Reflections on Masterpieces of Classical Prose by Famous Authors -- Ding Ling -- I am a small grass

Author: Ding Ling
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 repeated readings, remaining an unchanging landscape on the bookshelves of readers no matter 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 current courage, and prevent us from being empty, vain, and skeptical of the future. These images of wise people and their timeless words purify our hearts, shake our souls, and teach us what can be missed but not erased, and what is fleeting yet invaluable. Indeed, every era should have its own literature. But classic literature does not belong only to its own time; it also belongs to later generations of readers who can appreciate and share an artistic connection with it. Tracing the footsteps of modern Chinese prose in the 20th century, whether it is the early "Yushi School," the "Lunyu School," Bing Xin's prose praising maternal love, Xu Zhimo's "Wild Horse Running" prose, or the prose of Yang Shuo, Qin Mu, and Liu Baiyu, who were once hailed as new classics, or Yu Guangzhong on the other side of the strait determined to "cut off the (braid) of prose," or even the recent "big cultural prose" or "little woman prose," they are consistent in at least one aspect: "I write with my own hands and speak with my own mouth." Regardless of the "literary style," whether it is the rigid critique of current politics leaning toward essays or the soft, maudlin self-pity, or the sorrowful and tearful reflections triggered by scenes, prose, to some extent, can exist as a sanctuary for the soul or a refuge for the spirit. Art is independent, and prose must be personal. Like many modern writers, Ding Ling's later literary creation focused primarily on prose. This genre is more suitable for people who have experienced hardships and tribulations to express their emotions. Her prose is natural, simple, passionate, unrestrained, concise, profound, vigorous, and exhilarating. Using the most ordinary words to write the extraordinary reality of ordinary people's lives, it encompasses all kinds of emotions in life. In her essay "I Am a Small Blade of Grass," Ding Ling tells of her creative process, her stories, and her deep feelings, revealing her passionate inner world and personal charm, leaving a beautiful impression and a profound memory on the literary youth. To enter the world of Ding Ling's prose, one must read this essay, "I Am a Small Blade of Grass."