Mao Mu is still observing the world from the perspective of the third person, which is inclusive but irrelevant. Unlike The Moon and Sixpence, which is black and white, the ideal and reality are cut so simply, but it shows hundreds of faces more truly.
For some people, it is easy to divide social conditions into three or six categories. Which are noble, which are vulgar, which are smart, which are stupid, which are lovely and which are hateful, and most of them are just judging others. This book can give us a clearer enlightenment.
From the perspective of binary opposition, Eliot and Larry may be the two extremes of "either-or". The former takes "socialization" as the standard, while the latter persistently asks about the meaning of life. Comparing their life trajectories, we will find that they all have profound beliefs about their own way of existence.
Eliot, who has a precise grasp of social relations, knows well the way of interpersonal communication, is willing to be a useful partner of the rich and noble, and is full of a sense of accomplishment that never tires. He is extremely interested in people's social status, but he is by no means a snob. He is smart, helpful, generous and smooth enough to take care of the feelings of servants. In fact, the set of rules advocated by social circles are basically embodied by the highest standards, and the pursuit of elegance and nobility permeates every detail of life. No matter who looks at that high-grade life quality, there is nothing wrong with it except envy or jealousy. But in the second half of his life, he can clearly see that what he really enjoys is not life itself, but what others think of him. When he is old, he is full of fear of being "forgotten" with the upstart in the top social circle who gives him infinite glory. "Socialization is the meaning of his life, and the party is his breathing space. Being uninvited is equal to being despised and being isolated is even more shameful. " So that his last words before he died were all because he didn't receive the invitation from the princess, and he held a grudge and scolded "old bitch".
He looked down on Larry.
After Larry came back from World War I, he was completely uninterested in the so-called "life" of the people around him. He doesn't like hanging out in aristocratic circles, he doesn't want to make money in business, and he even disdains the "American dream" that makes countless people fight high. He saw the fleeting life. In the face of the cold bodies of his comrades-in-arms, Larry had doubts about life for the first time: "When people die, they really die completely." He couldn't feel at ease and lived in glitz all his life, so he began to wander for the rest of his life. With his talent and wisdom, he can get along well with Bond Company in Chicago if he wants, but he chose Paris and lived in a dilapidated and crowded collective apartment. The spiritual food provided by the National Library and the University of Paris made him feel very happy. Under the guidance of classic books, he saw the direction of survival, but the more he studied, the less he felt. He worked as a coal miner, a farm helper and a sailor, traveling around the world and understanding life. He doesn't care about the consumption of physical strength, and even feels that after being immersed in the spiritual world for a long time, he can get more balance, tranquility and pleasure by letting his body work. To outsiders, he is crazy to do such a stupid thing. However 1929, the economic crisis came and he was left to fend for himself. During his stay in India, he felt the vitality of life, whether his feelings were correct or not, and whether they inspired the world or not. Undoubtedly, he finally got a sense of fulfillment and joy in his life. What he has been learning is how to live.
Elliot and Larry, one lives for face and the other for lining.
There is no right or wrong. Their value lies in that they have enough perseverance to bear their own choices, and they are mature and firm. If you take it for granted, you can only be cannon fodder, no matter what.
As an outsider, the author always looks at everyone's life from the perspective of God. In this sense, in fact, all people are equal, and there is no distinction between high and low, because a person's life always revolves around his personal outlook on life, and no one cares about him outside that circle. And all his successes and failures are meaningless at this time.
The most important thing in life may actually be to know how to take care of your feelings. Although we all claim to be firm materialists, at some point, we have to admit that everything is outside the mind-if you are cheerful, everything will be furious; If it is difficult to alleviate, it will be eclipsed.
In fact, no one can care about others, and only being alone can embrace life. This is why we appreciate the free and easy personality.