The Dragon's Village - Essay Example

The Dragon’s Village History Introduction The work of Yuang-Tsung Chen is considered as an important work that looks into the history of the peasant culture in the 1950s. The lessons that can be learned from the said work are an experience of the scenario and occurrences in relation to local culture and traditions during that time. The said book can be classified as an autobiographical account with the component of fiction to be able to clearly achieve the empathy that is required for the reader to understand the goal and the message of the written work. The book can be considered as an important representation of the women’s roles in the Chinese society during the 50’s. If such view is considered, one of the main objectives in the said published work is to be able to present a character that can depict the characteristics of a Chinese woman in the contemporary era. Such objective is fundamental specifically on the basis of the changes in the role of the women in the Chinese society during the said period. The change specifically occurred in 1949 when the status of the women in the People’s Republic of China had changed. Chen’s Work The book specifically presented the 1949 scenario wherein the peasant culture can be considered as the main livelihood of the common population in the said country. To be able to present his objectives the main setting of the story is the simple countryside village wherein an improbable hero had been able to greatly contribute. The said hero can be considered unlikely on the basis of different reasons. One reason that can be considered as a hindering factor during that time is being a woman. Ling Ling is not only a woman but in addition she had been brought up as elite for her family is leading a rich living. The said reasons can be considered as the main reasons for the improbable capability of the heroine (Chen 4) In the time of social chaos due to the revolutions and civil ways mainly based on the dissatisfaction of the people, the life of different people in different social groups can be observed. The reality of war in addition to the different forces in the society can be considered as motivations to be able to have a better life. There are other issues that have been presented in the book such as the culture of peasantry and the differences in the standards of living but the main issue being dealt by the study is the character of Ling Ling as a woman in the 1950s (Chen 1-2, 48). The Embodiment of a Woman in the 50’s Guan Ling Ling is the main focus of the research undertaken due to the fact that changes in the status of women occurred during the said era. One of the most important philosopher and thinker, Liang Qichao, has views regarding the ideal and perfect embodiment of a woman during the 50’s. One of the views of Liang Qichao for the people to be able to developed into modern citizen and achieve goals of the country towards a change in different non-beneficial habits, culture and even the form of government. The changes in the culture and the habits of the society can be related to the changes in the role of woman in the society. An ideal and modern woman according to the point of view of Liang Qichao is a person that can independently achieve goals by working for it. The main character Guan Ling Ling in the beginning was able to achieve and complete important tasks despite of having been raised as a privileged woman. She was able to be active in choosing her own path to take (Chen 29). Although the journey had been rough and indifference faced her she continued with her goals (Chen 48-50, 63). Basically at one part it can be considered that Ling Ling has not been able to achieve the standards that had been set by Liang Qichao due to her shortcoming specifically when faced in situations wherein struggle is needed. This can be attributed to her family background. Limitations in terms of her knowledge and outlook in the life of the lower social groups are also included in other reasons for her faults. Although she was aware of the needed changes specifically in the ownership of the land, the scenarios in the countryside still shocked her. Initially, her dream of giving inspiration and initiating changes to the people had been rocked upon seeing the real situation in the Dragon’s Village, or Longxiang. There are two views regarding the characteristics of Ling Ling. One is appreciating her capabilities and efforts while another is questioning her intentions and plans regarding the people that she is helping. The criticisms can be regarded on the basis of possible misguiding of the people to be able to be able to achieve her own goals as common leaders have the urge of doing. Some even viewed political objectives and presenting herself as an able leader to be able to influence the people to make decisions favorable to certain groups of in the society only, for example the political leaders. Although this is the case, a personal belief regarding the matter favors the main character. This can be attributed to the fact that the actions that she had done and the works that she had been able to accomplish cannot be considered as easy. They are needed to be appreciated. Basically being cautious on the side of the public is important but being able to appreciate good actions is still another. For what intentions these actions might have been done, appreciation is still essential and moral. In addition, the characteristics of a modern woman can be observed and perceived in the character of Ling Ling. Included in the said characters are being able to make decisions and the ability to excel in a field that is dominated by men. It can be considered that women like her became the main motivating factor of changing the role of the female population specifically during the era wherein the essential change in the culture regarding women occurred. The character such as Ling Ling can be considered important in two ways on the basis of the period of context. In the past era, the character serves as an inspiration while in the present era it can serve as an eye opener for the experiences and struggles of the said period. Conclusion The book had succeeded in achieving the interest and understanding of the readers on the basis of two points. One of the said reasons is the presentation through a humble and simple manner that person of any culture can understand. For that matter, it had made the learning of the particular era in the Chinese history had been known by presenting differences in the experiences of people in different social groups and letting them live together. Another is the effects of the form of government of the country. Last and can be considered as the main issue of the study undertaken is the role of the women in the society. Reference Chen, Yuan-Tsung. The Dragon’s Village. Penguin Books, 1980. Read More