A poem is defined as a composition written in verse. Poems rely heavily on imagery, precise word choice, and metaphor(隐喻), and may take either the form of measures consisting of patterns of stresses or of patterns of different-length syllables. But they don’t necessarily make use of rhyme. Poetry appears earlier than other forms of literature;however one cannot readily tell the characteristics of early poetry. Typically, as a form of literature, poetry makes great use of the forms of the words it uses. That is to say, it focuses on the features of the written or spoken word, rather than on their meaning.

The play, or drama, is another classical literary form that has continued to develop over the years. It generally consists chiefly of a dialogue between characters and is usually for theatrical performances rather than for reading. During the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, opera developed as a combination of poetry, drama, and music.

An essay consists of a discussion of a topic from an author’s personal point of view. The word “essay” in English is from the French word meaning “attempt”. In this sense, it could be said to mean the author’s attempt to make others accept their view.

Prose consists of writing that does not stick to any particular formal structures. Prose writing can take beautiful forms, but not because of the forms of words it uses.

A novel consists simply of a long story written in prose, yet this form has only developed comparatively recently. Early novels in Europe did not, at the time, count as significant literature, perhaps because “mere” prose writing seemed easy and unimportant. It has become clear, however, that prose writing can provide pleasure to those readers even though it doesn’t stick to poetic forms.

We Chinese are not big huggers. A handshake or a pat on the shoulder is enough to convey our friendship or affection to one another. So when our newly-acquainted Western friends reach out in preparation for a hug, some of us feel awkward.

Many questions go through our head. Where should I put my arms? Under their armpits (胳肢窝) or around their neck? What distance should I maintain? Should our chests touch?

It’s even more difficult with friends from some European countries. Should I kiss them on the cheek while hugging? Which side? Or is it both cheeks? Which side should I start on?

But it isn’t just people from cultures that emphasize a reservedness in expressing physical intimacy(亲密) who find hugging confusing. Hugs can cause discomfort or even distress in people who value their personal space.

In a recent article for The Wall Street Journal, US psychologist Peggy Drexler said that although the US remains a “medium touch” culture — “more physically demonstrative(公开表露感情的) than Japan, where a bow is the all-purpose hello and goodbye, but less demonstrative than Latin or Eastern European cultures, where hugs are strong and can include a kiss on both cheeks”, Americans do seem to be hugging more.

From politicians to celebrities, hugs are given willy-nilly (不管愿意不愿意的）to friends, strangers and enemies alike; and the public has been quick to pick up the practice. US First Lady Michelle Obama has put her arms around icy foreign leaders like Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev and the Queen of England, on the latter occasion actually breaking the rule of royal manners.

But not all are grateful to be hugged, even by the most influential and famous. To them, any hug is offensive if it’s not sincere.

Amanda Hess, writing for US magazine Slate, says public figures should stop imposing hugs on everyone they meet. For them, a hug is rarely a gesture of sincere fellowship, compassion or affection. It’s all part of a show. Hugs are falsely close power plays used by public figures to establish their social dominance (统治力）over those in their grasp.

Cecilia Walden, a British journalist writing for The Telegraph who lives in New York, holds the same opinion. “Power-hugging”, as she calls it, is “an offender dressed up as kindness”. It has become a fashion in the US where “bosses are already embracing their staff (either shortly before or after firing them), men and women ,their friends or enemies, in a thousand cheating displays of unity”.