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Death, Trauma, and Lu Xun's Refusal to Mourn

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Literary Remains: Death, Trauma, and Lu Xun's Refusal to Mourn

by Eileen J. Cheng

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	17434 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
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Print length	:	330 pages

Lu Xun (1881-1936) was one of the most important figures in modern Chinese literature. His writing is known for its realism, its dark humor, and its unflinching exploration of the human condition. Lu Xun's work is often preoccupied with themes of death, trauma, and mourning, and his complex relationship with these themes is evident in his novel The True Story of Ah Q.

Death and Trauma in Lu Xun's Life

Lu Xun's life was marked by a series of traumatic events. His father died when he was young, and his mother and younger brother both died within a few years of each other. Lu Xun himself was also the victim of political persecution, and he was forced to flee China for a time. These experiences left a deep mark on Lu Xun, and they shaped his understanding of the human condition.

In The True Story of Ah Q, Lu Xun explores the ways in which death and trauma can affect a person's life. The novel's protagonist, Ah Q, is a simple peasant who is constantly being humiliated and abused by those around him. Ah Q eventually becomes a revolutionary, but he is ultimately betrayed and killed. Through Ah Q's story, Lu Xun shows how death and trauma can lead to despair and violence.

Lu Xun's Refusal to Mourn

Despite the suffering he experienced, Lu Xun refused to succumb to despair. He believed that it was important to confront death and trauma head-on, and he refused to allow them to destroy his spirit. In his essay "On Mourning," Lu Xun argues that mourning is a form of self-indulgence that prevents us from moving on with our lives. He urges his readers to "forget the dead" and to focus on the living.

Lu Xun's refusal to mourn is not a denial of death. Rather, it is a recognition of the fact that death is a part of life. Lu Xun believes that we must accept death as a reality and that we must not let it paralyze us. We must continue to live our lives, even in the face of adversity.

The Legacy of Lu Xun

Lu Xun's work has had a profound impact on Chinese literature and thought. His exploration of death, trauma, and mourning continues to resonate with readers today. Lu Xun's refusal to mourn is a reminder that we must not let the past define our present. We must continue to move forward, even in the face of adversity.

Lu Xun was a complex and contradictory figure. He was a man who experienced great suffering, but he never lost his faith in the human spirit. His work is a testament to the human capacity for resilience and hope.

Literary Remains: Death, Trauma, and Lu Xun's Refusal to Mourn

by Eileen J. Cheng

4 out of 5