The speaker was inspired by the collective emotional wounds left by the pandemic and the subsequent economic downturn, which exacerbated feelings of loss and struggle. They wanted to explore how literature, particularly the works of Shi Tiesheng, could address these deep societal and personal wounds. The documentary also serves as a personal journey to understand the philosophical and emotional depth of Shi Tiesheng's writings, which resonate strongly in times of hardship.
Shi Tiesheng's 'The Temple of Earth' is significant as it represents a space of solitude and reflection, akin to a Heideggerian space, where he confronted his physical limitations and existential questions. The Temple of Earth, being a neglected and forgotten place, mirrored Shi's own feelings of isolation and abandonment, yet it became a source of profound literary and philosophical output.
The speaker describes the pandemic as a period that left deep emotional scars on people, which were further aggravated by economic challenges like layoffs and increased competition. This collective trauma has led to a renewed interest in literature, particularly works that address existential themes and personal struggles, such as those by Shi Tiesheng. Literature becomes a means to process and understand these shared experiences of loss and resilience.
Beijing is portrayed as a city that embodies the harsh realities of life, where individuals face their vulnerabilities and existential fears. It serves as a backdrop for profound literary creation, offering a space where writers like Shi Tiesheng can explore deep philosophical questions. The city's intense seasons, particularly its harsh winters, symbolize the inevitable challenges and the serious contemplation of life and death that writers must confront.
Shi Tiesheng's work transcends typical 'scar literature' by not just focusing on the pain and suffering of the past but by delving into deeper philosophical inquiries about existence, identity, and the human condition. His writings, especially in his later years, are marked by a reflective and philosophical depth that goes beyond mere recounting of historical grievances, offering a more nuanced and introspective view of life's challenges.
这一期是到播客节目“面基”串台,老钱热情洋溢地对我进行了大概两个多小时地访谈,聊过去一年走过的文学之路。他的节目制作非常精良,大家可以去听一听,称得上提前预定了2025年中文播客界的年度十佳。
我自己剪辑的这个版本侧重于我自己的表达,分成上下两个部分。上期侧重于路遥和史铁生的文学之路,虽近亦远,下期是论述地坛是如何被史铁生变成一个海德格尔空间的。