In the Debate, Lu Xun

Author: Fu Guangming
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-05-01
Features: This is an anthology of debates between Lu Xun and his "opponents," documenting Lu Xun's experiences in literary battles. It includes exchanges between Lu Xun and Chen Xiyin over the controversy of "gossip," conflicts between Gao Changhong and Lu Xun, the "Lu-Liang" debate, disputes between Lu Xun and Lin Yutang, and the literary feud between Shi Zhenjun and Lu Xun over the "Selected Works of Zhuangzi." These articles from both sides of the debates vividly portray the contradictions and conflicts among a group of cultural elites active in Chinese literature during that era. By carefully reading Lu Xun's exchanges with his opponents and comparing these scenes, one might understand many things that are difficult to grasp from a one-sided perspective. For example, one would discover that Lu Xun was criticized far more than he criticized others, often retaliating passively on many issues. Lu Xun mostly "stopped at mockery" or "hot condemnation" when dealing with others, while he himself was repeatedly accused of being a "academic rogue" who "received funding from the Bolsheviks" and declared his intention to "solve things practically." Etc. These texts of the "debates" are part of Lu Xun's most incisive and brilliant writing, vividly showcasing his distinctive characteristics.