Quiet Depth in Simple Words | Generated by AI
This question is about the writing style of “A Brief Account of My Late Mother” (《先妣事略》) by Qing Dynasty writer Gui Youguang (归有光). You correctly chose D.
The Language Style
The essay’s style is characterized by simplicity and conciseness (简洁省净).
Key Features Explained
1. Simple and economical language (简洁省净)
- The prose uses plain, straightforward words
- No excessive ornamentation or flowery language
- Each word carries weight; nothing is wasted
2. Restrained emotion (情感含蕴多藏)
- Deep feelings are implied rather than explicitly stated
- The author doesn’t express grief dramatically
- Emotions are embedded within simple descriptions
3. Profound meaning in plain writing (寄深味于平易质朴之中)
- Profound sentiments conveyed through ordinary, simple language
- The plainness makes the emotion more powerful
4. Details from daily life (于日常细微之处见精神)
- The mother’s character is revealed through small, everyday details
- Uses concrete incidents rather than abstract praise
- Simple moments carry deep significance
5. Understated impact (不动声色而使读者深受感动)
- The author remains calm and composed in tone
- Yet readers are deeply moved
- The restraint makes the emotion more genuine and touching
Why the Other Options Don’t Fit
- A (passionate and surging) - The essay is restrained, not passionate
- B (humorous and witty) - This is a solemn memorial piece
- C (elegant and weighty) - While respectful, it’s more plain than formally elegant
This “plain yet profound” style (平淡而深刻) is actually Gui Youguang’s signature approach and is considered a major achievement in classical Chinese prose.