| "The Wang Shuo Phenomenon" refers to the phenomenal popularity of Wang Shuo's controversial fiction written during the 1980s and 90s. On the surface, Wang Shuo is simply a pop writer who keeps producing bestsellers in step with China's commercializing process. This close reading of Wang Shuo's works explores moral and ideological messages, which he often chooses to hide among multiple interpretive possibilities.; Reacting against the black-and-white characterization inherited from the Cultural Revolution, Wang Shuo gradually, through first-person narratives from the perspective of antiheroes ranging from an ex-serviceman undergoing an identity crisis to individuals involved in criminal activities, ventures into a moral "gray zone." He champions individuality and personal space by challenging traditional values. Consequently, some critics labeled his fiction "hooligan literature." With four movies released in 1988, Wang Shuo instantly acquired a national reputation. Having replaced the earlier realistic mode with allegory, allusion and absurdity, his hilarious social satire, seasoned with pungent catch phrases, reached its apogee in 1989. Comic exaggerations in his distorting mirror highlight dark realities that are often too familiar to be noticed. The real target, however, is often hypocrisy rather than the social system.; The economical reform definitely has an ideological impact that cannot be investigated by means of statistics. It is in this sense that "the Wang Shuo Phenomenon" can provide a unique data bank since, being constantly aware of the "hot" issues of the moment, Wang Shuo writes synchronically with the unfolding reform. In fact, in this reconstruction of Wang Shuo's writing trajectory, common people's concerns, dreams, mixed feelings and complaints as well as the ideological gap between the masses and those intellectuals and students who are often ahead of their times are revealed.; Guided by his own rational individualism, Wang Shuo eventually reconciled with tradition through moral relativism. After phasing out from his position as a halfway rebel as well as a spokesperson for the average urban citizen, Wang Shuo has not yet found his new voice and his writing crisis has extended into the 21st century. |
