【鄧小樺｜孤獨的勇氣，死人化粧師的愛情故事： #西西〈#像我這樣的一個女子〉｜已讀不回 S3 #2】

Summary

The video script delves into Hong Kong writer Xi Xi's novella 'A Girl Like Me,' a poignant exploration of love, fear, and societal expectations. The story centers on a female mortician who grapples with the fear of rejection due to her profession, a theme that resonates with feelings of isolation and the courage to embrace one's identity. Xi Xi's work, celebrated for its unique perspective and depth, invites readers to challenge conventional norms and appreciate the complexity of human experiences. The script also touches on Xi Xi's legacy, her resilience in the face of adversity, and her enduring impact on literature and art.

Takeaways

• 📚 The script introduces a novel by the renowned Hong Kong writer, Xi Xi, titled 'A Woman Like Me', as an excellent entry point for readers new to her works.
• 💡 The novel features a unique protagonist, a female mortician, which is a profession that provokes intrigue and reflection on societal perceptions.
• 💔 The story revolves around the protagonist's internal struggle and anxiety as she waits in a café to reveal her profession to her lover, Xia.
• 👥 The narrative explores themes of love, courage, and the fear of rejection due to one's profession, which can lead to isolation.
• 🏆 'A Woman Like Me' is recognized for its distinctive character and setting, earning Xi Xi the United Daily News 8th Novel Award for Recommended Short Stories.
• 📖 Xi Xi's writing often employs a childlike perspective to view the world, which has endeared her to many readers and defined Hong Kong's literary landscape.
• 🎭 The script highlights the protagonist's bravery in choosing a profession that is typically met with fear and avoidance, reflecting broader societal attitudes.
• ✍️ Despite facing physical challenges, such as being unable to write with her right hand due to breast cancer, Xi Xi continued to create, even writing with her left hand and making toys.
• 🌟 The script suggests that Xi Xi's work encourages readers to consider the courage it takes to embrace one's choices, even in the face of adversity.
• 🌈 The novel concludes with a message of hope and resilience, urging readers to maintain their spirit and courage, embodying the values Xi Xi championed throughout her life and work.

Q & A

Who is the author mentioned in the transcript, and why is she significant?

The author mentioned is Xi Xi, a Hong Kong writer whose work has had a profound impact on Hong Kong and Taiwanese literature. She passed away in December 2022, prompting widespread mourning in both regions.

What is the primary novel discussed in the transcript, and why is it considered a good introduction to Xi Xi's work?

The novel discussed is 'A Woman Like Me' (《像我這樣的一個女子》). It is considered a good entry point into Xi Xi's literary world because of its accessible yet deeply emotional exploration of loneliness, love, and courage.

What is the profession of the protagonist in 'A Woman Like Me', and why is it significant?

The protagonist is a mortuary cosmetologist, which is significant as it evokes societal discomfort and isolation. Her profession plays a crucial role in her personal struggle for acceptance, both in her relationships and within society.

How does the protagonist’s job affect her personal relationships?

The protagonist's honesty about her profession causes her friends to abandon her, leading to deep loneliness. This fear of rejection also affects her relationship with her love interest, Xia, as she worries he will not accept her work.

How does the protagonist’s relationship with her aunt influence her career and personal life?

The protagonist’s aunt, Yifen, taught her the skill of mortuary cosmetology, which allowed her to be financially independent. However, the aunt’s own life of isolation due to her profession creates a sense of foreboding in the protagonist’s personal relationships.

What broader themes does the novel 'A Woman Like Me' explore beyond the protagonist’s profession?

The novel explores themes of loneliness, societal rejection, and the sacrifices one makes for independence. It also delves into love and courage, particularly the inner conflict between fear of rejection and the desire to be accepted for who one truly is.

How does the novel's time setting reflect the struggles faced by the protagonist as a woman?

Set in the early 1980s, the novel reflects the societal pressures faced by women to choose between being strong, independent professionals and being submissive in romantic relationships. The protagonist’s struggle mirrors the broader feminist issues of that era.

How does the protagonist’s internal monologue contribute to the narrative?

The protagonist’s internal monologue is filled with anxiety, self-doubt, and emotional turmoil, offering deep insight into her fear of rejection and her struggle to find the courage to reveal her true self to Xia. This internal conflict drives much of the novel's tension.

What message does Xi Xi convey about courage through the novel?

Xi Xi suggests that true courage is not just in the grand acts but also in the willingness to reveal one’s vulnerabilities. The protagonist’s decision to let Xia know about her profession, despite the risk of rejection, reflects her quiet bravery.

How does the novel 'A Woman Like Me' relate to Xi Xi’s broader body of work?

Like much of Xi Xi’s work, 'A Woman Like Me' combines personal introspection with broader social commentary. It reflects her recurring themes of isolation, resilience, and the human desire for connection, often portraying complex, independent female characters.