Professor satirizes about students
Print Edition
PROFESSOR Wang Hongtu of Shanghai’s Fudan University not only teaches literature but also sits down and does the real writing himself. Last month, he had a new book, “Farewell to Germania,” published by the Shanghai Literature and Art Publishing House.
The book centers on the love stories and spiritual growth of the new generation of Chinese students born in the 1990s who are sent abroad by their parents for academic credit or overseas work experience.
Unlike previous generations who went abroad on their own in the 1980s, 1990s and earlier, most of them don’t have to worry much about money. However, problems arise when they encounter issues such as whether to join in a political protest, how to deal with a foreign partner and what to do after graduation.
“The story was based on my work experience in Germany between 2007 and 2009 when I was Chinese director of the Confucius Institute at the University of Hamburg,” Wang said, “I wish I knew what these kids really want for life. I quoted German poet Heine in my text to show the conflicting ideas of my characters.”
The 51-year-old is known for a number of other creative works, such as “Rose Wedding” (2001), “Sweetheart, Who Knocked the Wrong Door?” (2006) and “In the Prime of Youth” (2009).
Most of his novels are concerned with the lives of university professors and their students. Set in and around the campus, Wang observes the moral drift of these young academics under the influence of society and draws a contrast between their external behavior and internal thoughts in a satirical way.
“I am basically a writer, not a teacher. Fiction helps me express myself without giving myself away,” said Wang, “But I enjoy teaching because of the students, and the chance to talk to them about good literature.”
With a PhD in comparative literature, Wang has chaired the MFA program in creative writing at Fudan since 2010.
“A deep reading and understanding of world literature always makes us more empathetic toward others and encourages an effort to explore the very significance of human existence,” Wang said.
What’s the best book you’ve read recently?
I am recently obsessed with Thomas Mann’s “Doctor Faustus” (1947). The novel, a reshaping of the Faust legend set in the context of the first half of the 20th century, is a typical German classic that is serious and grave, yet profound. Mann started writing this at the age of 68 and finished it at the age of 72. It is a challenging work, monumental in conception.
Describe your ideal reading experience (when, where, what, how).
At the beach on a deck chair facing the sea in the early morning light. An essay collection on philosophy subjects or a cute love story usually makes the best choice.
What was the last book that made you laugh?
British writer Ian McEwan’s dark comedy “Amsterdam” is surely a good laugh.
The book begins with the funeral of Molly Lane, who dies of an unspecified degenerative illness. Her many friends and lovers at the funeral are led to think about their own mortality.
Vernon Halliday, a newspaper editor, persuades his old friend Clive Linley, a composer of some reputation, to enter into a euthanasia pact with him. However, the story ends in an extremely funny sort of way when both Halliday and Linley die in Amsterdam.
I couldn’t help but burst out laughing from time to time during the two hours while I was reading it.
What does your personal book collection look like?
Most are foreign literature (apart from the Chinese versions, I’ve kept quite a few original editions in English, French and German). Other miscellaneous collections include Chinese classics, Chinese contemporary literature and literary criticism, biographies, books on history, philosophy and religion.
Do you have a favorite childhood literary character or hero?
During my teenage years, I adored Byron, one of the greatest English romantic poets of the 19th century. His creative talent, infinite vitality and a defiant attitude toward life gave me a lot of courage and inspiration.
Do you have a favorite classic work of world literature? Why?
Goethe’s “Faust” has been my favorite all these years. Faust in my eyes is such a character that he is never satisfied with what he has achieved and always interested in pursuing new experiences.
Life of Faust is a life that keeps opening to new realms of revelation.
If you could meet any writer, dead or alive, who would it be? What would you want to know?
I want to meet Dostoyevsky, the 19th-century Russian writer of “Crime and Punishment.” I want to discuss with him issues in the philosophy of religion concerning God, soul and free will.
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