Camel Xiangzi

Author: Lao She
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2001-10-14
Features: With his sharp pen, Lao She accurately portrays the characteristics of a peasant—such as resilience, simplicity, kindness, and thickness of heart—in the character of Xiangzi. This camel-like, hardworking man is so innocent, kind, and generous; yet his downfall is deeply thought-provoking. Huxiu, though old and ugly in appearance, is bold, fierce, and rough, and is vividly depicted by the author from the inside out. Additionally, through the distorted and abnormal psychology and behavior of Huxiu, the author cleverly contrasts the life of ruffians like Liu Si in the semi-colonial society. These two characters add a colorful brilliance to the gallery of figures in modern Chinese literature.
Xiangzi, depicted by Lao She as a villager, comes from the backdrop of a crumbling and desolate rural China, carrying the simplicity and stubbornness of farmers. Once he sets his mind on the trade of driving a cart, he becomes a "cart enthusiast," determined to buy his own. With diligence and perseverance, he saves up for three years and finally realizes his dream, becoming an independent, top-class cart driver. However, the chaotic social environment of China's warlord era does not allow for any personal fantasies. Within half a year, he is kidnapped by fleeing soldiers in the midst of turmoil, losing his cart and only bringing back three camels.
Unsinking, Xiangzi still stubbornly starts over and works harder to save money. But before he can buy another cart, all his savings are extorted and plundered by detectives, and his dream of owning a cart becomes a fantasy once again. When he finally drives his own cart again, it is at the cost of entering a distorted marriage with Huxiu. But the good times do not last long—Huxiu dies in childbirth, leaving Xiangzi with neither cart nor money. Life mocks him, and he begins to indulge in a life of gambling, whoring, and exploiting others for money. Xiangzi completely descends into the trash of the city, becoming a soulless, lifeless zombie.
Through this character, Lao She writes about the oppressive weight of an unreasonable social system on the lives of the lower class. Another vivid character in the work is Huxiu. Her strong sense of life and her pitiful yet contemptible fate leave a deep impression. Lao She blends traditional Chinese narrative methods with foreign literary techniques of setting the scene and psychological portrayal, making Xiangzi and Huxiu household names and familiar figures.