Book Review of the True Story of Ah Q
Introduction
The book “The True Story of Ah-q” is a historical fictional literature that was written by the author Lu Xun, who expresses that he never anticipated he would be the person to put in writing the narrative of such an “immortal man.” He expresses his passion for writing the book saying that it had concerned him for a while. Perhaps, he could call it a biography, but the author wondered the kind of biography that was expected of him to write with regards to this story. He was neither Ah-Q nor was he related to him by birth. A key question is the most suitable title of the book. He lacked some crucial details about the description and history of Ah Q, and this restricted the likelihood of presenting this as a nonfictional historical book. However, Xun is sure about the character of Ah Q and based the entirety of his book on that particular piece of knowledge.
Analysis of the Book
The book by Xun falls under the genre of historical fiction and is a good fit for the genre because it portrays the history of the Chinese revolution and national character from a unique point of view different from what is recorded in the history books and is thus a good supplement. The major themes involved in the text include the significance of victory in history, the struggle of making a living and the importance of change. The self-absorbed character of Ah Q saw himself victorious even when he was not. It goes to show how important triumph was in ancient Asian culture and; therefore, for a person like Ah Q, a rural idler to matter in society he had to succeed at something even if it was only psychological. The theme of change is illustrated by the revolution in the narrative. Despite the occurrence of a revolution in the story, the property-owning families preserve their high positions, and the application of this design of thought in the account is to illustrate that external change is insufficient in transforming society and that the personal resolution to change is what promotes actual progress.
Ah, Q is portrayed by the author as the embodiment of all that is wrong with the Chinese society at the time of the story and is used to introduce the themes of change or lack thereof and the significance of victory in Chinese history. He has no real job, and in one instance, he pinches a Buddhist nun and tries to associate himself with the noble clan of the Chaos. The depiction of a lack of work ethic and an appreciation for culture as well as an obsession to be at the top appears to be what the author is condemning the society for. The rural setting of the village of Weichuang is essential for the author because he uses this aspect to relate to numerous readers who have at one time or another belonged to such a society. The author uses euphemism in the text to describe the soliloquies by the main character. Ah Q the central character is delusional. When he loses a fight or is beaten at gambling, he presumes himself the winner by focusing on a small optimistic part of the story. He expects respect for having a doubtable association with an important man like Mr. Zhao despite being beaten by Zhao in a fight. Symbolism introduces the aspect of anonymity for the character’s background, which is ironic as Xun intentionally discloses that he does not know the true name or locality of Ah Q. Such a person could be anyone from anywhere. The writer uses this to declare that Ah Q could be anyone in society. At the very end, the writer employs satire to show disregard for the action of execution taken against Ah Q for allegedly robbing the landlords as this is not a crime worth dying for.
Concerning continuity of developing a character, the author fails because he depicts Ah Q as a single-faceted character. He is portrayed as a simple man from the rural area facing difficulty and choosing to ignore his problems. People are dynamic and possess many different aspects, and the author failed to regard this in the character of Ah Q. Moreover, the story lacks a sense of redemption. Ah Q neither accepts himself for who he is nor does he face the truth of his situation up to his death. The recurring events lead to the ultimate demise of a character whose hope was never restored. It can be demoralizing for a reader.
The writer’s success is from his style of writing, which is relevant to the time in question as the words are archaic. In the introduction to his book, the author expresses his writing style "but since I write in vulgar vein using the language of hucksters and peddlers.” Ah, Q is not open-minded about new things and considers most new ideas as those of inferior people. He is the epitome of injustice, and no one seems to care or oppose him. When the wave of the Chinese Revolution hits the town, the two landlord families join it to maintain their status and power. The rest turn into a revolution army and rob them. Even though Ah Q planned on being part of this army, he fails to attend the robbery but is still blamed for it and sentenced to death. Even at the brink of death, Ah Q tries to maintain a social standing, the distractions of entertaining the crowd and signing his name properly steal away his last moments on earth. The writer uses his unique perspective on the issues and his exceptional writing style to demonstrate the events unfolding in the narrative focusing on things relating to Ah Q individually, at a societal level, and at a national level. It prompts the readers to change their outlook on the issues plaguing China at the time of the account. He uses his skill to prompt a self-evaluation and generate discussions that would improve the society at different levels.
Application of the Book
The text plays an important role as its main purpose is to enlighten the readers, especially from the Chinese culture and to change their way of thinking concerning morality. The evils of narcissism, social injustices, and corruption all appear to plague the society in question, and this forces the readers to consider their present society; how it deviates from that of Ah Q, and how it compares to it. The readers can evaluate whether they are contented living in such a society and even dying in it as seen in the tale of Ah Q. Important lessons from the book include the significance of the change and the pressures of social injustice. Even though the book is fictional, it enhances people’s knowledge of the historical era in question and enables them to view life from their perspective and; thus, understand the decisions that shape their future or present.
Conclusion
In summary, the book gives a strong depiction of the real national character of China in the early twentieth century through the voice and actions of a simple man. To this end, the reality is that the issues Ah Q faces are not of his own doing but as a result of his society. I would recommend this book to other readers as it will enable them to understand the culture of oppression in historical China and possibly the current situation in present Chinese society.
Bibliography
Lu, Xun, and Julia Lovell. The real story of Ah-Q and other tales of China: the complete fiction of Lu Xun. London: Penguin Books, 2009.
Lu, Xun. "The True Story of Ah-Q." Marxists Internet Archive. Accessed February 22, 2016. http://www.marxists.org/archive/lu-xun/1921/12/ah-q/index.htm
