Camel Xiangzi

Author: Lao She
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2002-01-01
Features: Lao She uses his sharp pen to accurately depict the peasant-like personality, temperament, and psychological characteristics of Xiangzi. This camel-like, hardworking man is so simple, kind, and generous; yet his downfall is deeply thought-provoking. Huxiu, with her old and ugly appearance, is fierce, tough, and rough, and is vividly portrayed by the author from the inside out. Additionally, through Huxiu's distorted and abnormal psychology and behavior, the author skillfully contrasts the lives of ruffians like Liu Si in a semi-colonial society. These two characters have added a colorful brilliance to the gallery of characters in modern Chinese literature.
Xiangzi, as depicted by Lao She, comes from the countryside, against the backdrop of the ruined and declining rural China, carrying the simplicity and stubbornness of a farmer. Once he sets his mind on the profession of a cart driver, he becomes a "cart enthusiast," determined to buy his own cart. Through hard work and perseverance, he saves and manages to realize this dream in three years, becoming an independent, top-tier cart driver. However, the chaotic social environment of warlord-dominated China does not allow him any personal fantasies. Less than half a year later, he is abducted by deserters in the midst of turmoil, losing his cart and only retrieving three camels.
Unbroken, Xiangzi stubbornly starts over and works even harder to save money. But before he can buy another cart, all his savings are extorted and looted by detectives, making his dream of owning a cart a futile illusion once again. When he finally gets his cart again, it is at the cost of entering into 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 life, gambling, drinking, and exploiting others for money. Xiangzi completely descends into the refuse of the city, becoming a soulless, lifeless husk.
Through this character, Lao She portrays the oppressive weight of an unreasonable social system on the lives of the lower class. Another vivid character in the work is Huxiu. 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 Huxiu into well-known and familiar figures.