Selected Essays of Xia Gangzun

Author: Xia Ganjun (Author), Ouyang Wenbin (Editor)
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-08-01
Features: When Xia Ganjun and Lu Xun worked together at the First Normal School, they had a close relationship. In terms of thought and literature, they were deeply influenced by Lu Xun. In 1909, he participated in the "Woodapple Campaign," an anti-feudal movement led by Lu Xun, Xu Shouchang, and others. Later, under Lu Xun's influence, he developed a greater interest in literature. At that time, Lu Xun had not yet written novels or used his pen name, but he was determined to reform the national spirit through literature and began translating works. Seeing that Xia Ganjun read few novels, Lu Xun gifted him with The Woodapple Campaign, which broadened Xia's horizons and led him to continuously expand his reading scope. He even translated Western works from Japanese translations, so he called himself "someone who was enlightened by Lu Xun." Xia Ganjun's interest in art may have also been influenced by Li Shutong (Hongyi). Li Shutong was a versatile artist, skilled in literature, drama, calligraphy, seal carving, music, and fine arts. In 1912, he came to the First Normal School to teach painting and music, making these subjects, which had long been neglected, popular among all the students. Xia Ganjun believed, "Half of the reason was that he was well-versed in these two subjects, and the other half was due to his great charisma." He even said, "I can only admire him and cannot learn from him." But he also admitted, "Every word and action of his inspired me." The two worked together for seven years, their bond stronger than that of brothers, often reciting poetry together and exchanging seals. The passionate May Fourth Movement, his rich teaching experience and life experiences, as well as the nurturing of his mentors like Lu Xun and Li Shutong, were all invaluable accumulations for Xia Ganjun, preparing the ground for his future literary creations. After being forced to leave the First Normal School, he did not dwell on his misfortune but focused on the bigger picture. His essay Coexistence and Compromise reflected his concern for the nation and its people. "For decades, we have been reforming, but where has the success been? Before and after the revolution, apart from a few men shaving their queues and replacing the yellow dragon flag with the five-color flag, what significant changes have there been?" However, he attributed the root of this problem to the "Doctrine of the Mean" passed down from ancestors and believed that the cure for this chronic ailment was "extremism."