The Modernity in the Creation of Shen Congwen’s Western Hunan Novels

Abstract

Shen Congwen’s novels of western Hunan provide inspiration and warning for reality. Using literature research from various angles, this paper explains the reasons for the modernity of Shen’s Western Hunan novels, which resonate with contemporary thoughts. The depiction of pure and noble human nature and the tranquil living environment in his works make up for the missing mental support of modern urban residents. This paper chooses Shen Congwen’s masterpieces, the text “Border Town,” “Xiao Xiao,” and “San San,” to discuss their characteristics about the context of their creation. Furthermore, it examines the relationship between social development and individual growth. Shen Congwen’s works convey the importance of maintaining individual freedom and consciousness, which continues to serve as a spiritual warning for modern urban residents. This conclusion opens up a path of research in which the development of human society cannot be separated from the internal support of literary works.