Lu Xun

Lu Xun ({{zh-tspw|t=??|s=??|p=L? Xùn|w=Lu Hsün}}) or Lu Hsün (September 25, 1881 – October 19, 1936), the pen name of Zhou Shuren ({{zh-tsp|t=???|s=???|p=Zh?u Shùrén}}), has been considered the most influential Chinese writer of the 20th century and is seen as the founder of modern baihua (白话 báihuà) or vernacular Chinese literature. His social thought, which substantially criticized traditional cultural values, was also highly influential in 20th century Chinese history, in particular, to the May Fourth Movement and the strains of thought it gave rise to, which in turn had a great impact on the Chinese communist movement and the rise of the People's Republic of China. He was also a noted translator and helped introduce Chinese to modern international literature.

Early career

In May 1918, he used his pen name for the first time and published the first major baihua short story, Kuangren Riji (狂人日记, A Madman's Diary), which was to become one of his two most famed works. With its criticism of many old Chinese traditions and family rules, it became a cornerstone of the New Culture Movement or May Fourth Movement. Another of his well-known longer stories, The True Story of Ah Q(Ah Q Zhengzhuan, 阿Q正传), was published in the 1920s. Both works were included in his short story collection Na Han (呐喊) or Call to Arms, published in 1923.

Related Topics:
1918 - Baihua - New Culture Movement - May Fourth Movement - The True Story of Ah Q - Call to Arms - 1923

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