Camel Xiangzi Illustrated Edition

Author: Lao She
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-01-01
Features: In Lao She's works, Xiangzi, a rural man from the countryside, comes from the backdrop of the devastated and declining Chinese countryside, carrying the simplicity and stubbornness of a farmer. Once he sets his mind on the profession of a rickshaw puller, he becomes a "rickshaw enthusiast," determined to buy his own rickshaw. With diligence and perseverance, he saves and economizes for three years and finally realizes his dream, becoming a self-reliant, top-tier rickshaw puller. However, in the chaotic social environment of warlord-dominated China at the time, he has no room for personal fantasies. Within half a year, he is abducted by deserters in the turmoil and loses his rickshaw, only bringing back three camels. Xiangzi does not lose heart. He still stubbornly starts over and works even harder to save money. But before he can buy another rickshaw, all his savings are extorted and looted by detectives, and his dream of buying a rickshaw becomes a bubble once again. When he pulls his own rickshaw again, it is at the cost of entering into a deformed marriage with Hu Tong. But the good times do not last long. Hu Tong dies in childbirth, and Xiangzi loses both his rickshaw and his humanity. Life mocks him, and he begins to indulge in life, gambling, drinking, and whoring, even selling others for money. Xiangzi completely descends into the refuse of the city, becoming a soulless, hollow shell. Through this character, Lao She portrays the oppressive force of the unreasonable social system on the living space of lower-class laborers. Another vivid character in the work is Hu Tong. Her vivid portrayal of life and her pitiful yet contemptible fate leave a deep impression. Lao She blends traditional Chinese narrative methods with the scenic descriptions and psychological portrayals of foreign literature, making Xiangzi and Hu Tong into household names and well-known figures.