Telling Details: Chinese Fiction, World Literature

The book explores the Chinese detail as a common idiom and a unique concept, revealing under-explored areas of the Chinese novel such as its psychological depths, connections with other genres and forms, and its partaking in Chinese material life and capitalist modernity. It exemplifies the value of deep reading in approaching complex works of Chinese fiction as world literature and throws light on the aesthetics and politics of the unseen.

Format: Hardback
Length: 212 pages
Publication date: 10 March 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

A detail is a small, intricate aspect of something that can reveal a lot about its overall meaning or significance. It is often overlooked or ignored, but it can provide valuable insights and understanding. In contrast, xijie, its Chinese counterpart, is a broader term that encompasses a range of aspects, including plot, characters, and setting. While reading for details can be a valuable way to gain a deeper understanding of a text, it is not necessarily the same as reading for the plot.

Reading for details involves paying close attention to the small, often overlooked details that can provide insight into the characters, setting, and themes of a text. It involves slowing down and taking the time to notice the nuances and intricacies of a story. For example, a writer may describe a character's clothing or mannerisms in a way that reveals something about their personality or background. Similarly, a writer may use descriptive language to create a vivid sense of place or time, which can help the reader to feel more engaged with the story.

On the other hand, reading for the plot involves following the main storyline and the development of the characters. It involves paying attention to the events that occur and the relationships between the characters. Reading for the plot is often more focused on the overall story arc and the resolution of conflicts. While reading for the plot can be enjoyable and engaging, it may not provide as much depth of understanding as reading for the details.

One of the most famous examples of a Chinese novel that is known for its attention to detail is xijie xiaoshuo. This novel was written in the early 20th century by Lu Xun, a prominent Chinese writer and critic. Xijie xiaoshuo is characterized by its attention to the everyday details of life, such as the food, clothing, and customs of the characters. It is also known for its use of irony and humor, which can be difficult to understand for Western readers who are not familiar with Chinese culture.

Xiaos book explores the value of deep reading in approaching complex works of Chinese fiction as world literature. It argues that the Chinese detail is both a common idiom and a unique concept that can provide valuable insights into the psychology, culture, and politics of China. By examining the Chinese detail as both a common idiom and a unique concept, and extrapolating it from individual works to the culture at large, Xiaos book reveals under-explored areas of the Chinese novel, such as its psychological depths, its connections with other genres and forms, its partaking in Chinese material life and capitalist modernity, as well as repressions and difficulties surrounding its reception in national and international contexts.

With carefully chosen case studies, Xiaos book not only exemplifies the value of deep reading in approaching complex works of Chinese fiction as world literature, it also throws light on the aesthetics and politics of the unseen, which has become central to a humanist tradition that flows across literature, cinema, and other art forms.

In conclusion, a detail is a small, intricate aspect of something that can reveal a lot about its overall meaning or significance. While reading for details can be a valuable way to gain a deeper understanding of a text, it is not necessarily the same as reading for the plot. The Chinese novel xijie xiaoshuo is a famous example of a work that is known for its attention to detail, and it provides valuable insights into the psychology, culture, and politics of China. By examining the Chinese detail as both a common idiom and a unique concept, and extrapolating it from individual works to the culture at large, Xiaos book reveals under-explored areas of the Chinese novel and throws light on the aesthetics and politics of the unseen.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367608057