"In recent years, my father and I have both been constantly on the move, and the family's situation has grown worse day by day. In his youth, he went out to make a living, supporting everything on his own and accomplishing many great things. Who would have thought that in his old age, he would decline like this? Seeing everything before him only filled him with sorrow, and naturally, he could not restrain his emotions. When feelings are pent up inside, they inevitably find an outlet; trivial matters at home would often trigger his anger. The way he treated me gradually became different from before. But in the past two years that we haven't met, he has finally forgotten all my faults, only thinking of me, thinking of his son. After I came north, he wrote me a letter, saying: 'I am in good health, only my arms ache badly. Lifting chopsticks or holding a pen is quite inconvenient. I suppose my time is not far off.' When I read this, through my glistening tears, I once again saw that stout figure, in a blue cotton robe and black jacket, walking away. Ah! I wonder when I will see him again!"
Thus ended the thousand-word essay 'Back View'.
When Youth Daily published 'Back View', the entire literary world was shaken.
Not only those who had previously debated Qiushui, but nearly all writers across Huaguo were stirred.
What other essay could be written with such classic brilliance?
What other prose about a father could be as moving as this one?
Almost every reader who read 'Back View' was deeply touched, and many were even moved to tears.
What remained in their minds was that line: "I was truly far too clever."
What stayed in their memories was the image of the father climbing over the railway to buy oranges for his son.
What lingered in their hearts, tugging at their emotions, was how the father had gradually forgotten all his son's faults, leaving only longing behind.
And that slightly stout figure, dressed in a blue cotton robe and black jacket, seen from behind.
The moment 'Back View' was published, no one knew how many readers were brought to tears that very day.
The moment 'Back View' was published, no one knew how many readers went home to visit their fathers.
The moment 'Back View' was published, it carved into their hearts a classic that could never be erased.
Soon after came an overwhelming wave of commentary from newspapers and magazines across the country.
Spark Magazine commented: "'Back View' spans fewer than fifty lines and just over a thousand words, yet the deeply moving power it unleashes does not rely on grand structure or ornate language, but on its sincerity, on the genuine emotion it expresses. Its apparent simplicity and plainness conceal an immense emotional force."
New Century News wrote: "What does it mean to find the extraordinary within the ordinary? Read 'Back View', and you will understand."
Southern Times commented: "Previously, some scholars forced Mr. Qiushui to write a classic essay, likely thinking that no matter how good it was, they would refuse to acknowledge it. But now, it must be said that sometimes, when a work is truly classic, you have no choice but to acknowledge it. As for this literary debate, the winner is obvious at a glance."
Even the Literary Arts Daily, which had criticized Qiushui before, quickly issued a statement: "Truth becomes clearer through discussion. It seems that through the exploration of many scholars and writers in Huaguo, prose has indeed found a new path. 'Loose in form, united in spirit' is the most important theoretical support for prose, and Mr. Qiushui's 'Back View' stands as its finest example. We believe this debate over prose in the literary world can now be concluded."
Guanghui Daily was naturally not idle either. These media outlets, when the debate had no conclusion, each had its own stance. But once the outcome became clear, they adopted an objective and public posture, showing no embarrassment over having previously criticized Qiushui. Regarding 'Back View', Guanghui Daily provided a comprehensive analysis of its unique qualities.
"Most character writing tends to focus on direct description, portraying facial features, posture, or clothing. While such approaches have their merits, relying on a single angle repeatedly can become dull and monotonous. A well-known writer, Xiao Qing, once advised in a letter: 'You are busy describing the character's face… this is nothing new, and such descriptions can be omitted.'
'Back View', however, takes a different path, depicting the character through his back.
Throughout history, few have written characters from this perspective. Yet, 'there are things others do not attempt that I will attempt, and things others attempt that I will not.' Mr. Qiushui embraces this challenge, choosing the unique angle of the back. This is a distinctive discovery inspired by life, and an artistic innovation in expression, demonstrating the author's originality and courage to break from convention. It is believed that after this work, whenever the words 'back view' are mentioned, they will prompt countless people to reflect."
In addition, the renowned critic Shen Junru, because of this very essay, became the first to publicly apologize to Qiushui through the media. He stated, "'Back View' offers the finest interpretation of 'loose form, united spirit.' I apologize to Mr. Qiushui for my previous actions driven by personal interests."
Beyond these media evaluations, countless reader reviews and reflections poured in like a tide.
"I'm also a 20-year-old student. I've never paid attention to my father's back, even if I've seen it. But today, after reading Mr. Qiushui's 'Back View', I realized that for all these years, I've cared so little about my father. Thank you, Mr. Qiushui. Your essay has taught me to cherish him."
"Mr. Qiushui, I am a middle school teacher. I often tell my students that a mother's love is like water, and a father's love is like a mountain. Most students can understand maternal love, but few truly grasp paternal love. I've given many examples before, but none were effective. After reading your 'Back View', I finally understand that those examples were far too shallow. True paternal love is often shown in the smallest, most unnoticeable ways. Thank you. I will read this essay aloud to my students."
"Mr. Qiushui, you need not feel sorrow. Your father already lives in your heart. But we must thank you. You reminded us of a father's love and showed us what it truly means."
"He has finally forgotten all my faults, only thinking of me… The moment I read that line, I broke down. Yes, how mischievous I was in my youth, yet my father has likely long forgotten it. What he remembers is simply his son."
"It's not just that part. When I read about the father buying oranges, his constant reminders, and the author being 'far too clever,' I kept thinking of myself. Back then, I was just like the author. Fortunately, it's not too late to understand now. I swear I will repay my father well in the future. And I will take the father in 'Back View' as my example and strive to be a good father myself."
"Today, I went to visit my father. He looked much older, no longer as energetic as before. But somehow, his figure seemed even taller…"
Whenever a classic work appears, the discussion around it never fades quickly.
'Back View' was no exception.
Its popularity would not end in a single day.
Nor would the praise cease after a single day.
'Back View' was destined to become a work passed down through history.
And its author, Qiushui, would likewise become known to the world through it.
Of course, that would take some time.
But that time was not far off.
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