Waiting a Soul from Native Land——On Chi Zijian's inheriting essayistic novels by Shen Congwen

Xiao Hong and Chi Zijian,Heilongjiang woman writers,are definitely the most representative ones featuring local customs.However,it would be improper if Chi is regarded as a mere follower or continuator of Xiao,even though she possessed the common features with Shen Congwen in awaking self-consciousness.Under the intensive influence of cultural downfall a mainstream consciousness,they found their inherent legacy in history and culture again,homeland engraved in the innermost of their soul,fulfilling self-awakening.During the conflict with city civilization,they all got a spiritual return in a deeper meaning by narrating village stories.Different from Shen Congwen,Chi Zijian embraced living and death should be unified as one in the circle of life and yearning for eternity rather than under a dualistic state.Chi's novels featured her worship for that mysterious land by shaping a poetic mystery.