In the vast world of Chinese civilization, the literati and artists we admire are like stars, and in this sea of stars, there is a unique existence - Pu Songling. He not only shook the literary world with a "Strange Tales from Liaozhai", but also left valuable spiritual wealth for future generations with his indomitable spirit. A masterpiece of Chinese history
Pu Songling, the word Liuxian, the word Jianchen, alias Liuquan Jushi. He was born in Pujiazhuang, Hongshan Town, Zichuan District, Zibo City, Shandong Province in the thirteenth year of Chongzhen of the Ming Dynasty (1640). This is a scholarly family, and his father Pu Pan was a scholar at that time, and such a family environment had a profound impact on Pu Songling. He has been gifted and intelligent since he was a child, and he has never forgotten history, and he is deeply loved by his parents. However, the road of life was not all smooth sailing, and although he was full of talent, he repeatedly failed in the imperial examinations, and did not become a tribute until he was 71 years old. This experience made us deeply feel that his life was not easy, and it was such setbacks that made his life more colorful and provided more inspiration for his creation.
When talking about "Strange Tales", we must understand the background of the creation of this work. Under the strict social system and cultural environment of the Qing Dynasty, literati often encountered many restrictions on their creation. However, "Strange Tales" breaks this shackle with its unique charm and perspective. Liao Zhai is the name of Pu Songling's bookstore, "Zhi" means to describe, and "Strange" refers to strange stories. This work is a collection of short stories that he has spent decades collecting, sorting and creating, with a total of nearly 500 works, most of which are based on fox and ghost stories. These stories not only have high literary value, but also are true portrayals of social life, reflecting various phenomena and contradictions in society at that time.
The artistic achievements of "Strange Tales" can be called remarkable. In terms of character creation, whether it is a human, a ghost, a fox, or a demon, they are all lifelike and distinctive. The twists and turns of the storyline are bizarre and gripping, making the reader sometimes nervous and exciting and sometimes full of emotion during the reading process. The writing is beautiful, delicate, emotionally sincere and moving, the atmosphere is well rendered, and it is full of poetry. More importantly, "Strange Tales" has deep insights in reflecting social reality. Through the interaction between people and ghost foxes, the contradictions between people and society, and other themes, the work reveals the dark side of feudal society and the brilliance and darkness of human nature. This kind of profound social criticism and human nature make "Strange Tales" not only have literary value, but also historical value and social value.
At the same time, the circulation and influence of "Strange Tales" cannot be ignored. Since its inception, this work has had a wide impact on society and has spread rapidly. It is not only loved and praised by the majority of readers, but also adapted into operas, movies and TV series many times in later generations, showing its charm. Nowadays, "Strange Tales from Liao Zhai" has become one of the representatives of ancient Chinese short stories, and is known as the pinnacle of ancient Chinese short stories.
In addition, Pu Songling's bumpy life also adds more heaviness to his works. Although he lived in a difficult situation, he always adhered to his love and pursuit of literature, and wrote his life insights and concern for society with pen and ink. His perseverance and dedication to literature have become a role model for future generations. It inspires more literature lovers to devote themselves to the path of creation.
Pu Songling and his "Strange Tales from Liao Zhai" occupy an important position in the history of ancient Chinese literature. With its unique charm and profound social criticism, "Strange Tales from Liao Zhai" has become a treasure of ancient Chinese short stories. Pu Songling's bumpy life and persistent pursuit of literature add more heaviness and appeal to this work. Their existence has left us a precious spiritual wealth and become the object of our Xi and admiration.
Fei Wenzhong. December 9, 2023 in Confucius, Suzhou.
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