Hugo and "The Song of Everlasting Sorrow":The Resonance of Romanticism

Xu Xiaohui

Liaoning University of International Business and Economics

Abstract：

Wang Anyi is one of the most influential writers in contemporary Chinese literature, and her workisdeeply influenced by 19th-century Western literary classics. Among the many Western writers, Victor Hugo, aleading figure of French Romanticism, has had a particularly profound influence on her. Focusing on WangAnyi's novel The Song of Everlasting Sorrow, this paper analyzes how Hugo’s Romantic style and narrative techniqueshave permeated and shaped the work. This paper argues that The Song of Everlasting Sorrow is not a simpleimitation of Hugo, but rather achieves a creative transformation through localization. By combining the Hugoan Romantic spirit with the regional culture of Shanghai and narratives of women’s destinies, Wang Anyi has forgeda unique artistic style.

Key Words：

Wang Anyi; Victor Hugo; "The Song of Everlasting Sorrow"; romanticism; narrative style