Chinese Journal of Literary Criticism

No.1, 2021

 

A Realist Masterpiece—Review of Chen Yan’s Twin Works The Leading Role and Stage Equipment Installation

(Abstract)

 

Hu Ping

 

As connected works about life on the stage, both Stage Equipment Installation and The Leading Role are based on a solid foundation of living experience. Rich in connotation and meaning, they are rigorously planned and laid out, with well-developed characters and close relationships, focusing on the portrayal of the fate of the characters and the recurrence of the sociocultural and historical background. In terms of faithfulness to the truth of life, dedication to the discovery of humanity, exploration of the spiritual dimension, and endurance of the test of time, the novel is far superior to ordinary works. The fundamental experience of Chen Yan’s novels is that they follow and practice the principle of realism, which provides a new reference for contemporary fiction writing.