Robert Wexelblatt Libros

After performing a perilous service for the future Emperor, the peasant Chen Hsi-wei turns down the customary rewards in favor of receiving an education. The Court is astonished by this unheard-of request, but orders the strict teacher Shen Kuo to do what he can with the boy. In the course of copying out the words of the ancient masters, Hsi-wei begins writing poems of his own. As a young man, Hsi-wei leaves the capital for a vagabond life, supporting himself by making straw sandals. He encounters people of all stations and occupations, trekking through landscapes both flat and mountainous. He learns of the terrible price of building the Grand Canal, the miseries caused by floods, droughts, and endless wars. To his astonishment, Hsi-wei gains a degree of fame, first as a curiosity, then as a writer whose poems are beloved by the people and pass into the vast life of China.

The chief interest of these poems is the employment of imagery with extraordinary effectiveness. Particularly impressive is attractive diction and admirable phrasing. The style of these poems exhibits crispness and energy devoid of any obscurity. These poems reveal a passionate concreteness of imagery and a rich allusiveness. All the poetic qualities that touch the human heart are here. Liveliness is the most characteristic quality of these poems that show intense emotion and vivid imagination.

The author effectively conveys the strict segregation prevalent during that time, highlighting the disparity between white patrons and non-white talent. While acknowledging the limitations and inequalities of the era, the passage also emphasizes the sense of democracy that existed within the confines of these clubs, where individuals from different backgrounds and professions mingled and interacted. The portrayal of the female staff, from photographers capturing memories to waitresses serving drinks and taking coats, provides a glimpse into the diverse roles and aspirations of women during that period. The passage delves into the aspirations, conversations, and challenges faced by these young women, who relied on their looks and tips to make a living. The narrative then introduces the character of Meredith Turner, offering a personal story of adversity and resilience. The contrast between her privileged upbringing and the sudden downfall of her family adds a layer of depth and sets the stage for her journey into the world of nightclubs.