The Language Art Of Mao Dun's The Midnight

This paper takes characteristics of literary language as cut-in point, and discusses the language characteristics of Mao Dun's The Midnight from the following four aspects.First, the subtlety of dialogues and vividness of characters. The Midnight involves many characters, whose differences are all displayed by each character's individualized languages. Second, adaptation and merging. The Midnight is a paragon of modern Chinese literature. The author of this novel made heavily use of expressive colloquial language, as well as subtle quotation of archaism and proper introduction of foreign language, which makes the novel glorious. Third, detailed, vivid descriptions. The author of the novel meticulously pursued for details. The language used in The Midnight to describe environments and mentalities, to reveal the plot, to depict the scenes, and to outline the characters are very elaborate. Forth, meaningful and thought-provoking. The author of the novel made exquisite use of various forms of rhetoric to reveal his intentions and social significance of the novel, which enable us to have a thorough and in-depth knowledge of the social realities of China in the 20s and 30s. Lastly, this paper analyzes the language characteristics and their reasons of formation from three different aspects, i.e., the author's rich and deep life experiences, broad and profound cultural cultivation, and modernistic philosophy.In sum, Mao Dun makes great contribution to the public by his various artistic abilities and profound virtuosity. His modernistic spirit in writing and skills in language applications gives us inspirations, and worth studying.