The Images of Chinese Intellectuals in the Early 20Th Century from Lu Hsun's Short Stories
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Abstract
This research aimed to study the images of Chinese intellectuals in the early 20th century from seven short stories by Lu Hsun, using the concept of “Art for Life's Sake” and the concept concerning the relationship between literature and society as analytical frameworks. The research results were divided into two main issues: the images of Chinese intellectuals who had received feudal education found in two short stories, and the images of Chinese intellectuals who had received Western education found in five short stories. Characters representing Chinese intellectuals who had received feudal education included Kung I-chi in “Kung I-chi” and Chen Shi-cheng in “The white light.” Common characteristics of this group were proficiency only in memorizing texts and books and a lack of skills in dealing with life's storms. However, this group of intellectuals had a love for learning, the dignity of being scholars, and extraordinary patience and endurance. Meanwhile, Chinese intellectuals who had received Western education were divided into two subgroups: the group supporting the reactionary government, consisting of the “Imitation Foreign Devil” in “The true story of Ah Q,” Fang Xuan-chao in “The double fifth festival,” and Wei Lien-shu in “The Misanthrope.” Their common characteristics were being half-hearted, selfish, opportunistic, boastful, and bullying toward those weaker than themselves. As for the intellectuals who stood alongside the people, they consisted of Shih Chuan-sheng in “Regret for the Past” and Lu Wei-fu in “In the wineshop.” This group made efforts to solve problems and obstacles in their livelihood while trying to start new lives despite facing various failures.
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