In literary creation, every writer possesses a unique style and aesthetic inclination. Although their so-called “literary realism” and the “real” they pursue vary from person to person, they all more or less strive for their works to achieve a certain degree of “authenticity”. The pursuit of “authenticity” in the May Fourth literary scene was not uncommon, and the authenticity of literary works became a primary standard for evaluating their merit. However, Yu Dafu’s understanding of “real” evidently differed from that of other intellectuals of the May Fourth period. To many writers of that era, the authenticity of a work often depended on its portrayal and critique of social issues. They believed that revealing the genuine aspects of society was a mission and that exposing social darkness would awaken people’s desire for revolution and progress. Although Yu Dafu did not ignore the authentic portrayal of social realities, he focused more on the inner world of the individual. He believed that the greatest expression of literary realism lies in the genuine expression of emotions and loyalty to one’s inner world. His emphasis on fidelity to facts actually referred to the fidelity to the expression of one’s own emotions and desires.

Yu Dafu, who often pointed out that “literary works are all autobiographies of the authors”, believed that the authenticity of a literary work is closely related to the author’s level of self-insertion in the writing process. The greater the author’s self-insertion in the creative process, the more the work approaches authenticity, and the more it can convince readers of the authenticity presented in the text. This literary perspective led him to consistently  incorporate depictions of “sexual desire” and a style of writing characterized by self-disclosure. However, while the author’s self-insertion of personal emotions and experiences into writing can enhance the authenticity of their work, but in which aspects should this insertion occur? Does the authentic expression of emotions necessarily have to include depictions of sexual desire or the “exposure of privacy”? This study analyzes, through the works of Yu Dafu and his style of novel writing, an inquiry into these questions, while also examining the reasons for the frequent depiction of sexual desires in his novels.

Through the depiction of sexual desire and self-disclosure, Yu Dafu primarily exposed the constraints of traditional culture and the feudal moral system on modern individuals, while also calling forth the most genuine aspects of human nature. In his view, concealing one’s emotions or suppressing desires is a “hypocritical” act. He did not believe that an artist could completely detach from their emotional experiences during the creative process. Confronting the traditional literati’s concealment of their emotions and suppression of human “nature”, he expressed criticism and dissatisfaction. He advocated for candidly facing one’s most genuine emotions and desires, rather than hiding or disguising oneself. He found hypocrisy towards oneself more unbearable than any other criticism.

In Yu Dafu’s novels, we never encounter any flawless characters. On the contrary, he intentionally shapes flesh-and-blood protagonists, emphasizing their flaws and weaknesses. Through a direct and candid narrative tone, he courageously confronts his own pain, confusion, and inner struggles, presenting all his personal emotions without reservation to the reader. His unparalleled insight into characters’ inner worlds and his sincere portrayal are undeniably remarkable. His narrative requires no ornate embellishment yet resonates deeply with readers. He often presents his own vulnerability and imperfections through characters’ inner monologues. In an era characterized by stringent privacy norms, Yu Dafu courageously divulged the most intimate thoughts. The struggle and deep depression of these characters are portrayed with such authenticity that they resonate profoundly with countless readers.

 From a narrative perspective, Yu Dafu considers the self-exposure in literary creation as an artistic technique to reveal the inner self and authentically portray human nature. By depicting characters’ “shortcomings” and “deep desires”, he not only aims to confront the “self” candidly and expose its most genuine aspects but also enhances the authenticity of his works and characters. These so-called “shortcomings” and “desires” contribute to the lifelike qualities of the characters, making them more compelling and genuine.

 As a result of this study, it is evident that Yu Dafu narrates his novels within the framework of art that aims for a “self-defined” realism. Through a writing style that exposes his deepest “self” and sexual desires, he challenges the hypocritical attitudes of traditional literature and writers, and at times, he does so to be honest with himself. Although an author’s self-insertion in writing can enhance a work’s authenticity, the authentic expression of emotions has never strictly required the “self-disclosure”. Yu Dafu’s persistence in this particular creative style stemmed from a deeper reason. From the very beginning of existence, humankind has grappled with the inevitability of death while carrying within a profound desire to leave a lasting mark on this world. This desire becomes even more pronounced for artists and writers. Written works serve as one of the most powerful means of transcending time, allowing an individual’s thoughts, emotions, and perspectives to reach beyond their era. Writers aim not only to speak to their contemporaries but also to connect with future generations through their works. Great writers achieve this by delving into the universal aspects of human nature, ensuring their works are read and interpreted for centuries. Yu Dafu’s longing to become a great and enduring writer not only drove him to address the issues of his time but also compelled him to explore the deeper, timeless dimensions of human existence. This pursuit led him to repeatedly weave these profound reflections into his works, solidifying his place in literary history. As an avid reader of biographies, he observed that many of the great writers and poets who left their mark on history shared similar vulnerabilities and hardships with him. Furthermore, these frailties and uncontrollable desires are fundamental aspects of human nature, uniting people through a shared sense of experience. According to Yu Dafu, the main reason why works that have had a significant impact on society continue to be read and admired across different cultures and eras, even after many years, lies in their unflinching portrayal of human frailty, desires, and suppressed aspects of the self. Having read countless Chinese and Western novels, he realized early on that what grants infinity and permanence to writers and their works is the exploration of humanity’s shared values and universal struggles. Recognizing sexual desires as one of humanity’s most fundamental and universal urges, Yu Dafu intimately understands that they are a shared concern of all humanity. By expressing these desires, he aims to represent not only those who hesitate to articulate them in society, particularly the youth, but also to achieve lasting presence in literature.