Abstract: Yu Hua's novel The Seventh Day is based on news reports, and tells us of the sufferings of those small potatoes fairly far down the social pecking order, and of the misery of our country. It is written from the perspective of the dead with absurd narration. The novel, with incisive and warm wording, presents a re-examination and introspection on reality to its readers. It manifests the author's sense of social responsibility and his passion for the lower class and expresses the author's sincere devotion to writing Chinese stories. Unfortunately, the author immerses himself too much in reality to retrieve the news theme from the perspective of literary aesthetics. After being published the novel endures criticism and enjoys praise at the same time. It has been criticized a lot.

Key words: Yu Hua, The Seventh Day, pain, reality