Masterpiece Workshop: Rickshaw Boy Xuangzi

Author: Lao She
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-05-01
Features: The Camel Xiangzi by Lao She depicts a tragic scene with a compassionate touch: in Beijing of the 1920s, a hardworking and sturdy small figure from the lower strata of society, carrying the beautiful dreams of wealth and striving, is ultimately swallowed by the dark storm. It reveals the slave mentality of the "small people" at that time and the ultimate collapse of their hopes. With the suicide of Xiangzi's beloved woman, Xiaofu, Xiangzi extinguishes the last spark of personal struggle. This is the typical fate of the impoverished citizens of old Beijing in old China. The Camel Xiangzi extensively uses Beijing colloquialisms, dialects, and descriptions of local customs and traditions of old Beijing, making it warm, natural, and engaging to read. It is a classic work of modern vernacular Chinese literature.