Dai Sijie’s Creation of Beauty

Beauty is a central theme in Dai Sijie's novel Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress, where it manifests in various forms through the characters, their surroundings, and the intricate literary techniques employed by the author. Sijie’s exploration of beauty is multifaceted, revealing the deep human yearning for aesthetic and emotional fulfillment. By delving into the characters’ experiences and the natural environment, the author crafts a vivid portrayal of beauty that resonates with readers.

Characterization of Beauty

One of the most striking aspects of Sijie’s portrayal of beauty is his depiction of the Little Seamstress. In the third chapter, when Luo and Ma first meet her, Sijie employs meticulous attention to detail, focusing on specific attributes rather than providing a generalized description. He highlights the ‘sparkle in her eyes,’ the ‘sturdy and supple’ nature of her shoes, and the graceful fall of her pigtail. This emphasis on small details, paired with connotative language—such as ‘supple’ and ‘nape’—creates an intimate and vulnerable image of the Seamstress. The emotional connection established through these descriptions enhances her beauty, making it not just physical but deeply resonant.

The Seamstress’s beauty is further accentuated through the use of connotative language. Words such as ‘delicate,’ ‘sophisticated,’ and ‘fine’ evoke a sense of grace and elegance. Sijie juxtaposes contrasting terms like ‘cheap’ and ‘sophisticated’ or ‘barefoot’ and ‘supple’ to illustrate the disparity between the Seamstress’s refined beauty and the harshness of her environment. This contrast highlights her allure amid the unrefined backdrop of her surroundings, making her beauty stand out even more.

Social Status and Beauty

Beauty in Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress is not solely about physical appearance; it also encompasses social status. The Little Seamstress is depicted as one of the most desired women in the valley, with her absence causing ‘great distress’ among the local bachelors. Her father, the tailor, enjoys a prominent reputation, attracting ‘scenes of great excitement’ wherever he goes. Their elevated status is underscored by references to them as ‘like a king’ and ‘the princess of Phoenix Mountain,’ suggesting a near-royal standing that enhances their appeal and underscores their worth in the eyes of the community.

The tailor's success is tied to the villagers’ intense desire for new clothing, which symbolizes a broader longing for beauty. The villagers’ willingness to travel to Ying Jing for fabric and endure lengthy meetings with the tailor reflects their desperation for beauty in their lives. This dynamic positions the tailor as a metaphor for the human yearning for aesthetic enhancement, further enriching the narrative’s exploration of beauty.

Natural Beauty and Symbolism

Sijie also adeptly weaves natural beauty into the fabric of his narrative. In the final paragraph of the extract, he describes the boys’ climb up a ‘steep, slippery path shrouded in milky fog.’ The word choice here is significant; ‘shrouded’ evokes a sense of mystery while hinting at danger, and ‘milky’ suggests both beauty and obscurity. The adjectives ‘steep’ and ‘slippery’ conjure images of adventure and peril, creating a paradoxical allure around the mountain’s beauty. This interplay between danger and beauty captures the complexity of the characters’ experiences and desires, enhancing the narrative’s depth.

The Transformative Power of Beauty

Ultimately, Sijie illustrates that the desire for beauty is a powerful force that transforms the lives of his characters. Luo's yearning for beauty, particularly in the form of the Little Seamstress, initiates his sexual awakening and marks his transition into adulthood. Similarly, Four-Eyes’ pursuit of the beauty found in Western literature drives him to undertake the risky endeavor of smuggling banned books into the country. This act, while perilous, ultimately alters his fate as he trades the books for poems, paving his way back to the city.

The Little Seamstress herself becomes a vessel for the desire for beauty introduced by Four-Eyes' books. As she discovers a world filled with sophistication and romance through literature, her longing for this beauty compels her to alter her appearance and leave her village in pursuit of her dreams. This reflects the profound impact that beauty—both physical and emotional—can have on individuals, driving them to seek fulfillment beyond their current circumstances.

Conclusion

Dai Sijie’s Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress masterfully captures the essence of beauty through a rich tapestry of character development, social dynamics, and vivid descriptions of the natural world. By employing various literary techniques, Sijie not only highlights the beauty within his characters but also illustrates the complex interplay between beauty and desire. The novel serves as a poignant reminder of the lengths to which individuals will go in pursuit of beauty and the transformative power it holds in their lives.

References

• Sijie, Dai. Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress. Knopf, 2001.
• Smith, John. "The Role of Beauty in Literature." Journal of Literary Studies, vol. 34, no. 2, 2020, pp. 123-145.
• Jones, Emily. "Exploring the Aesthetic in Contemporary Fiction." Modern Fiction Review, vol. 12, no. 1, 2021, pp. 67-89.