Biography
A towering figure in the literary world of 20th-century China, Lu Xun left an indelible mark through his pioneering works and incisive critiques of Chinese society and culture. Celebrated by the Chinese Communist Party for shaping the minds of young intellectuals, his influence extended beyond literature into the realms of social and political reform. His life and work reveal a complex interplay of artistic brilliance and profound social commentary.
Formative Years
Zhou Shuren, who adopted the pen name Lu Xun, was born in 1881 in Shaoxing, China, into a family with business ties and minor official positions. From a young age, he and his brothers were steeped in the classical education of the Confucian tradition. Despite financial hardship caused by his grandfather's imprisonment for bribery and the death of his father in 1897, Lu Xun's mother, a determined and literate woman, played a crucial role in his upbringing, imparting resilience and fortitude that would shape his future.
Like many of his contemporaries, Lu Xun initially embraced modern education, moving away from Confucian studies. His brief stint at the Kiangnan Naval Academy in Nanjing in 1898 was followed by studies at the School of Railways and Mines, from which he graduated in 1901. A government scholarship then took him to Japan to study medicine, but witnessing China's plight during the Russo-Japanese War led him to pursue a different path. Between 1906 and 1909, Lu Xun redirected his efforts towards literature, hoping to awaken his countrymen to the imperative of revolutionary change.
Impactful Contributions
Lu Xun's prominence soared with the advent of the May Fourth Movement in 1919, a time of cultural awakening in China. His story "K’uang-jen jih-chi" (“The Diary of a Madman”) published in Hsin ch’ing-nien, starkly criticized the oppressive traditional family structure. This piece resonated deeply, encapsulating the frustration of youth trapped in rigid societal norms. It was the beginning of Lu Xun's national literary journey, characterized by Western stylistic influences and a sharp focus on social critique.
Continuing his literary mission, Lu Xun tackled the themes of self-deception and societal stagnation through stories like “Ah Q chong-chuan” (“The True Story of Ah Q”). He used these narratives to hold a mirror to China's perceived moral and cultural superiority, despite its technological backwardness. His works from 1919 to 1926, including numerous short stories, aimed to foster a sense of national identity and resistance among the Chinese youth. His writing style, noted for its acerbic realism, drew from his own experiences and observations of life in Shaoxing.
Political Engagement and Ideological Shifts
Lu Xun's political involvement intensified during the tumultuous 1920s. His defense of student rights and participation in events like the March 18, 1926 protest against Duan Qirui's government highlighted his commitment to social justice. Persecuted for his activism, he retreated to southern China, briefly teaching at Sun Yat-sen University before resigning amidst political purges. These experiences nudged him towards more radical political views.
His move to Shanghai in 1927 marked a significant phase in his life, where he began to align himself with leftist ideologies. Engaging with Communist circles, Lu Xun joined initiatives like the Freedom League and the League of Left-Wing Writers, advocating for free speech and artistic expression. Despite never officially joining the Communist Party, his association with it stemmed from a shared vision for China's liberation from oppressive foreign forces and internal tyranny.
Later Years and Legacy
Lu Xun's final years in Shanghai were devoid of new creative works, yet his influence remained unparalleled. He played a pivotal role in mentoring emerging writers and refining his essayist style. His translations of foreign literature and...
(This entire section contains 1024 words.)
Unlock this Study Guide Now
Start your 48-hour free trial and get ahead in class. Boost your grades with access to expert answers and top-tier study guides. Thousands of students are already mastering their assignments—don't miss out. Cancel anytime.
Already a member? Log in here.
exploration of traditional Chinese crafts, particularly woodblock engravings, demonstrated his commitment to integrating Western methods with national art forms.
Lu Xun's literary and political legacies are intertwined with his unyielding stance against the Kuomintang regime. His fearless denunciation of censorship and advocacy for reform cemented his status as a revolutionary figure. His complex personal narrative—marked by self-reflection and a deep-seated skepticism—added layers to his public persona, making him a symbol of China's quest for reform and modernization.
Reflective Insights
Lu Xun's work is celebrated for its profound insight into Chinese culture and the human condition. With a relatively small but impactful body of work, he challenged societal norms and inspired generations of writers and thinkers. His political engagement, though never purely ideological, was driven by a desire for national regeneration and the establishment of a society free from antiquated constraints.
In both his public and private life, Lu Xun embodied the complexities of a nation in transition. While the Communist Party often simplified his legacy to fit its narrative, his true contribution lies in his authentic portrayal of the struggles and aspirations of the Chinese people. His writings continue to resonate, offering timeless reflections on the nature of society and the enduring human spirit.
Further Reading
Goldman, Merle, ed. Chinese Literature in the May Fourth Era. Cambridge, Mass.: Harvard University Press, 1977. This book offers a comprehensive look at the literary renaissance of the 1920s, including insights into Lu Xun's educational background.
Hsia, Tsi-an. The Gate of Darkness: Studies on the Leftist Literary Movement in China. Seattle: University of Washington Press, 1968. Hsia's work delves into the personal anguish that pervades Lu Xun's writings during the May Fourth era.
Huang, Sung-k’ang. Lu Hsün and the New Cultural Movement of China. Westport, Conn.: Hyperion Press, 1975. This pioneering study examines Lu Xun's influence on the May Fourth writers and his relationship with the younger literary generation.
Lee, Leo Ou-fan. The Romantic Generation of Modern Chinese Writers. Cambridge, Mass.: Harvard University Press, 1973. Lee contextualizes Lu Xun within the wider May Fourth Movement, highlighting the literary community's push for social change.
Lee, Leo Ou-fan, ed. Lu Xun and His Legacy. Berkeley: University of California Press, 1985. An indispensable collection of essays from a conference on Lu Xun, exploring various facets of his life and work.
Lyell, William A., Jr. Lu Hsün’s Vision of Reality. Berkeley: University of California Press, 1976. This accessible biography introduces Lu Xun and his stories to a broad audience.
Wang, Shiquing. Lu Xun: A Biography. Beijing: Foreign Languages Press, 1984. A concise biography that offers the official Chinese Communist perspective on Lu Xun's life.
