Li Er's attention to the existential state of intellectuals has been a focal point in his writing over the years,particularly evident in his meticulously crafted novel Yingwu Xiong,which took thirteen years to complete.The work delineates a diverse array of contemporary intellectual figures,portraying their joys and sorrows,fears,and anxieties,thereby illuminating the current survival status of intellectu-als.Employing vivid portraits of the era,the author constructs a vast celestial map of the times,showcas-ing Li Er's innovative poetic exploration in the realm of art.It's worth noting that the animal image in this work plays a crucial role,endowed with metaphorical functions and symbolic significance.The tension formed through animal metaphors intertwines seamlessly with the narrative of intellectuals,and their combined influence renders Li Er's portrayal of intellectual life richer and more vivid,vividly expressing his profound concerns about the existential state of intellectuals.
Li ErYingwu Xiongintellectual narrativesanimal metaphors