44 pages • 1 hour read
Shen FuSix Records of a Floating Life
Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 1809A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Essay Topics
Shen Fu frequently uses similes and metaphors along with symbolic and figurative language throughout his writing. Explore Shen Fu’s use of such literary devices, discussing the impact and effectiveness of these linguistic techniques.
Analyze the theme of The Enduring Nature of Love and Companionship in regard to the marriage between Shen Fu and Chen Yun. Compare and contrast their relationship with other notable famous romances from Chinese literature and folklore (e.g., in The Butterfly Lovers, Romance of the West Chamber, etc.)
Write an essay exploring the significance of the motif of clothing in Six Records of a Floating Life. Consider Shen Fu’s reasons for including this motif and the role of clothes as a significant marker of class and status during the Qing Dynasty.
How do marriage laws and practices in modern China differ from those of the Qing Dynasty? Discuss the causes and effects of the changes that occurred in the centuries between Shen Fu’s lifetime and the present day, as well as the contemporaneous social and cultural movements that had an impact on Chinese marriage practices.
Confucianism is key to the theme of Filial Piety and the Position of Women. Analyze the significance of this theme in Shen Fu’s life and consider to what extent the society presented by Shen Fu in Six Records of a Floating Life aligns with the principles of Confucianism.
How successful is Six Records of a Floating Life in communicating and promoting Shen Fu’s own interpretation of events, as well as his personal values? Discuss the presence of bias in the text, as well as Shen Fu’s use of persuasive rhetorical techniques when justifying his actions or stating his opinions.
Shen Fu mentions a number of significant Chinese cultural traditions and festivals through the course of the book. Select several prominent examples to describe and explain. Why might each of these have been included in the text? What impact does their inclusion have on the presentation of characters, events, and themes?
Explore Shen Fu’s treatment of the theme of The Value of Simplicity and the Natural World from the perspective of a modern audience. Consider modern advancements, cultural movements, and issues (e.g., climate change, the digital revolution, modern art, etc.). Discuss whether this theme is as convincing and relevant in the present day as it was during the Qing Dynasty.
Shen Fu makes frequent literary references throughout Six Records of a Floating Life, with even the phrase “Floating Life” originating in the poetry of famous Tang Dynasty poet Li Bai (701-762). Discuss the role of literary references and allusions in the text, as well as their impact and effectiveness in conveying the book’s themes.
A famous Chinese proverb states, “Brothers are like limbs, while wives and children are like clothes. Torn clothing can be mended, but how can broken limbs be repaired?” (Luo Guanzhong, Romance of the Three Kingdoms (14th century) Chapter 15 “兄弟如手足，妻子如衣服。衣服破，尚可缝； 手足断，安可续?”). This quote expresses the point of view that wives and children are expendable, whereas close male companions are irreplaceable. Does Shen Fu appear to agree or disagree with this point of view, and to what extent is it reflected in his actions, priorities, and experiences through Six Records of a Floating Life?
