Question

Lu Xun wrote to inspire change during a very difficult time in China’s history. “A Madman’s Diary” is full of thematic elements and symbolism that would speak directly to the people affected by the Chinese Revolution of 1911, but what can we learn from this piece? What does Lu Xun have to say to us in our society, today?

Take some time to consider the “madman” in the story and his definition of “cannibalism.” Then, analyze these themes in relation to our American society. What types of “insanity” do we consider normal? Are there any types of metaphoric “cannibalism” here in our culture that should be addressed? What should we be “fighting” against?  

Answer 1

• The “madman” in his story is simply someone who views things differently than how society would like for him to view them. We see this today in our own culture. We are controlled by news and media today. They tell us what they want us to think and feel. Our opinions are always questioned by others.Anyone who has their own opinions are termed as “madmen” that shouldn’t be taken seriously. This is an epidemic.In todays time, it is considered dangerous to have your own opinion that is different from the rest of society. In order to protect oneself from judgments and abuses of others one either needs to conform to what others say or not speak at all. Sadly,these are the times we are living in. Normal,unknown people like us also get trolled on social media these days if we say something that we feel,and the worst sufferers are the public fiqures.
• This is seen throughout the american history.The Native Americans who we were told were savages because the government wanted the lands that the Native Americans had been living on for their entire lives. If one sided with the Indians, then they were painted as a trader to the nation. With African Americans, if one felt that how they were treated was wrong, those people were called every name under the sun and shunned by society.
• Homosexuality is another issue,which is still debated. People still fear coming out in the open or even expressing their point of view.And if you were a homosexual, then you were an abomination and still this continues even after legal laws have been made. Throughout the american history people have been termed as “madmen” if they don’t agree with how society thinks. And this did not happen only in american history but in every part of the world.
• Cannibalism is also something that still goes on in our society today. We are still told to watch out for people because, this is a dog eat dog world. The phrase, "who did they step on to get where they are going" still holds true. The cut throat competition,the race of being superior than others be it in terms of power or money or even careers,constant judgments about others lifestyle,and even maintaining a luxury lifestyle just to showoff etc. has made all of us manipulative and mean.
• Cannibalism is not just about literally killing other living beings by using weapons, but it also has a figurative meaning in todays time. Constantly putting eachother down,fighting for money,wanting to be ahead of others by stepping over the shoulder,all this has made us animals having lesser value for relationships and people around us.
• We have been taught through experience that you can’t get ahead in life being a good human being. Many people put on facades in order to get where they want to go and what they want to achieve. The lessons that Lu Xun tried to showcase in his writings for the Chinese people back in the 20th century holds absoultely true today in our society.
• You will be painted as a “madman” if you go against societal norms and values. You will come in contact with many people who put on facades, and be considered insane if you point this fact out to anyone. Lu Xun has clearly mentioned in his writings about how we have become today and what we are doing to survive,which is making us mad and lost in our lives.