Morning Glories Plucked at Dusk

Author: Lu Xun
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-03-01
Features: Lu Xun (1881-1936) was a renowned Chinese scholar, thinker, and revolutionary. His original name was Zhou Shuren, styled Yucai, and was from Shaoxing, Zhejiang. In May 1918, he published the first modern vernacular short story in Chinese literary history, "A Madman's Diary," in New Youth, laying the foundation for new literature and first using the pen name "Lu Xun." He abandoned medicine for literature and devoted his life to writing, making significant contributions to Chinese cultural causes. During his lifetime, he published three collections of novels, two collections of essays, fifteen collections of essays, one collection of correspondence, and two works on literary history. When I Was a Child is a collection of ten reflective essays written by Lu Xun in 1926. Initially serialized in The Wild Garden, it was titled Retelling Old Stories. Among them, "From the Vegetable Garden to the Three Flavor Study," "The Five Frightening Festivals," and "Father's Illness" vividly depict fragments of Lu Xun's childhood life in his hometown, showcasing the water town scenery, folk customs, and social dynamics of the time. "Random Notes," "Mr.," and "Fan A'ning" record the author's journey of studying away from home, expressing deep nostalgia for new friends and teachers; "Dogs, Cats, and Rats," "The Twenty-Four Filial Exemplars," and "The Ghost of the Unchanging" draw from childhood memories, combining narration and commentary to address current issues, criticizing and satirizing reactionary and outdated forces with a distinct essay style. Although these works are all reflective essays, the author skillfully blends various expressive techniques, vividly describing richly lived moments, making many scenes come alive with vivid imagery.