Camel Xiangzi: Expert and Master Interpretation Version

Author: Lao She
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2007-01-01
Features: The Camel Xiangzi is a tragic work. The author does not deliberately seek humor but rather depicts the true face of life. The characters in the story are all on a downward path, from Xiangzi, Huxiu, Xiaofu, Erqiangzi, the old man and his grandchild, to Liu Siye, who once commanded great prestige, all heading toward despair and dimness. The tragedies of these characters constitute the great tragedy of the entire society. Another feature of the book is its rich atmosphere of the ancient capital and the bustling streets. Lao She's works set in Beijing all share this characteristic, with The Camel Xiangzi particularly focusing on the lives of lower-class laborers, especially the world of rickshaw pullers and the life in the crowded courtyard. This Beijing flavor, with its unique dialect and cultural nuances, adds an irreplaceable artistic charm to the book. This book is part of the Chinese Language New Curriculum·Famous Works Reading Series titled The Camel Xiangzi. Lao She depicts a tragedy with a sympathetic touch: in Beijing of the 1920s, a hardworking, sturdy small figure from the lower strata of society, dreaming 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 crushing of their hopes. With the suicide of Xiangzi's beloved Xiaofu, the last spark of his personal struggle is extinguished. This is the typical fate of the impoverished citizens of old Beijing in China. The Camel Xiangzi extensively uses Beijing colloquialisms, dialects, and descriptions of the customs and culture of old Beijing, making it warm, natural, and engaging to read. It is a classic work of modern vernacular Chinese fiction.