Introducing Lu Hsun & His works (1)

Papa sent three of my elder siblings to Chinese schools and the remaining three to English schools. Since I am the youngest, I fall under the category of "Ang Moh Sai". Hence, it is not surprising that I have never heard of Lun Hsun until I went to the University of Alberta and did a course in Chinese Literature! Of course it means reading the translated works in English.

Lu Hsun had wanted to be a doctor when he grew up for he had witnessed how poor his family was and how the family had to pawn some clothes in order to buy medicine for his ailing mother.

However, when Lu Hsun was at Sendai University in Japan, he saw in a video how a Chinese student was being beaten up by some Japanese. His Chinese friends could just watch nonchalantly without anyone lifting a finger to help their own comrade. It dawned upon Lu Hsun that it is pointless to have a healthy body if the mind is weak and sick. The movie made such an impact that Lu Hsun decided that he would quit his medical studies and focus more on writing. He realised that writing was a strong medium by which he could exert a strong influence on his countrymen. He was to prove the adage, "The pen is mightier than the sword".

Through his powerful writing, Lu Hsun soon became known as the "Father of Modern Chinese Literature". The True Story of ah Q, translated into 32 languages, is clearly his masterpiece. His poignant stories of "The New Year Sacrifice" and "The Diary of a Mad Man" should pull the heartstrings of anyone who calls himself a Chinese.

Perhaps this anecdoe about Lu Hsun should reveal his personality and characteristics to readers. Once Lu Hsun went into a barber shop. Seeing that Lu Hsun was not grandly attired, the owner gave Lu Hsun a hasty haircut with a couldn't care less attitude. "How much?" "Three Yuan". Lun Hsun hastily dug into his right pocket and brought out a handful of coins which he shoved into the hands of the barber. Then he left the shop in a hurry.

The barber was almost shocked at the excess coins that Lu Hsun had given him. "Gosh! I shold have cut his hair more carefully. Can't tell he is so rich when he actually dresses so simply", sighed the barber.

Two months later, Lu Hsun entered the shop again. Recognising him instantly, the barber flew into a motion of condescencion... dusting the chair with his towel, and ardently welcoming Lu Hsun, "Please be seated". This time, he took extra caution to cut Lu Hsun's hair, turning his head this way and that way in a bid to show Lu Hsun how importnt he was. "How much?" asked Lu Hsun. "Three yuan". Lu Hsun dug his hand into his pocket and slowly counted the exact change for the barber.

Just as Lu Hsun was about to step out, the barber asked him, "Sir, I don't understand. Last time, I anyhow cut your hair and you paid me so much. This time I cut your hair with double time and you paid me exactly three yuan".

Lu Hsun smiled, "Since the last time you anyhow cut my hair, I anyhow paid. This time you cut my hair properly...I also pay you properly".

Gan Chau