Research Article

Emotional Expression from a Child Narrative Perspective: A Case Study of Memories of Peking, South Side Story

Ziying Fang*
South China Agricultural University

* Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract

In today's fast-paced modern life, people's pace of living has accelerated, interpersonal emotions have become increasingly distant, and inner feelings of anxiety and restlessness have grown. In this context, people need ways to relieve their irritability and gain emotional support. This paper focuses on emotional expression through a child narrative perspective—using Memories of Peking, South Side Story by Lin Haiyin as a case study. Through the perspective of Xiaoyingzi, a naive and childlike narrator full of memories and innocence, this paper explores the expression of genuine emotions. By combining literature analysis and textual analysis, the study reveals the significance of the child narrative perspective in emotional expression. It breaks away from the complexity of the adult perspective and examines the suffering and parting of the adult world through a child's lens. Conveyed in a warm and tender manner, this approach provides meaningful insight for contemporary society to return to its true self and rediscover authentic emotions.

Keywords: child narrative perspective; emotional expression; parting and nostalgia; childhood days
Published: September 22, 2026
DOI: 10.54254/2753-7064/2026.HT37097
Volume: CHR Vol.115
pp. 96-99
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