1836: I Became a Literary Giant in Great Britain

Chapter 83 This is the honor you deserve

With Professor Rodriguez's lightning-fast knee slide, the lecture could finally proceed smoothly.

"The iceberg theory is not just a creative technique, but also a respect for the reader's intelligence."

Michelle continued.

"I believe that a good reader is not someone who passively accepts everything the author tells them, but someone who actively participates in the construction of the story."

"They fill in the blanks and sense the unspoken meanings through the hints in the words."

In fact, this "iceberg theory" originated from Ernest Hemingway's 1932 non-fiction work, "Death in the Afternoon".

This can be said to have laid the foundation for the most important narrative principle in 20th-century literature.

Undoubtedly, the iceberg theory is an art of omission, emphasizing the use of minimal words to convey profound emotions and thoughts...

Of course, this might not be so friendly for earning royalties...

After all, how can you make money if you don't skimp on the quality?

This theory is fully reflected in Hemingway's own works.

In "The Old Man and the Sea," the one-eighth of the story above the water consists of the old man's words and actions as he fishes and fights sharks, while the seven-eighths underwater contain themes of loneliness, failure, dignity, human struggle, and the meaning of life.

At the end of "A Farewell to Arms," ​​Hemingway wrote the following.

He didn't write about being heartbroken; he simply wrote about walking back to the hotel in the rain.

As for the pain, it's all in the blank spaces...

"In my view, this 'iceberg theory' has three core principles."

Michelle suddenly raised her voice, and the entire octagonal hall instantly came to a rousing.

What? This is absolutely incredible!

Is this Michel a devil? Not only has he proposed such a novel theory of literature, but he's even already figured out the specific principles?

The students listening to the speech were stunned, and even the seasoned professors who were used to big events were taken aback.

In fact, their shock was probably even greater than that of the students...

It's important to understand that the formal formation of a literary theory is not something that can be achieved overnight.

Rather, it stems from the creator's profound summary of their own creative process.

In other words, it means to let things settle.

But settling takes a lot of time...

Michel is still so young; he's only been in the literary world for a few months at most.

He had already developed a mature literary theory?

Are there really geniuses in the world who are born with innate knowledge?

Impossible. Michel must have just put together a rough theory and then brought it up as an excuse.

Yes, it is like that.

Even so, this is still quite impressive.

After all, this kind of thinking aligns with their consistent worldview...

With this in mind, the professors continued listening to Michelle's story.

"The first principle is called the principle of omission: only write about the most crucial and tension-filled moments. Background, psychology,..."

The motives and reasons are all hidden.

"The more restrained the author is, the more shocking the reader will be."

"The second principle is called the objective principle. It avoids lengthy psychological descriptions, flowery rhetoric, and straightforward emotional expression. It uses only actions, dialogues, and scenes to present the story."

"As for the last principle, I call it the tension principle. The calmer the writing, the more turbulent the emotions."

"White space itself is a power!"

In essence, the three principles are: say less, avoid direct emotional expression, and let the reader interpret the meaning for themselves.

These are common writing principles in the 21st century.

But in today's world, it has a powerful, thought-provoking impact!

No one has ever pointed out another possibility for literature so clearly!

That sounds really makes sense.

The thought couldn't help but pop into the minds of the audience members.

Contrary to what they imagined, Michel's theory was not a random collection of ideas, but a solid exposition of his iceberg theory.

The students below the stage were now focused and amazed.

They all picked up their pens and began writing furiously in their notebooks, afraid of missing a single word from Michelle.

Speak slowly, feed me.

I haven't written it down yet!

As for the older professors, the more sensible ones had already taken out their notebooks and were frantically taking notes.

Some students were even borrowing notes from the students next to them.

Because they knew that this was not just a speech, but a revolution in literary thought.

Michel's theory is not some kind of "street slang," but is based on profound literary thinking, and even subverts their preconceived notions.

Just take notes!

On the stage in the Octagonal Hall, Michel began his final remarks.

"Therefore, I left the University of London not because I gave up on literature."

Michelle's voice rang out in the auditorium once again, carrying a power that penetrated the heart.

"It's because true literature is in the streets, at the grassroots level, and in the heart of every reader."

He surveyed the entire room, his gaze firm and confident.

"It needs to be discovered, written about, and shared by us."

"It requires us to use the iceberg theory" to construct and awaken it.

"It requires us to believe that the vitality of literature does not only exist in the ivory tower, but also in the vast human world."

The solemn and majestic octagonal hall fell into complete silence.

Everyone was awestruck by Michel's theories and inspired by his passion.

They had never heard such profound and insightful literary views.

Michel's words were like a ray of light, illuminating their understanding of literature.

This is a speech destined to go down in history!

For Grant, Michel's words were like a blazing sun.

The more talented Michel is, the more clownish he appears...

The more dazzling Michel's glory, the deeper his humiliation.

The thought of being recorded in history as a mere backdrop was too much for Grant to bear in public.

He felt like everyone's gaze was piercing him like a knife.

He immediately turned and ran, slinking away through the back door of the auditorium and disappearing into the crowd.

But his departure went unnoticed by anyone.

Everyone was captivated by Michel's speech and impressed by his ideas.

Finally, a burst of applause erupted, lifting the roof off.

Applause surged forth like a tidal wave, one wave higher than the next, lasting for a long time.

Those who had previously looked down on him could only blush and lower their proud heads now.

They had to admit that Michel Leblanc, the former college dropout and the "vulgar short story writer" in their eyes, had conquered everyone with his talent and ideas!

Charlotte sat in the audience, her eyes slightly red, glistening with pride and tears.

She hadn't misjudged him back then; this pearl, which had been covered in dust, has finally shone brightly.

Professor Joseph was also in the audience, and he listened with tears in his eyes.

He looked at Michelle, who was full of pride, on the podium.

He knew that literary achievements never increase with age.

Michel has surpassed him; he is a born literary master!

Michelle stood on the podium, looking at the excited crowd before her, and felt an indescribable sense of satisfaction welling up inside her.

He knew he had done it.

He earned respect and recognition in his own way.

It brought something entirely new to the literature of this era.

Professor Joseph stood up from his seat, walked to the podium, and firmly grasped Michelle's hand.

His eyes were filled with pride and moisture, his lips trembled, as if he had a thousand words to say but didn't know where to begin.

"Michelle, you...you did a wonderful job!" Professor Joseph's voice was choked with emotion.

Michelle smiled too, everything was understood without words.

Just then, the Chancellor of the University of London, an elderly man with gray hair and dressed in a black suit, also walked onto the podium.

He smiled, his eyes filled with approval.

"Dear teachers and students, distinguished guests."

The principal's loud voice resounded throughout the octagonal hall.

"Today, we have the privilege of listening to a brilliant lecture that will go down in the history of the University of London."

The applause in the auditorium rang out again, even more enthusiastic than before.

"Mr. Michel Leblanc, with his talent and wisdom, has shown us the infinite possibilities of literature."

The principal continued, "He shattered our preconceived notions about literature and opened a completely new door for us."

The principal paused for a moment, then turned to Michelle with a solemn expression.

"In recognition of Mr. Michel Leblanc's outstanding achievements in the field of literature and the inspiring lecture he delivered today, the University of London Council has unanimously decided to appoint Mr. Michel Leblanc as a Visiting Professor at the University of London!"

"Mr. Michel, what are your thoughts?"

These words immediately caused an uproar in the auditorium.

Everyone was shocked, and then burst into even more enthusiastic applause.

"Visiting Professor!"

"My goodness, this is a very high honor for the University of London!"

"A college dropout has actually been hired as a visiting professor!"

The students were buzzing with discussion, their eyes filled with disbelief.

Michelle was also overjoyed.

He never expected the principal to make such a decision.

This is not just an honor, but also an affirmation of his literary achievements.

"It would be my great honor."

Upon hearing Michel's affirmative answer, the principal smiled.

He took a gold-framed certificate from his assistant and solemnly handed it to Michelle.

Michelle took the certificate and looked at the words "Visiting Professor" on it, feeling a mix of emotions.

Who would have thought that just a few months ago, he was a poor student struggling to pay rent?

And now, he stands on the highest podium of this university, receiving such a high honor.

Nothing in life is more unpredictable than this.

He turned around, faced the principal and Professor Joseph, and bowed deeply.

"Principal, professors, thank you for your recognition."

Michelle paused, then turned her gaze to Professor Joseph, her eyes filled with genuine gratitude.

"However, I would like to say that this honor is inseparable from Professor Joseph's teaching and guidance."

Michelle's voice became deeper.

"He gave me hope when I was at my lowest point. And he is the one who secured this precious opportunity for me today."

Professor Joseph's eyes welled up with tears again as he listened to Michel's words.

He knew that Michelle had not forgotten his kindness, nor had she forgotten the efforts he had made.

"Therefore, this honor belongs not only to me, but also to Professor Joseph."

Michelle held up her certificate and gestured to Professor Joseph.

"It was he who made me believe that the flame of literature will never be extinguished."

In the auditorium, applause rang out sporadically, eventually coalescing into a torrent.

This time, the applause was for Michelle, and also for Professor Joseph...