The Story of Sanmao

Author: Zhang Leping
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2000-11-01
Features: On June 15, 1947, the comic strip Sanmao's Adventures began serialization in the Dagongbao newspaper in Shanghai. It is a Chinese version of Les Misérables, serving as a tearful indictment of an unequal society. The work expresses deep sympathy for the exploited and oppressed working masses, mercilessly exposing the corruption of the Nationalist authorities. It resonated greatly among the general public and drew significant attention from the press. Sanmao quickly became a household name, producing a powerful artistic impact. Children would often feel sorrow and sadness for Sanmao's experiences, and his fate became a major event in the lives of Shanghai children at the time. Many sent him warm clothing, shoes, and socks. Zhang Leping often recalled this incident: A family had seven children, named Damao, Ermao, Sanmao, and the youngest, Qima. Their lives were slightly better than Sanmao's in the comic, as their father still had a job, though he was very hardworking. After reading the segments Humans Are Not Plants and There Are Still Good People, they were deeply moved. Damao and Ermao sat motionless for a long time refusing to eat porridge. Sanmao and Sima took off their woolen vests and wanted to give them to the Sanmao in the comic. Wuma saw the Sanmao in the comic get beaten for breaking a bottle and quickly found one to replace it, wanting to pay for it to the shop owner.