Analysis of the Language Style in Sima Gong's Miscellaneous Essays

Abstract

The language of Sima Gong's miscellaneous essays is a harmonious blend of conciseness and brightness, as well as humor and wit. The conciseness and brightness of his language are manifested in conveying emotions and ideas through concrete imagery, condensing wisdom into pithy sentences, explaining philosophical insights with common sayings, and embedding profound meanings in simple strokes. His humorous language, on the other hand, is reflected in the techniques of exaggeration and deformation, the wit of puns, the ingenuity of ironic reversal, and the fun of homophonic misplacement. Sima Gong not only strikes at the essence of life with concise brushstrokes but also deconstructs various aspects of society with a humorous edge. He integrates philosophical thoughts into concise language, allowing ideas to flow naturally through witty banter.