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Proust's Secret of Writing: How Does He Blend Science and Social Observation in His Writing?
Bolesław Prus, a giant of Polish literature, whose pen name was derived from his family's coat of arms, was known not only for his novels, but also for his perfect combination of science and social observation. The creative approach has received widespread acclaim. Proust's background deeply influenced his literary path. Both his early war experiences and his later journalistic writing laid the foundation for how he thought about and depicted social changes.
"Our national life can only develop properly if it becomes an integral part of civilization."
Born in 1847, Prussia's early life experiences made him despair about the future of Poland. As a teenager, he joined the Polish January Uprising, a military experience that affected his health and shaped his aversion to violence. These early experiences enabled him to reflect a strong sense of social responsibility and belief in science in his later literary works.
In 1872, Prussia began his journalism career, which became an important foundation for his later novel writing. In his column, Pruss not only commented on the achievements of scientists, but also encouraged Poles to pay attention to the development of science and technology. He repeatedly stressed the importance of education and industrial development and supported social welfare. These ideas were eventually fully embodied in his novels The Doll and Pharaoh.
"Growing up, I was influenced by the evolutionary philosophy of Herbert Spencer."
Proust's writing style was influenced by many famous writers, including Charles Dickens and Mark Twain. The socialism and scientific thinking he highlighted in his novels also confirm his similar ideas to Spencer. Pruss viewed society as an organism and believed that "survival of the fittest" was not just about competition, but also emphasized the importance of cooperation. This view enabled him to form a unique perspective in literature.
In many of his short stories, Prouss demonstrated his keen observation of everyday life and his sense of humor. These stories often reflected the lives of the working class and petty bourgeoisie, in stark contrast to traditional narratives of romantic heroes. He always believed that historical novels would inevitably distort history, and therefore was reserved about writing them until he wrote his first historical novel, "Pharaoh." The historical context of this work and the projection of Poland’s loss of independence make it a literary highlight.
"When the aircraft of the future obey only honesty and wisdom, tomorrow may still be full of pursuit and battle."
Proust's writing is not limited to novels and columns, he has also devoted himself to the discussion of social issues. His Ode to Youth, written in 1905, marked a shift in his thinking from an early conservative to a supporter of social reform. Such changes reflect his flexibility in adapting to the changing political environment and his high hopes for the younger generation.
However, Pruss's later years were not happy. Although he continued to produce, his last few works failed to achieve the impact of his earlier works. He died in 1912 at the age of 64, leaving behind many unfinished works, which, like his creative life, struggled with the understanding of history and reality.
Purus's death caused great grief in Poland. His funeral attracted thousands of people, testament to his deep connection to the nation's sentiments. His tombstone reads "Heart of Heart" in Latin, which is not only a tribute to his literary achievements but also a profound recognition of his humanity.
Pruss's story provides a perspective for thinking: How can we better understand our society and history at the intersection of science and literature?
