If we look at previous studies on Wang Anyi's The Song of Everlasting Sorrow, there is a tendency to focus on large spaces such as “Shanghai” and “Alley.” This is not to deny the importance of Shanghai in the novel, but there are many other places and props that influence the reader. This paper proposes to examine seven specific places or props to understand the novel more deeply.
The significant large spaces in The Song of Everlasting Sorrow include Shanghai, the alley, Alice's apartment, Wuqiao, and Ping'anli. Shanghai contrasts with Wuqiao and metaphorically aligns with Wang Qiyao. The alley contrasts with the Waitan, representing an ordinary world. Ping'anli contrasts with Alice's apartment, depicting a living space rather than a pleasure space.
However, analyzing large spaces alone does not fully reveal the literary achievement of the novel. The Song of Everlasting Sorrow is characterized by Wang Anyi's delicate depiction, making it essential to analyze the places and props. This article focuses on the “show window,” “movie theater,” “curtain,” “beauty salon,” “kitchen,” “chest of drawers,” and “key.” These elements are not just frequently used but play crucial roles in plot development and character psychology.
In summary, The Song of Everlasting Sorrow is well received because it portrays Wang Qiyao's life and fate through spatial elements. Shanghai serves as the central stage, showing changes in times and characters. The places and props add detail, revealing the characters' inner lives and daily routines. The places indicate Wang Qiyao's social status and relationships, while the props represent her identity and psychology, contributing to the plot. The harmonious arrangement of large and small spaces and props is key to the novel's literary success.