Reborn Bao Guowei, I really didn’t want to be a great writer!

Chapter 395: Debate? Please Hegel!

George Bernard Shaw!

This is a true literary giant.

As the greatest modern dramatist and critic, he is one of the outstanding representatives of English critical realism literature.

In a sense, the plays he created saved the British theater stage around the 1930s.

At the same time, he is also a writer who advocates using art to respond to urgent real-life issues and opposes "art for art's sake."

Many of Shaw's later works are also well-known.

For example, "Leather Marion" was later adapted into the movie "My Fair Lady", which won multiple Oscars and influenced the aesthetic taste of a generation.

Of course, what attracts the most attention is the political views of this literary giant.

He once clearly and publicly expressed that he was a socialist who advocated social reform and changing capitalism in a gradual manner.

This made Bao Guowei feel that the other party seemed closer.

On the way to the hotel in central London, Bao Guowei and Shaw, who were taking the tram, hit it off and started a lively conversation.

"Sir, you probably don't know that in our country, you have been ranked as important as Shakespeare. Your various drama works have been listed as important teaching materials for studying drama by major universities in China."

Looking at the scenery outside the window that was constantly disappearing, Bao Guowei did not hesitate to express his praise.

In response to the other party's praise, Shaw simply smiled implicitly and said immediately.

"I am grateful to the Chinese people for their support. This is not just my personal honor, but the honor of all those who strive for a better life."

It was obvious that the master's way of speaking was different, and he immediately raised the level to a higher level.

Bao Guowei enjoys the process of talking with the other party and feels that he can gain nourishment from it.

George Bernard Shaw was not from an aristocratic family. He was born into a family of clerks and did not lead a privileged life in his early years. Due to the times, he experienced the pain of finding a job and making a living at the bottom of society when he was young.

It is also because of this that Shaw was able to better understand the psychological changes of various groups at the bottom of society, which later became important materials for his realistic literary creation.

"I often communicate with Xiao. After I mentioned your upcoming visit, Xiao strongly asked me to let him come to welcome you."

Arnold couldn't help but say something sour when he saw the two of them having a great conversation.

Obviously, being ignored by Shaw just now had a great impact on this gentleman's mood.

However, as expected, Shaw still ignored the other party this time.

He turned to look at Bao Guowei and said, "I received a letter from a good friend in China. He claimed to be your apprentice and asked me to take good care of Bao Guowei during his trip to Europe. I was wondering why Bao Guowei became his teacher when he was not a teenager. It is really puzzling, but after hearing your words and deeds today, I think you are exactly as the rumors say, and you deserve this title."

Almost every celebrity who meets Bao Guowei will bring up the issue of age, which is basically an unavoidable topic.

Bao Guowei thought a little speechlessly.

I traveled through time and space and was transformed into a high school student. Is that my fault?
Bao Guowei was already accustomed to such sentiments, but he immediately had some guesses about the good friend mentioned by Bernard Shaw.

"It must be Mr. Hong Shen?"

This gentleman was the only one who could have had a friendship with George Bernard Shaw.

Last time, the other party held a "apprenticeship" ceremony in Shanghai, which caused an uproar throughout the city and has become a topic of conversation in the theater industry.

Unexpectedly, after knowing that he had come to Europe, Hong Shen made a special trip to find Shaw.

He did not regard Hong Shen as his disciple, but this master seemed to have put himself in this position.

Not knowing how to explain, Bao Guowei briefly recounted the dispute between himself and Hong Shen regarding drama.

"Based on this bet, Mr. Hong Shen publicly claimed that he was my student. To be honest, this is really a shameful thing."

In a sense, being treated like this by a master is also a manifestation of "shortening one's lifespan".

But Shaw didn't care. He was stunned for a moment, then burst into laughter and said.

"Interesting! Really interesting! After listening to it, I really want to go to the East!"

George Bernard Shaw has always had a lot of social interactions in China. After the May 30th Massacre five years ago, he joined forces with people from various countries to strongly protest against Britain's brutality and expressed support for China's patriotic movement for democracy.

He even went to Shanghai around 1933 and met with Cai Yuanpei, Xun Ge'er and others.

However, based on his current reaction, this trip may be brought forward.

But while expressing his emotion, Shaw also noticed something different, and he said with a slight frown.

"Bao, you just mentioned that your opinion on drama is to focus on the story, and not to pursue deliberate realistic social values?"

coming!

When this topic was mentioned, Bao Guowei knew that this question would come up.

The reason is very simple, because this goes against Shaw's pursuit of drama.

You have to know that the person in front of you is a language master known for his erudition, and he has an extremely persistent pursuit of relevant theories.

Bao Guowei did not want to conflict with Shaw, but he thought it was just an academic discussion and he was never afraid of offending anyone.

Even if the other party is a well-known writer.

He lowered his head and thought for a moment before speaking carefully.

"Yes, and no."

"Hmm?" Shaw frowned, as if waiting for Bao Guowei's answer.

After thinking about it, Bao Guowei decided to elaborate on this issue in detail in an analytical way to avoid unnecessary misunderstandings.

“I know that Mr. Bernard Shaw has always advocated the social nature of art, that is, ‘art not for art’s sake’.

As far as I know, this theory originated nearly a hundred years ago and is related to the romanticism in Europe at that time and the trend of pursuing one's own beauty.

It emphasizes the exploration of form, technique and aesthetic value.

But Mr. Shaw may have misunderstood. My artistic proposition is completely different from this. "

"Completely different?" Arnold was not affected by the previous turmoil at all and joined the discussion.

"But as far as I know, isn't your play The Shawshank Redemption, Mr. Bao, famous for its relevant art forms and techniques?"

It can be said that the publication of "The Shawshank Redemption" has greatly influenced the development of modern drama in China and even in Europe.

Because of his unique narrative style, excellent expression skills, and the huge influence he has produced, artists in the drama world cannot help but wonder.

Are we really wrong?

Shouldn't art reflect reality, promote social progress and educate the audience?

For a time, related discussions were started again at home and abroad.

It can be said that, without realizing it, Bao Guowei introduced the film and television techniques of later generations into this period, triggering a theoretical shock in the drama world. It is no wonder that after seeing Bao Guowei, Shaw unconsciously shifted the topic to this.

Because it is so important!
"Lao Cao, what is Bao Guowei talking about with that Bernard Shaw? It seems very intense."

Not far away, Zhang Nianyue was sitting in a seat, looking at the three people standing at the guardrail from afar, and couldn't help but ask questions.

Cao Yanhai sat in the back row, always keeping an eye on all directions and keeping an eye on all directions, protecting the safety of several people.

After hearing Zhang Nianyue's question, he scratched his head and said.

"Are you talking about that guy with white beard and big nose? I think Master is going to quarrel with someone again."

"Fight?" Zhang Nianyue frowned. To be honest, she didn't go out with Bao Guowei often, so she didn't know much about his social habits.

"Yes! Hahaha!" Cao Yanhai laughed heartily. "Master's wife, you don't know, do you? Master often quarrels with people when he goes out, and his opponents are all masters."

As if he was afraid that Zhang Nianyue would worry, he mentioned it.

"But don't worry, Master's wife. Master only fights with people, so there won't be any conflicts. If that old man with white beard dares to attack, I'm afraid he won't be able to survive more than a few moves under Master's hands."

That's George Bernard Shaw. How could he fight with Bao Guowei? If that were the case, it would be such a huge contrast.

Zhang Nianyue complained in her heart.

"This gentleman is not an ordinary person. Guowei may not win. Let's wait and see. If Guowei gets embarrassed later, you go up and make trouble, interrupt the argument, and save face for Bao Guowei."

Even though she knew Bao Guowei's debating skills, Zhang Nianyue still had doubts in her heart.

The other party is George Bernard Shaw!

In this era, these Western masters hold an extremely high status for Chinese intellectuals.

Except for people like Hu Shi, most people were not worshipping foreign things. It was really a factor of the times.

"I have never seen Master lose before~"

Cao Yanhai couldn't help but distrust Zhang Nianyue. In his eyes, Bao Guowei was omnipotent and invincible.

Other literati, such as Cao Yanhai, may find it pedantic, but Bao Guowei is truly convinced!
Because his master's status was earned through hard work!
Although this “hitting” means using the mouth.

But not long after, Cao Yanhai almost jumped up from his chair and said.

"Hey, Master's wife, did you see that? The corners of Master's mouth are curled up, which means he is about to start showing off. Watch out, Master's wife!"

Cao Yanhai followed Bao Guowei every day and almost memorized his behavioral habits.

Zhang Nianyue couldn't help being speechless.

Bao Guowei had this habit in school in the past. I didn't expect that now that he has reached this position and has traveled to Europe, he is still like this.

Although she complained in her heart, Zhang Nianyue was still concerned about Bao Guowei's victory or defeat. She couldn't help but lean forward a little to hear the conversation between the people clearly.

English was a little difficult for Zhang Nianyue to understand, but she had studied hard before coming here and was now able to communicate in daily life.

But Bao Guowei raised the corner of his mouth and asked with a smile while looking at Shaw.

"Sir, do you know dialectical materialism?"

"Dialectical materialism!" Arnold exclaimed.

Even George Bernard Shaw looked at Bao Guowei with some surprise, staring at him closely, as if trying to see something from him.

Shaw was certainly aware of the materialist dialectics summarized by Engels. He had already stated his position long ago and called himself a loyal socialist.

Shaw even had some interactions with Marx's descendants and had a deep understanding of their thoughts.

But what Bao Guowei said is a bit intriguing.

One can't help but wonder whether this is Bao Guowei's political proposition in some sense.

But Arnold and Shaw, both of whom knew something about China, understood that the East was vigorously cleaning up the correlationists.

So, is it really okay for Bao Guowei to say this blatantly?

This is not in line with Shaw's character. If it were someone else, he might rush up and cover Bao Guowei's mouth and say something.

"Don't be afraid, I'm a comrade!"

But it seemed that the two had just had a false alarm, because Bao Guowei did not elaborate on the relevant content of socialism afterwards.

He simply used the theory of dialectical materialism to tell the two gentlemen his own artistic ideas.

“The unity of opposites is the source and driving force of the change and development of things. Obviously, it is not absolutely for art, nor should it be absolutely for educational reality.

The art form I want should be based on facts!"

Bao Guowei began to use dialectical materialism to justify the name of his play "The Shawshank Redemption"!
“Reality emphasizes the critical nature of artistic works, and focuses on whether the form and content of the works can provide educational significance to society and the audience.

Artistry emphasizes the aesthetic value of artworks, focusing on whether the form and content of the works can break through tradition and bring new aesthetic experiences to the audience.

In my opinion, these should not be contradictory, but can be unified with each other."

Bao Guowei smiled and looked at Shaw and said.

“Art originates from reality, but is higher than reality!”

This sentence was not coined by Bao Guowei. The German poet Goethe once advocated it, Hegel's aesthetics also advocated it, and the Russian literary theorist Chernyshevsky also expressed it.

But it is precisely because of the endorsement of these masters that Bao Guowei's remarks appear more convincing.

For a moment, Shaw and Arnold were confused and didn't know how to refute this point of view.

Because once you refute these views, you are debating with these predecessors.

Even George Bernard Shaw himself was extremely fond of Hegel's philosophical theories.

“Art originates from reality, but is also higher than reality.”

George Bernard Shaw kept chewing on this not-so-famous sentence. He might have seen the related concept but never paid attention to it.

This time, after Bao Guowei's reminder, he paid attention to the meaning of this sentence again.

Seeing that the two of them had fallen into deep thought, Bao Guowei couldn't help but take advantage of the situation and speak.

"Reality is important, but transcending reality is more important, isn't it? Gentlemen? Reality is the foundation of art, but it should not be the shackles of art."

After a long time, Shaw let out a breath, looked at Bao Guowei with sharp eyes, and praised him without reservation.

"Sir, this is a great explanation. I think I should watch The Shawshank Redemption again. I was too prejudiced before and couldn't see the truly excellent parts of it."

In fact, the play "The Shawshank Redemption" has already been hotly screened in London!

(End of this chapter)