Analysis of the Five Most Famous Chinese Novels - Essay Example

Chinese novel have played a very significant role in repositioning China which was a drained territory (Fessler, pg 53) . They have been very successful in awakening the Chinese nation which was once hibernating. They were least bothered about their state and therefore did not bother to prove of any benefit but these Chinese writers were the ones who were enlightened and worked to develop awareness amongst this great nation. Miraculously things changed and revolutionized China completely (cavalli, pg 25). Today; China is one of the most developed nations with an great economy. This revolution could not have been possible if these Chinese writers did not contribute in the reawakening. The five most famous Chinese novels are: Cao, Xueqin. Dream of the Red Chamber. Garden City, N.Y: Doubleday, 1929. Print. Dream of the Red Chamber is written by Cao Xuekin. Basically this book is an autobiography in which the author talks about his own family, how they were in power and how they were themselves who ruined their own state. Furthermore he talks about the extended version of his family that is the Qing Dynasty. According to the author mentioned in the first chapter this book is in honour of women he knew when he was young. A memorial for his friends and family. This novel is an amazing piece of work not only because of a great cast and psychological impacts caused on the masses but also because of its accurate detailing and to the point, vigilant observation targeting the life and social hierarchy of the Chinese aristocrats. Mo, Yan. Red Sorghum. London: Heinemann, 1993. Print. Red Sorghum Clan: This is Mo Yan's first book. This book rotates around Shandong's families three generations. Initially they were the ones producing Sorghum wine, later they transformed to warriors in the Second Sino-Japanese War and lastly the public fights that developed among the warring Chinese gangs and their opponents. This novel deals with the hardships this clan faced. Ba, Jin. The Family. Peking: Foreign Languages Press, 1958. Print. The Family is written by Ba Jin one of the most prominent Chinese writer. In the course of this novel the author talks about upper class families in Chengdu and how the progressing aspired generation contradicts the old school ways. In this novel the writer raises his voice in order to spread awareness and develop rights for the Chinese generation. He was eventually labeled as the 'leading voice of china' as he became the spokesman for the rights of people narrating their demands in the form of an amazing novel. Mo, Yan, and Howard Goldblatt. The Republic of Wine: A Novel. New York: Arcade Pub, 2000. Print. The Republic of Wine: is novel is written by Mo Yan. This satiric novel is written to explore the various dimensions and the relation that primarily exist between the Chinese nation their food and drinks. This novel also targets and comments on the government back then and the excesses they did. Shi, Nai'an, Guanzhong Luo, and J H. Jackson. Water Margin. New York: Paragon Book Reprint Corp, 1968. Print Water Margin: this novel has been written by Shuihu Zhuan. It is a part of the 4 classical Chinese novels. This book is about how people particularly outlaws belonging to the song dynasty gathered to form their own army in order to get the amnesty from the government, establish campaign programs to resist invasions caused by foreigners and to overcome the rebellious forces. Mo Yan is the prominent Chinese writer who is also a noble laureate in literature who wrote great novels which are a treasure for the Chinese nation (yao, pg 121). All three books which are translated in English are a treat for all literature lovers. The translator, Howard Goldblatt was very successful in keeping the distinct essence of these novels alive. Mo, Yan, and Howard Goldblatt. The Republic of Wine: A Novel. New York: Arcade Pub, 2000. Print. The novel I chose to review is 'The Republic of Wine' which is an amazing book written with a purpose to discuss, explore the various aspects of Chinese as a nation and their food and drink. The story revolves around a special investigating officer whose name is Ding Gou'er. He gets to listen to rumours consistently that cannibalism persists in a Chinese province named asthe Republic of Wine. In search of the truth this investigator embarks on a great journey.in the starting of this conquest the investigator goes to Mount Luo Coal Mine, where he meets Diamond Jin who is renowned for his abilities to contain and hold liquor and how badly he craves for fresh young flesh of humans. The twist arises when this investigator is presented with abanquet and by the end of the meal he realizes that is a stupor induced with alcohol.He eventually loses all sense of the real world and truth. Internally the stories are sent to Mo Yan personally by Li Yidou, who are both equally crazy. The course of this novel gets very wild and politics bombards over, The Republic of Wine is a prove that no matter what happens creativity never dies. In this novel Mo Yan adopts a very stylized way of expression. His style is very complex and seems to intrigue the reader. He narrates the entire scenario personally with tints and shades. As the novel proceeds the ideas become more febrile when it comes to tone. With great skills of imagery. His perspective is very dynamic and shrewd which can be seen by the way he has creatively expressed his thoughts and vision. This book is a revolt against cannibalism, governmental policies and the extremism that follows as well as the effects of alcohol consumption. This book is a must read for all aspiring to understand the Chinese dark tenure and the after effects of that period. Mo Yan beautifully narrates and describes how these effects have transformed the lives of many. Undoubtedly this writer has adopted a very effective manner to communicate to the masses through creative imagination and exploration. Mo Yan has painted a canvas of reality in a very cliche and abstract manner in order to mesmerize the readers who are in seek of creative version of ugly truths. Works cited Fessler, Loren. China. New York, N.Y.: Time, 1963. Print. Cavalli, Dimitri. China. New York: H.W. Wilson, 2002. Print. Yao, Dan. Chinese literature. Updated ed. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2012. Print. Read More