1978 Synthetic Writers

Chapter 480 "Talking with Confucians"

“The Ordinary World is clearly lacking in ideological depth.”

“The works of other writers are bold explorations of the complexity of human nature and the changes in society.”

"This "Ordinary World" tells some ordinary rural stories."

“There is a lack of accurate grasp of the pulse of the times and the pattern is too small!”

"."

Jiang Xian sat quietly in his seat, listening to critics one by one commenting on "Ordinary World".

Generally, a seminar will be held for a work only when the author is very optimistic about the work and thinks that there are some remarkable aspects in the work.

Therefore, it is very rare to see such a scene of group criticism of a work at a seminar.

Jiang Xian glanced at Lu Yao in the corner.

Lu Yao was just listening quietly, with a humble look on his face.

However, from the way his hands unconsciously grasped the corners of his clothes and his knuckles turned white due to the force, it can be seen that his heart must be in great pain at this moment.

The organizers of "Huacheng" also looked unhappy at the moment, and Xie Wangxin's face was full of despair.

Every time he looked at a critic with expectation, that person would stand up and criticize "Ordinary World".

This seminar was held
How can it be such a bad word?
I've lost all face!
Xie Wangxin's eyes swept across the faces.

Even the always sensitive critic Radar, including Liu Xicheng, Feng Lizsan, and He Zhenbang, did not raise any opposing views for "Ordinary World" this time. Instead, they bluntly expressed their disappointment with the work.

"I was surprised that the images of the peasants in this novel were written like perfect incarnations of a person who was not concerned with worldly matters."

"Moreover, in this era of surging literary innovation, such a structure seems too old-fashioned, just like an old piece of clothing that has been discarded for many years. How can it arouse the interest of readers?"

"Thank you Comrade Lei Da for your speech." Xie Wangxin's voice was a little low, and his head lowered a little bit.

Su Chen, who was sitting in the guest seat, also looked uneasy at the moment. He had never expected that "Ordinary World" would be viewed in this way.

Although "Huacheng" and "Dangdai" are both known as the four famous actresses.

But there is actually a difference.

Because of its remote location, Huacheng has a stronger sense of crisis than the other four famous operas: Contemporary, October and Harvest.

Therefore, the editors of Huacheng have a strong desire to collect manuscripts and provide particularly thoughtful services to writers.

For example, they often invite writers to Guangzhou and let them stay in the most luxurious White Swan Hotel in Guangzhou.

And it’s not just a stay of two or three days.

It’s March and February!
Let writers live in it and write novels.

They in "Huacheng" are very clear that they do not have the right time or the right place, so they can only work hard to seek harmony among people.

Therefore, being an editor of Huacheng magazine is destined to have a fate, which is that you will put in more effort and gain less than you would with October, Harvest, or Contemporary magazines.

Because they do not have the right time and place, no matter how much they pay for the writers, the manuscripts the writers give them are mostly second-rate manuscripts of the writers themselves.

This time, when Huacheng got "The Ordinary World" by Lu Yao, the author of "Life", it felt that it had picked up a bargain, so it put all its efforts into marketing it and created a wave of glory in its release.

As a result, the seminar gave Huacheng a slap in the face.

In the eyes of all the top critics today, "An Ordinary World" is a work as ordinary as its name.

Just when Xie Wangxin and Su Chen were feeling depressed, a voice suddenly rang out.

"Comrade Lei Da said it very well, but there are a few points I don't agree with."

Lu Yao moved his tense body and looked in the direction of the sound.

Jiang Xian was wearing a Zhongshan suit and said calmly, "Lu Yao and I are good friends. I have heard how difficult it was for him to write Ordinary World."

"I heard that in order to control the progress of his writing, he strictly set his own time every day. He would not rest until he completed at least 5000 words. In order to save time, he used steamed buns and green onions as meals. In order to stay awake, he kept cigarettes and coffee on his desk."

"A few years ago, I lived with Comrade Lu Yao in Shaanxi. He told me that before I turned 40, I should write a work that surpassed Life as a gift to the land and years I had lived in."

"After reading "Ordinary World", I feel that Lu Yao has done it."

"Just now a comrade said that the pace of this novel is as slow as an oxcart."

"I don't agree with that."

"This novel may seem to have a slow pace, but in fact, Comrade Lu Yao has carefully laid out a real and tangible stage of life for readers. The stories he wrote are like a slowly flowing river, which is not turbulent but has deep power."

"In my opinion, those seemingly trivial daily routines are precisely the true portrayal of life."

After hearing Jiang Xian's words, Lu Yao's eyes, which had been somewhat dead just now, gradually became a little brighter.

The critics in the conference room also leaned forward slightly, staring at Jiang Xian intently.

"In the long narrative of this novel, as a reader, I can fully immerse myself in the atmosphere of the novel, breathe and share the fate of the characters in the book, and feel the weight and tenacity of life."

“This is by no means procrastination, but a kind of meticulous respect for life, and a test of the author’s patience and trust in the readers.”

Jiang Xian paused slightly at this point, his eyes revealing his deep understanding and appreciation of the work.

The critics in the room frowned slightly, thinking carefully about Jiang Xian's words in their minds.

Su Chen and Xie Wangxin from "Huacheng" were no longer listless, and now they straightened their backs.

Jiang Xian then spoke again:

"Just now a comrade thought that the narrative structure of the novel is traditional in Mandarin."

"I cannot agree with that."

“Traditional does not mean old.”

“In the long history of literature, the reason why classic narrative structures have lasted for so long is precisely because they have deep roots and powerful expressiveness.”

"Lu Yao used the traditional structure in Ordinary World not because he lacked innovation, but because he knew that this structure best fit the story he wanted to tell."

"The story unfolds the fate of multiple characters in an orderly manner in a linear narrative style. In this way, the whole work is well-structured and coherent, just like building a magnificent building, where every brick and stone is perfectly placed to support this literary building."

"Such a solid narrative structure has laid a solid foundation for the success of the work. How can it be easily denied?"

Everyone present was surprised when they heard Jiang Xian's words.

Who doesn't know?

Speaking of avant-garde, Jiang Xian is the most avant-garde writer in China.

But at this moment, he, the most avant-garde writer, expressed his appreciation for Lu Yao's traditional narrative structure.

His words are a huge compliment to any writer who uses a traditional narrative structure.

It's very simple.

The most avant-garde writers think that your traditional narrative is well written and are conquered by your traditional narrative.

Isn't that glorious enough?

However, this work, "Ordinary World", received unanimous negative reviews from all critics.

Many people recalled Jiang Xian’s words, fell into deep thought, and began to wonder whether they had really underestimated the novel "Ordinary World".

On the other side, Su Chen and Xie Wangxin from Huacheng both looked incredulous.

If he simply said a few words to help Lu Yao out of the predicament, that would be human nature. But listening to Jiang Xian's words, every sentence was clear and straightforward, and it was impossible to say that without some research on this novel.

Jiang Xian continued to talk:
"I remember Comrade Wei Chen just pointed out that The Ordinary World lacks ideological content. Other writers write about the complexity of human nature, but this novel talks about rural life."

"To be honest, I think this idea is a bit superficial."

This sentence shocked everyone again.

Just deny the radar.

Although Lei Da is famous, he is still young after all.

Wei Chen is an old authority in the commentary circle. Now Jiang Xian stood up to confront him without any face.

Wei Chen was quite graceful and adjusted his glasses.

"Give your opinion."

Jiang Xian smiled and nodded, "When criticizing "Ordinary World" for lacking in ideological depth, shouldn't you think about whether you have explored the connotation of the work in depth?"

"In my opinion, this "Ordinary World" takes the countryside as its entry point and quite profoundly reflects the great impact of the changes of the times on the lives of ordinary people."

"Lu Yao, through his depiction of the changes in the lives of the villagers in Shuangshui Village, shows the development of Chinese society during a special period and reveals the struggle and awakening of human nature in the torrent of history."

"It not only focuses on the farmers' material life, but also digs deeper into their spiritual world, showing ordinary people's yearning and pursuit for a better life."

"How can such a profound insight into the times and human nature be compared with those works that superficially pursue novelty but lack substance?"

"In my opinion, its pattern seems to be limited to the countryside, but in fact it covers the changes and development of the entire society, and has far-reaching ideological significance and social value."

Jiang Xian's words were like a heavy hammer, causing a moment of contemplation in the conference room.

Wei Chen, who had a determined look just now, showed a hint of hesitation in his eyes after hearing these words.

Is this "Ordinary World" really that good?
This idea is also shared by many critics who have just fiercely criticized "Ordinary World".

If it were someone else, they would stand up today and say that "Ordinary World" is actually very well written.

Then they will definitely be skeptical.

Or they will just smile disdainfully and not take it seriously.

But this person is Jiang Xian.

This is also a notorious hard nail in the literary world.

Needless to say, Jiang Xian would not say such words because of the relationship between him and Lu Yao.

Because it is so profound.

Every sentence is full of insights, and is absolutely carefully thought out and comes from the heart.

He made this analysis from a literary perspective.

The atmosphere of the seminar, which was originally a bit bleak, finally warmed up a bit after Jiang Xian's speech.

Although almost all critics have completely denied "The Ordinary World", only Jiang Xian stood up and gave positive affirmation to "The Ordinary World".

But he alone has as much influence as a room full of critics!
Of course, although Jiang Xian put forward different opinions, most critics still maintain a negative attitude towards "Ordinary World" and will not easily change their attitude because of Jiang Xian's words.

So, in the second half of the workshop, a rather bizarre scene emerged:
Jiang Xian debated with a group of critics alone.

Most of those present here are the top critics.

Jiang Xian's fighting ability is astonishing.

He can refute almost every criticism of "Ordinary World" with a sharp rebuttal.

Of course, as a person from later generations, Jiang Xian must know that "The Ordinary World" has withstood the test of time and has become an immortal work of Chinese literature.

But can we say that this room of experts is short-sighted?
Not really.

Anyone who can enter this hall and comment on the works is definitely not an ordinary person.

After all, critics and writers are two different professions. Critics are rational, while writers are emotional.

Critics will compare works repeatedly in a larger context, will look differently at works that break away from old stereotypes, and will highly praise artistic innovation.

But they will sneer at works that are done better within the existing artistic framework.

This situation exists both now and in the future.

It's just that today's critics are too blunt.

Speak without restraint and comment according to your heart.

It's not like in later generations, where there is only praise and no criticism, and the whole literary seminar is like everyone making dumplings together, and everyone is happy.

This has led to the current situation at today's seminar.

Moreover, it is impossible for an individual to transcend the times.

Now that thoughts have just been liberated, the value of literature lies in enlightenment.

In later times, the task of literary enlightenment has passed, the value standards have changed, writers have the opportunity to tell stories equally, and readers are in a mood to calmly feel the fate of the characters.

Therefore, many critics who criticized "The Ordinary World" in those years have said that if they were given another chance, they would probably make the same mistake again, thinking that this is a mediocre work that cannot be changed.

"Let me say one last thing."

Just as the clash of opinions between the two sides became more intense, Jiang Xian suddenly summed up and said:

"What we have seen so far in The Ordinary World is only the first part of the whole book. It has not been fully developed, let alone any huge climax."

"Therefore, I think it is too early to put a final conclusion on this work."

Hearing his words, many people nodded in agreement.

The reason why most of them hold a reserved attitude is partly due to what Jiang Xian said.

"We might as well wait until the second and third parts of the novel are finished."

Jiang Xian said:
“Wait until one, three, five, or ten years after the work is released.”

“We’ll come back to this.”

“What is this work like? Should we deny it or affirm it?”

"Time will tell."

Critics, including Radar, immediately understood the hidden meaning behind Jiang Xian's words.

So young and energetic!
How could they not hear that Jiang Xian was trying to make a bet with them!

The bet is on today's book "Ordinary World".

Although he didn't understand why Jiang Xian had such great confidence in Lu Yao, Lei Da still gladly accepted Jiang Xian's bet.

"Well."

"Let time verify our views today and see who is right and who is wrong."

"Let time prove whether the novel "Ordinary World" is really that good."

(End of this chapter)