Camel Xiangzi -- China Library. Literature Category (China Library. Literature Category)

Author: Lao She
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-07-26
Features: TheRickshawBoy tells the tragic story of a rickshaw puller named Xiangzi in the old Beijing of China. Xiangzi comes from the countryside, where the increasingly declining and impoverished rural areas make it impossible for him to survive. He comes to the city, hoping to build a new life through his honest labor. He tries various jobs and finally chooses to pull rickshaws. This career choice shows that although Xiangzi has left the land, his way of thinking is still that of a farmer. He is accustomed to individual labor and at the same time longs for a rickshaw that is as reliable as the land. Buying a rickshaw and becoming an independent laborer—“this was his ambition, his hope, and even his religion.” The city seems to give Xiangzi the opportunity to realize his ambition. After three years of hard work, he manages to buy a rickshaw, but less than half a year later, it is stolen by others. However, Xiangzi still refuses to give up his dream of owning a rickshaw of his own. Although he doubts his pursuit and is shaken several times, he still keeps rallying and struggles again. It can be said that Xiangzi, with his tenacious character and stubborn attitude, fights against life, which constitutes the main plot of the novel. And the outcome of the struggle ends with Xiangzi's failure—he ultimately fails to realize his dream of owning a rickshaw. The realism of this novel lies in the fact that it not only depicts the material deprivation caused by the harsh living environment on Xiangzi but also portrays his spiritual decline after his life's ideals are shattered. “He lost his heart; his heart was taken away by others.” Thus, a hardworking and kind rural youth is reshaped into a ghostly, jobless vagrant.