Comic: Men, Women, and Love in Lu Xun's Works

Author: Yang Zhenwei
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-09-01
Features: A Platonic theory of falling in love, I can see and speak, but cannot act. Monks have no wives, where do little Bodhisattvas come from? Food and drink are not sins, nor are they impure; sexual intercourse is also not a sin, nor is it impure. Ten years of hardship together, sharing the bitter and the sweet, it is also a pity; I borrow paintings to soothe my weary eyes, the sweetness and bitterness are known only to the two hearts. The topics of men, women, love, and sex are of concern to almost everyone. The main reason I chose this topic is that I wanted to know what others said about men and women, about sex and love, and what the great figures said. Mr. Lu Xun's perspective once gave me great inspiration. So, I reread Mr. Lu Xun's complete works again. The essay in the volume is titled "My View on Chastity," followed by "How We Should Marry Now." Regarding women, Mr. Lu Xun did not sympathize with them but rather protected, encouraged, and spoke out for their interests. As for "love" and "sex," Mr. Lu Xun was even more straightforward. He said, "Platonic love theory, I can see and speak, but cannot act." In a word, it is clear enough. I read Lu Xun to understand the perspectives on the issues, and I paint Lu Xun because I like it. After reading his articles, I felt that Lu Xun's very existence is a form of beauty, an art. I know my paintings cannot fully portray a complete Lu Xun, and I don’t want to do that either. I just use these cartoons to express my understanding and appreciation of Lu Xun, even if this understanding is superficial. Lu Xun’s depth and my superficiality are combined in this collection in this way. Whether it is an insult to Lu Xun, I don’t know, but for me, it might be a blessing. To put it bluntly, I want to borrow Lu Xun’s fame. If Lu Xun were to know in the afterlife, as long as he didn’t curse me, I would be satisfied.