“Water Margin”
“Water Margin” is one of the four great masterpieces of ancient China, and is known as the pinnacle of Chinese historical fiction. The author of the novel was Shi Nai’an of the Yuan Dynasty, and later generations made significant revisions on his basis, forming the version we know today. “Water Margin” depicts the story of 108 heroes and thieves in the last years of the Song Dynasty, showing the darkness and decay of China’s feudal society, as well as the spirit of resistance of the people.
The story of “Water Margin” takes place in the last years of the Song Dynasty, when social contradictions were sharp and the people were struggling to make a living. In the context of such an era, some heroes gathered in Liangshanbo to fight against the corrupt officials at that time. The main characters have 108 heroes, each with distinct personality traits that make the whole story lively and interesting. The storyline is full of twists and turns, full of combat and heroism, but also a deep analysis of human nature.
The author, Shi Nai’an, was a talented man of the Yuan Dynasty, who was engaged in political and military work in addition to writing, so he had a good understanding of the social politics of the time. In “Water Margin”, he skillfully depicted the people’s life and social contradictions of that era, and expressed his dissatisfaction and criticism of the society at that time. At the same time, the heroic image in the novel also shows Shi Nai’an’s pursuit of integrity and loyalty.
“Water Margin” is a very shocking historical novel, which not only has a strong sense of history, but also profoundly reveals the darkness and decay of feudal society through the shaping of characters and the setting of plots. Its description of ancient Chinese society and its exploration of human nature have given this novel eternal value and become a classic in the history of Chinese literature.
《Les Misérables》
“Les Misérables” is a famous historical novel written by French author Victor Hugo. The novel was published in 1862 and is considered one of the greatest works of French literature. Set in 19th-century France, “Les Misérables” tells the story of Jean Valjean, a man who is imprisoned for stealing a loaf of bread to feed his sister’s starving children. After serving his sentence, Valjean struggles to rebuild his life and finds redemption through acts of kindness and compassion.
The backdrop of the novel is the social and political unrest in France during the early 19th century, including the June Rebellion of 1832. Through the character of Valjean and other central figures such as Inspector Javert and Fantine, Hugo explores themes of justice, love, sacrifice, and the human condition. The novel also touches on the plight of the poor and the marginalized in society, highlighting issues of poverty, inequality, and the struggle for social justice.
Victor Hugo, the author of “Les Misérables,” was a prominent figure in French Romanticism and a leading voice in social and political activism. Hugo’s own experiences and beliefs heavily influenced the themes and characters in the novel, particularly his advocacy for social reform and his criticism of the justice system. His writing style is characterized by vivid imagery, intricate plotting, and deep philosophical insights, making “Les Misérables” a rich and compelling read.
“Les Misérables” has been adapted into numerous stage productions, films, and other media, cementing its status as a timeless classic. The enduring popularity of the novel lies in its powerful storytelling, complex characters, and universal themes that continue to resonate with readers around the world. Victor Hugo’s masterpiece continues to be celebrated for its profound commentary on the human condition and its enduring message of hope, redemption, and the triumph of the human spirit.
