a role in advancing modern Chinese literature.