China - A Country of Cannibals? The Motif of Cannibalism in Lu Xun’s “A Madman’s Diary”

China - A Country of Cannibals? The Motif of Cannibalism in Lu Xun’s “A Madman’s Diary”

Author: Dorina Marlen Heller

Publisher: GRIN Verlag

Published: 2020-01-28

Total Pages: 10

ISBN-13: 3346104680

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Seminar paper from the year 2015 in the subject Literature - Asia, grade: 1.0, University of Heidelberg (Institut für Sinologie), course: PS Einführung in die Chinesische Literatur, language: English, abstract: In this essay the focus will be on the motif of cannibalism in “A Madman’s Diary” (Kuangren riji), which is the central image of this short-story. I will examine it in the socio-political context the story was written in and analyse possible readings. Furthermore since the meaning of the image of cannibalism in this text has been thoroughly discussed over the last century, I want to go on briefly exploring the choice of this motif itself. Why has Lu Xun chosen this very image of cannibalism and what could we learn from this about the author’s view of (traditional) Chinese society? Lu Xun’s story has already been interpreted many times and in different ways. However it is and remains a significant and complex literary piece that should be read and interpreted again and again. First of all because of its importance for the history of modern Chinese literature, generally being considered to be the first modern Chinese short-story (Hsia 33) and even more to mark the beginning of modern Chinese literature itself (Chou 1042). Despite this evident contribution to the genre of modern Chinese fiction, Lu Xun’s story can also be viewed as a “prototypical text of social protest and criticism in modern Chinese literature” (Tang).


Book Synopsis China - A Country of Cannibals? The Motif of Cannibalism in Lu Xun’s “A Madman’s Diary” by : Dorina Marlen Heller

Download or read book China - A Country of Cannibals? The Motif of Cannibalism in Lu Xun’s “A Madman’s Diary” written by Dorina Marlen Heller and published by GRIN Verlag. This book was released on 2020-01-28 with total page 10 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Seminar paper from the year 2015 in the subject Literature - Asia, grade: 1.0, University of Heidelberg (Institut für Sinologie), course: PS Einführung in die Chinesische Literatur, language: English, abstract: In this essay the focus will be on the motif of cannibalism in “A Madman’s Diary” (Kuangren riji), which is the central image of this short-story. I will examine it in the socio-political context the story was written in and analyse possible readings. Furthermore since the meaning of the image of cannibalism in this text has been thoroughly discussed over the last century, I want to go on briefly exploring the choice of this motif itself. Why has Lu Xun chosen this very image of cannibalism and what could we learn from this about the author’s view of (traditional) Chinese society? Lu Xun’s story has already been interpreted many times and in different ways. However it is and remains a significant and complex literary piece that should be read and interpreted again and again. First of all because of its importance for the history of modern Chinese literature, generally being considered to be the first modern Chinese short-story (Hsia 33) and even more to mark the beginning of modern Chinese literature itself (Chou 1042). Despite this evident contribution to the genre of modern Chinese fiction, Lu Xun’s story can also be viewed as a “prototypical text of social protest and criticism in modern Chinese literature” (Tang).

Diary of a Madman and Other Stories

Diary of a Madman and Other Stories

Author: Lu Xun

Publisher:

Published: 2023-03-06

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13:

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"Diary of a Madman", also translated as "A Madman's Diary" is a short story by the Chinese writer Lu Xun, published in 1918. It was the first and most influential work written in vernacular Chinese in republican era China, and would become a cornerstone of the New Culture Movement. Lu Xun's stories often critiqued early 20th century Chinese society, and "Diary of a Madman" established a new language and revolutionary figure of Chinese literature, an attempt to challenge conventional thinking and traditional understanding. The diary form and the idea of the madman who sees reality more clearly than those around him were inspired by Nikolai Gogol's short story "Diary of a Madman". Lu Xun's "madman" sees "cannibalism" both in his family and the village around him, and he then finds cannibalism in the Confucian classics which had long been credited with a humanistic concern for the mutual obligations of society, and thus used to justify the superiority of Confucian civilization. The story can be read as an sardonic attack on traditional Chinese culture and society and a call for a new culture. "Diary of a Madman" is the opening story in Lu Xun's first collection, and has often been referred to as "China's first modern short story". It was only the second modern vernacular Chinese story, after Chen Hengzhe's "One Day". It was selected as one of the 100 best books in history by the Bokklubben World Library, and listed as one of the ten best Asian novels of all time by The Telegraph in 2014. Despite its success and dominance in Chinese literature, Lu Xun's stories took five years before they were widely recognized as a notable works of literature. Before he published the "Diary", Lu Xun was in a state of complete hopelessness and despair. His state of mind being unknown readers during this time, except to the few individuals who were close to him. Thus "Diary of a Madman", with its use of foreign techniques, was not easily comprehensible to most audiences at the time. The theme of cannibalism, and notion of "eating oneself", sparked controversy and criticism among readers due to its ambiguity and interpretation as an extremely harsh criticism of general Chinese culture and traditional ideas. Lu Xun's attempts to cure the cultural malaise which exists in traditional Chinese society through his writings were not easily embraced. However, the "unprecedented" nature of the story and its salient themes and timely arrival captured the attention of many authors and commentators alike. Overall, Lu Xun's work serves as an account of historical change in republican era China and biting social criticism towards issues which still hold relevance in Chinese society today. Lu Xun's short stories were recognized as a significant work of modern classical Chinese literature, reflecting the themes of Chinese society's struggle to break free from a culture of tyrannical imperial power which had ruled the country for millenia, the problematic social structure of Chinese society and the political issues of the time. (wikipedia.org)


Book Synopsis Diary of a Madman and Other Stories by : Lu Xun

Download or read book Diary of a Madman and Other Stories written by Lu Xun and published by . This book was released on 2023-03-06 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "Diary of a Madman", also translated as "A Madman's Diary" is a short story by the Chinese writer Lu Xun, published in 1918. It was the first and most influential work written in vernacular Chinese in republican era China, and would become a cornerstone of the New Culture Movement. Lu Xun's stories often critiqued early 20th century Chinese society, and "Diary of a Madman" established a new language and revolutionary figure of Chinese literature, an attempt to challenge conventional thinking and traditional understanding. The diary form and the idea of the madman who sees reality more clearly than those around him were inspired by Nikolai Gogol's short story "Diary of a Madman". Lu Xun's "madman" sees "cannibalism" both in his family and the village around him, and he then finds cannibalism in the Confucian classics which had long been credited with a humanistic concern for the mutual obligations of society, and thus used to justify the superiority of Confucian civilization. The story can be read as an sardonic attack on traditional Chinese culture and society and a call for a new culture. "Diary of a Madman" is the opening story in Lu Xun's first collection, and has often been referred to as "China's first modern short story". It was only the second modern vernacular Chinese story, after Chen Hengzhe's "One Day". It was selected as one of the 100 best books in history by the Bokklubben World Library, and listed as one of the ten best Asian novels of all time by The Telegraph in 2014. Despite its success and dominance in Chinese literature, Lu Xun's stories took five years before they were widely recognized as a notable works of literature. Before he published the "Diary", Lu Xun was in a state of complete hopelessness and despair. His state of mind being unknown readers during this time, except to the few individuals who were close to him. Thus "Diary of a Madman", with its use of foreign techniques, was not easily comprehensible to most audiences at the time. The theme of cannibalism, and notion of "eating oneself", sparked controversy and criticism among readers due to its ambiguity and interpretation as an extremely harsh criticism of general Chinese culture and traditional ideas. Lu Xun's attempts to cure the cultural malaise which exists in traditional Chinese society through his writings were not easily embraced. However, the "unprecedented" nature of the story and its salient themes and timely arrival captured the attention of many authors and commentators alike. Overall, Lu Xun's work serves as an account of historical change in republican era China and biting social criticism towards issues which still hold relevance in Chinese society today. Lu Xun's short stories were recognized as a significant work of modern classical Chinese literature, reflecting the themes of Chinese society's struggle to break free from a culture of tyrannical imperial power which had ruled the country for millenia, the problematic social structure of Chinese society and the political issues of the time. (wikipedia.org)

A Madman's Diary

A Madman's Diary

Author: Lu Xun

Publisher: CreateSpace

Published: 2014-08-26

Total Pages: 64

ISBN-13: 9781500946654

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This English and Chinese bilingual edition of a "A Madman's Diary" was first published in 1918 by Lu Xun, one of the greatest writers in 20th-century Chinese literature. This short story is one of the first and most influential modern works written in vernacular Chinese and would become a cornerstone of the New Culture Movement. The story was often referred to as "China's first modern short story". This book is selected as one of The 100 Best Books of All Time. The diary form was inspired by Nikolai Gogol's short story "Diary of a Madman, " as was the idea of the madman who sees reality more clearly than those around him. The "madman" sees "cannibalism" both in his family and the village around him, and he then finds cannibalism in the Confucian classics which had long been credited with a humanistic concern for the mutual obligations of society, and thus for the superiority of Confucian civilization. The story was read as an ironic attack on traditional Chinese culture and a call for a New Culture.


Book Synopsis A Madman's Diary by : Lu Xun

Download or read book A Madman's Diary written by Lu Xun and published by CreateSpace. This book was released on 2014-08-26 with total page 64 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This English and Chinese bilingual edition of a "A Madman's Diary" was first published in 1918 by Lu Xun, one of the greatest writers in 20th-century Chinese literature. This short story is one of the first and most influential modern works written in vernacular Chinese and would become a cornerstone of the New Culture Movement. The story was often referred to as "China's first modern short story". This book is selected as one of The 100 Best Books of All Time. The diary form was inspired by Nikolai Gogol's short story "Diary of a Madman, " as was the idea of the madman who sees reality more clearly than those around him. The "madman" sees "cannibalism" both in his family and the village around him, and he then finds cannibalism in the Confucian classics which had long been credited with a humanistic concern for the mutual obligations of society, and thus for the superiority of Confucian civilization. The story was read as an ironic attack on traditional Chinese culture and a call for a New Culture.

A Madman's Diary

A Madman's Diary

Author: Lu Lu Xun

Publisher: Createspace Independent Publishing Platform

Published: 2016-06-02

Total Pages: 66

ISBN-13: 9781533571946

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This edition of Lu Xun's Chinese classic A Madman's Diary features both English and Chinese side by side for easy reference and bilingual support. The Lu Xun Bilingual Study Series includes a study guide and additional materials for each book in the series. Published in 1918 by Lu Xun, one of the greatest writers in 20th-century Chinese literature. This short story is one of the first and most influential modern works written in vernacular Chinese and would become a cornerstone of the New Culture Movement. It is the first story in Call to Arms, a collection of short stories by Lu Xun. The story was often referred to as "China's first modern short story". The diary form was inspired by Nikolai Gogol's short story "Diary of a Madman, " as was the idea of the madman who sees reality more clearly than those around him. The "madman" sees "cannibalism" both in his family and the village around him, and he then finds cannibalism in the Confucian classics which had long been credited with a humanistic concern for the mutual obligations of society, and thus for the superiority of Confucian civilization. The story was read as an ironic attack on traditional Chinese culture and a call for a New Culture. The English translation is provided courtesy of the Marxists Internet Archive.


Book Synopsis A Madman's Diary by : Lu Lu Xun

Download or read book A Madman's Diary written by Lu Lu Xun and published by Createspace Independent Publishing Platform. This book was released on 2016-06-02 with total page 66 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This edition of Lu Xun's Chinese classic A Madman's Diary features both English and Chinese side by side for easy reference and bilingual support. The Lu Xun Bilingual Study Series includes a study guide and additional materials for each book in the series. Published in 1918 by Lu Xun, one of the greatest writers in 20th-century Chinese literature. This short story is one of the first and most influential modern works written in vernacular Chinese and would become a cornerstone of the New Culture Movement. It is the first story in Call to Arms, a collection of short stories by Lu Xun. The story was often referred to as "China's first modern short story". The diary form was inspired by Nikolai Gogol's short story "Diary of a Madman, " as was the idea of the madman who sees reality more clearly than those around him. The "madman" sees "cannibalism" both in his family and the village around him, and he then finds cannibalism in the Confucian classics which had long been credited with a humanistic concern for the mutual obligations of society, and thus for the superiority of Confucian civilization. The story was read as an ironic attack on traditional Chinese culture and a call for a New Culture. The English translation is provided courtesy of the Marxists Internet Archive.

The True Story of Ah Q & The Diary of a Madman

The True Story of Ah Q & The Diary of a Madman

Author: Lu Xun

Publisher: Sahitya Press

Published: 2024-05-29

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13:

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"The True Story of Ah Q & The Diary of a Madman" ​​​​Dive into the heart of early 20th-century China with Lu Xun's masterful Books, "The True Story of Ah Q" and "The Diary of a Madman." These two seminal works, now bound together in one volume, offer a piercing glimpse into the Chinese psyche and society's transformation during a time of tumultuous change. "The True Story of Ah Q" is an episodic novella that follows the misadventures of Ah Q, a character who has become synonymous with the flawed human condition. Through Ah Q's various defeats and his delusional insistence on "spiritual victories," Lu Xun crafts a satirical critique of the societal failures and the hollow triumphs of the Xinhai Revolution. "The Diary of a Madman," on the other hand, is a harrowing journey into the mind of a man descending into paranoia and madness. As the protagonist uncovers the metaphorical cannibalism within his society, Lu Xun delivers a powerful indictment of traditional Confucian values and the oppressive social order of his time. This book is not just a reflection of historical China but a timeless exploration of human nature and societal flaws. Lu Xun's sharp wit and profound insights make these stories as relevant today as they were a century ago. Perfect for both lovers of classic literature and newcomers, this book promises to be a thought-provoking read that will linger with you long after the last page is turned.


Book Synopsis The True Story of Ah Q & The Diary of a Madman by : Lu Xun

Download or read book The True Story of Ah Q & The Diary of a Madman written by Lu Xun and published by Sahitya Press. This book was released on 2024-05-29 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "The True Story of Ah Q & The Diary of a Madman" ​​​​Dive into the heart of early 20th-century China with Lu Xun's masterful Books, "The True Story of Ah Q" and "The Diary of a Madman." These two seminal works, now bound together in one volume, offer a piercing glimpse into the Chinese psyche and society's transformation during a time of tumultuous change. "The True Story of Ah Q" is an episodic novella that follows the misadventures of Ah Q, a character who has become synonymous with the flawed human condition. Through Ah Q's various defeats and his delusional insistence on "spiritual victories," Lu Xun crafts a satirical critique of the societal failures and the hollow triumphs of the Xinhai Revolution. "The Diary of a Madman," on the other hand, is a harrowing journey into the mind of a man descending into paranoia and madness. As the protagonist uncovers the metaphorical cannibalism within his society, Lu Xun delivers a powerful indictment of traditional Confucian values and the oppressive social order of his time. This book is not just a reflection of historical China but a timeless exploration of human nature and societal flaws. Lu Xun's sharp wit and profound insights make these stories as relevant today as they were a century ago. Perfect for both lovers of classic literature and newcomers, this book promises to be a thought-provoking read that will linger with you long after the last page is turned.

Diary of a Madman and Other Stories

Diary of a Madman and Other Stories

Author: Lu Xun

Publisher: University of Hawaii Press

Published: 2021-05-25

Total Pages: 441

ISBN-13: 0824841700

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"Here at last is an accurate and enjoyable rendering of Lu Xun's fiction in an American English idiom that masterfully captures the sardonic wit, melancholy pathos, and ironic vision of China's first truly modern writer." -Michael S. Duke, University of British Columbia The inventor of the modern Chinese short story, Lu Xun is universally regarded as twentieth century China’s greatest writer. This long awaited volume presents new translations of all Lu Xun’s stories, including his first, “Remembrances of the Past,” written in classical Chinese. These new renderings faithfully convey both the brilliant style and the pungent expression for which Lu Xun is famous. Also included are a substantial introduction by the translator and sufficient annotation to make the stories fully accessible, enabling readers approaching Lu Xun for the first time to appreciate why these stories occupy a permanent place not only in Chinese literature but in world literature as well.


Book Synopsis Diary of a Madman and Other Stories by : Lu Xun

Download or read book Diary of a Madman and Other Stories written by Lu Xun and published by University of Hawaii Press. This book was released on 2021-05-25 with total page 441 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "Here at last is an accurate and enjoyable rendering of Lu Xun's fiction in an American English idiom that masterfully captures the sardonic wit, melancholy pathos, and ironic vision of China's first truly modern writer." -Michael S. Duke, University of British Columbia The inventor of the modern Chinese short story, Lu Xun is universally regarded as twentieth century China’s greatest writer. This long awaited volume presents new translations of all Lu Xun’s stories, including his first, “Remembrances of the Past,” written in classical Chinese. These new renderings faithfully convey both the brilliant style and the pungent expression for which Lu Xun is famous. Also included are a substantial introduction by the translator and sufficient annotation to make the stories fully accessible, enabling readers approaching Lu Xun for the first time to appreciate why these stories occupy a permanent place not only in Chinese literature but in world literature as well.

Chinese Modern

Chinese Modern

Author: Xiaobing Tang

Publisher: Duke University Press

Published: 2000-04-03

Total Pages: 396

ISBN-13: 9780822324478

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DIVAn analysis of the Chinese experience of modernity through the literary works, films and other cultural artifacts that represent it. /div


Book Synopsis Chinese Modern by : Xiaobing Tang

Download or read book Chinese Modern written by Xiaobing Tang and published by Duke University Press. This book was released on 2000-04-03 with total page 396 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: DIVAn analysis of the Chinese experience of modernity through the literary works, films and other cultural artifacts that represent it. /div

Mulberry and Peach

Mulberry and Peach

Author: Hualing Nie

Publisher: Feminist Press at CUNY

Published: 1998

Total Pages: 244

ISBN-13: 9781558611825

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A brilliantly crafted picaresque novel, sensual, harrowing and even comic, of an Asian-American woman's exile


Book Synopsis Mulberry and Peach by : Hualing Nie

Download or read book Mulberry and Peach written by Hualing Nie and published by Feminist Press at CUNY. This book was released on 1998 with total page 244 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A brilliantly crafted picaresque novel, sensual, harrowing and even comic, of an Asian-American woman's exile

Slave Mother

Slave Mother

Author: Roushi

Publisher:

Published: 1947

Total Pages: 110

ISBN-13:

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Book Synopsis Slave Mother by : Roushi

Download or read book Slave Mother written by Roushi and published by . This book was released on 1947 with total page 110 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Madman's Diary

Madman's Diary

Author: Xun Lu

Publisher:

Published: 1998

Total Pages: 107

ISBN-13:

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Book Synopsis Madman's Diary by : Xun Lu

Download or read book Madman's Diary written by Xun Lu and published by . This book was released on 1998 with total page 107 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: