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 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: Paperback / softback
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 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, allowing the reader to feel as if they are physically present in the story.

Reading for details can be particularly useful in understanding complex works of literature, such as those by Chinese authors. Chinese literature is known for its attention to detail, and many works are filled with intricate descriptions and vivid imagery. By reading for details, readers can gain a deeper understanding of the cultural and historical context of a text, as well as the author's intentions and symbolism.

However, it is important to note that reading for details is not the same as reading for plot. While the plot is the main storyline of a text, it is often superficial and lacks the depth and complexity of the details. Reading for plot can be enjoyable and engaging, but it may not provide the same level of insight and understanding as reading for details.

One of the most famous examples of Chinese literature that is known for its attention to detail is xijie xiaoshuo, or "Chinese novel of details." This genre of literature was popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and was characterized by its focus on the minutiae of everyday life. Xijie xiaoshuo authors were known for their meticulous attention to detail, and their works were often filled with intricate descriptions of clothing, food, and scenery.

Xijie xiaoshuo gave the world its earliest form of modern fiction. It was a departure from the traditional Chinese novel, which was more focused on moral and philosophical themes. Xijie xiaoshuo authors were interested in exploring the complexities of human relationships and the everyday struggles of ordinary people. They were also interested in exploring the cultural and social changes that were taking place
place in China at the time, such as the rise

In a strain of masterpieces of xijie xiaoshuo, such details play a key role
role in pivoting the novel from didacticism towards a capacious modern form. Examining the Chinese detail as both a common idiom and a unique concept, and extrapolating it from individual works to the culture at large, reveals under-explored areas of the Chinese novel: 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.

Weight: 340g
Dimension: 153 x 228 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032197852