Yu Hua once said, "I mindlessly read Lu Xun's works in the Chinese textbooks, from elementary school to high school, for a whole seventeen years, but still didn't know what Lu Xun had written? I find Lu Xun's works dull, gloomy, and utterly boring. Except when I need to quote Lu Xun in critical articles, his works are basically incomprehensible to me."
There was a period in history when "there was only one writer named Lu Xun, and only one poet named Mao Zedong." When "Lu Xun" transformed from being a writer into a vocabulary, from a revered hero into a weapon for criticism, the power of words quietly faded away, and the spirit of the master in heaven must have felt desolate.
However, Lu Xun's creations are far from "dull, gloomy, and boring," but rather a profound insight into human nature. The "madman" in "Diary of a Madman" is not only a revelation of social hypocrisy but also a reflection of individual souls, peering into the absurdity of human nature. Similarly, "Ah Q" in "The True Story of Ah Q" is a satire of weakness and self-deception. He gradually loses his dignity in constant humiliation, becoming a symbol of a specific era. These works are like a clear mirror, ruthlessly reflecting the darkness of human nature, prompting introspection. Although such scrutiny may be uncomfortable, it is an opportunity for personal growth and deepening.
Lu Xun's writings were deeply influenced by the turbulent times. He personally experienced the decline of the country and the corruption of society, leaving a distinct mark in his works. He stood at the intersection of literature and society, constantly experiencing the authority and limitations of words. His works not only fiercely criticize the social reality but also struggle with the mission of literature. From his father's unfortunate fate to his own choices, "Medicine" reflects his decision to shift from medicine to literature. Although he knew it was difficult to completely change the world, he chose to persevere, using words to vent his inner anger, intending to awaken more compatriots within that iron cage. Regardless of the ultimate outcome, I believe the master can be proud of his conscience.
Lu Xun's life and works are intertwined, and he created the social and human aspects in his works with unique life experiences and perspectives. In his short life, he constantly adhered to his beliefs and extended his pen to profound social issues such as feudal ethics and cultural decline. His works such as "Diary of a Madman," "The True Story of Ah Q," and "Outcry" are profound revelations of social reality and deep contemplations of human nature. However, even he couldn't escape the notion of being the eldest son in his heart, despite being in a feudal extended family. He cared for his younger brother, defending and praising him even after the two brothers broke apart. This is a remnant of old ideas in his heart, but it is also a warm bed for the human nature that resides in this turbulent era.
Lu Xun's works deeply explore human nature and society. His pen is as sharp as a sword, directly striking the depths of human nature. His works are like a clear mirror, reflecting the darkness of human nature, but also inspiring us to think actively. Undeniably, Lu Xun's works have become an indispensable lighthouse in the long river of history, illuminating the path for us to deeply contemplate human nature and society.