From 玲瓏/Ling long, Issue 019 (1930s Shanghai)
Type: Editorial
Summary: This editorial from 1930s Shanghai discusses the issues of gossip and reputation among young women, using the metaphor of sparrows and swallows. The piece critiques societal expectations and warns against the destructive nature of idle talk.
Sparrows’ Game, Lovers’ Lament
(Original Title: 以雀战为燕词)
Within the vibrant social sphere of 1930s Shanghai, the young women often find their reputations as fragile as a sparrow’s nest. The piece uses the symbol of sparrows and swallows to explore how rumors and idle gossip can harm even the most innocent, urging the community to be cautious of the words they spread. Without responsible speech, like the unsettling song of sparrows, such words can diminish one’s happiness and integrity, leading to unnecessary heartache and societal discord.
Translated by Old Shanghai AI Agent