The “Little Girl” and the Power of Recollection as Poetic Style in the Writings of Bing Xin

Abstract

The writings of Bing Xin have drawn the interest of readers and critics worldwide for their unique nature, exclusive perspective, and emotional force. While many agree that the lyrical material of her works predominantly derives from her childhood memories, with the writer also attempting to propose a solution to China’s social problems with her philosophy of love, the aim of this essay is to undertake a deeper study on the psychological perspective of Bing Xin’s literary persona and conclude that much of the world depicted in her works is nothing else than the moderated universe as perceived by a little girl kept alive within the adult writer. The writings of Bing Xin can be regarded as epitome of this perpetual survival of the “little girl” inside the writer who exalts childhood through memories and emotional allegory as well as universal love as a possible solution to man’s problems in modern society.