The Effect of Chinese Literature on Modern China
Writers of the Past Exhibit and Influence Chinese Characteristics
Literature plays an important part in the past and present culture of China. Chinese people seem to find identity in their country’s history, fictional stories, and even in the lives of those who wrote these works. Studying just two major authors in Chinese history, one a historian and the other a writer of fiction, can reveal a wealth of information about the fears, aspirations and attitudes of these fascinating people.
Sima Qian and the Shiji
The Shiji is a condensed version of 200 years of Chinese history, and is attributed to the great historian Sima Qian. Also known as the "Records of the Grand Historian," the Shiji served as a pattern for a large number of future writings. Sima Qian's father, Sima Tan, began writing the Shiji, but died before it was finished, laying the duty of finishing the work on his son. During his life, Sima Qian faced humiliation and persecution. The traditional ancient Chinese response to such shame was ritual suicide, and yet he refused to protect his honor and commit this act in order to finish his father’s record.
A major portion of what is known about Chinese history comes from the Shiji. A large number of other works have referenced this historical work, and the pattern of writing used therein is also used in numerous other documents by many writers.
Some have doubted the historical accuracy of many writings contained within the Shiji. However, oracle bones and other archeological findings have given some proof to the fact that the stories within the Shiji are fairly reliable. This makes the Records of the Grand Historian even more important, as it is in fact a relatively reliable recounting of Chinese history, as well as one of the most, if not the single most complete Chinese histories.
Millions of Chinese people still reverence Sima Qian’s name today for the humiliation and dishonor he suffered to bring forth China’s most important historical work. The spirit of accomplishing a task no matter at what cost, as well as a respect and knowledge of the past, are both still present in many modern Chinese people. Together, these features create a base for understanding the Chinese mindset.
Lu Xun and Early 20th Century China
One of the main concerns of almost all people in early 20th century China and as well, indeed, in many times throughout the country’s history, was that of instability. The country was divided a number of ways by various ruling warlords, and although it seems most Chinese people wanted a unified China, they were in disagreement as to how to govern it. Lu Xun, also known as Zhou Shuren, was an influential writer whose works embodied the instable attitude of the time. His writings seem to lean toward advocating a Communist government, though it’s hard to tell his actual affiliations from just his stories.
Each of Lu Xun’s stories, however, definitely has some deeper meaning about it that is not as obvious as the more straightforward plot of the story. Most seem to be filled with confusion and a sense of not knowing what should be done.
In Lu’s short story Diary of a Madman, the main character believed absolutely everyone wanted to eat him, but wasn’t quite sure how to stop it from happening. The protagonist in the twisted love story Regret for the Past also didn’t know how to fix his failing relationship with his girlfriend, and even thought of killing her, but in the end made a decision almost on a whim and it ended up being the wrong one. The family in Lu Xun’s Medicine wanted desperately to fix their son’s illness, but they weren’t sure how, so they relied on ridiculous advice that didn’t help anything. Each of these people was confused, and this absolutely reflects the state China was in at the time.
It seems Lu Xun was also trying to cause the Chinese people to carefully consider their actions instead of jumping on the first thing that came along and calling it a solution to their problems. Also, he wanted them to think for themselves and not let anything be forced upon them.
For example, in The New Year’s Sacrifice, the main character was a servant woman who seemed to have a good life serving a family in Luchen. However, later she was forced to go away and marry someone she didn’t want to, and her life ended up being miserable.
Lu wanted to change common thought processes. To be rid of the old way of Chinese thinking, break out of their ever-repeating cycles and think up their own solution seems to be what Lu Xun was advocating.
A basic knowledge of each of these great writers and their works (Sima Qian and his devotedly-kept history as well as Lu Xun and his analogous short stories) facilitates an understanding of many Chinese actions today. While there exist large number of people in China who aren’t quite sure what’s correct and which step to take next in their lives, they also possess a determination to be the best at what they do and to finish the tasks they deem most important.
A Chinese temple, still in use today.
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