On the Narrative Techniques of Shi Shuo Xin Yu

Shi Shuo Xin Yu(known as A new Account of Tales of the World) can be regarded as a masterpiece of scholarly writing,both for its unique style and its contributions in characterization and narrative techniques.It excels in the following four folds.First,the good combination of historical events and words by historical figures makes it a masterpiece of historical reading and literary work.Second,its exaggerated allegories not only inherit but also break through traditional Chinese narrative literature.Moreover,its skilled use of contrast and comparison in physical and personality description reflects the typical literary skill at that time.Finally,its due attention to minute description singles itself out in characterization.