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.

Thought

Lu Xun, termed "chief commander of China's modern cultural revolution" by translators Xianyi and Gladys Yang (to the entire revolution from traditional Chinese culture to Chinese modernity from the second decade of the 20th century to the Communist period), is typically regarded as the most influential Chinese writer who was associated with the May Fourth Movement. He produced harsh criticism of social problems in China, particularly in his analysis of the "Chinese national character." He has often been considered to have had leftist leanings. Called by some a "champion of common humanity," he helped bring many fellow writers to support communist thought, though he never took the step of actually joining the Communist Party.

Related Topics:
Xianyi - Gladys Yang - 20th century - May Fourth Movement - Leftist - Communist - Communist Party

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