The True Story of Ah Q as a Work of Social Realism

Abstract

The True Story of Ah Q by Lu Shun undoubtedly stands as a great work of social realism in its attempt to revolutionize the late Qing Chinese society by attacking her age long conservatism, complacency, feudal exploitation and imperial aggression. It sharply criticizes the feudal reactionaries, shows a deep sympathy to the poor and expresses a bitter distress on their method of winning psychological victory. On the other hand, it critically analyses the socio-politico-cultural and economic situation of the early twentieth century Chinese society and advocates the revolutionary change as its underlying theme. It addresses the issues of class, class conflict, class consciousness and rebellion existing in society. It is a socio-historical document that reflects the social reality with the creation of fictional characters representing the two different classes: the proletariats and the bourgeoisies. The central character Ah Q, as a representative of the poor, works very hard in the households of feudal capitalists but he is led to a more and more deplorable situation. The Zhaos, Mr. Qian, the Provincial County Candidate as the representatives of feudal capitalists always behave Ah Q very cruelly. They unnecessarily thrash and fine him who finally gets trapped in the plot of reactionaries and is executed.