Women Question in Old China Essay

Introduction

For the existence of a harmonious constitution in a society, members set rules and norms which are to be followed. In traditional Chinese culture, such standards existed and were hugely accepted as they ensured that everyone is in one tune and order is maintained. Such rules, however, were challenged as the Chinese moved from the Qing Dynasty to early Republican China. Political views in this early society drastically changed, and with these changes, the young generation sort to rewrite the rules set by the old.

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Exposure to formal education leads many young Chinese to focus on the product of literary text, which played a crucial role in the reevaluation of the customs of the Chinese community. Through such platforms, this young generation could express what the society was holding on that they felt was not right. Lu Xun and Ding Ling are an example of such revolutionary writers who brought out the rot of society and allowed for transformation to a more ethical community. Through their work New Year's Sacrifice and Miss Sophia's Diary respectively, these two writers express their views on the norms that were depressing a minority in the society. Influence by the arrival of formal governments and education plays an essential role in shaping these writer's ideas, as will be discussed below, they form the basis through which society transforms its view on women.

Women Characters and Gender

In the New Years' Sacrifice, the main character is introduced through her first husband's name, Xiang lin. In such, women are considered so insignificant that she is not even given a name. Before the death of Xiang Lan, she is safe and part of a respected section in society; however, things take a toll when her husband is taken away from her by death. As custom dictates, she is required to wed kin to whom she is against. Through this, she escapes, but then she is returned. Society takes little regard for the woman's decision, and she is considered as property rather than as part of a family.

Call for change is met with hostility, Xun reveals this through the way in which women are not allowed to establish their wealth and make decisions. Xiang Lan's wife must remain within the society where she is oppressed and forced to do even what is against her will. She is treated as an outcast when her second husband dies, and a wolf kills her son. Through such, women are thrown at the mercy of a male-dominated world where all the rules are set and governed by the male majority.

Ding Ling's work gives a sweeping view of this perspective. Through Sophia's Diary, Ling gives the revelation of how women slowly develop the urge and need to embrace change. Through Sophia's live, the writer provides an opportunity to express how the woman, even though being an oppressed member of society, manages to have times of her own authority and control. Sophia is filled with a lot of joy when she discovers that there is someone eyeing her. Having control has a massive value as in such situations, Sophia has all the power to either reject or accept the pursuit.

Implications and Limits

Through these writers' creative way, they are able to reach out and explain what they feel is not right with society. From their work, greater insight is developed about women n society and how such groups are affected by the decisions of others. Giving the overview of the women's feelings and their ways of struggle to get out of odd situations, provides the backdrop through which modern Chinese values are set. Their work offers the birth and rise of revolutionary women who later rise and embrace the roles that were once considered masculine.

While every effort is made to reach out to understand the struggles women go through, the writers were limited in various aspects. Initially, accessing the feminine feeling of oppression was only done through the perception of the writer, in some way, this carried bias as the writer is seen to glorify the acts done to the women through justification. The excuse for the Xiang Len's wife to be thrown out of society is the presentation of some spiritual aspect of being outcast by the spirits. Secondly, Ling's claims of Sophia's life remain a fantasy as a society did not allow the women to make such rapid decisions without the influence of the males. During the marriage issues, the women are not consulted, and decisions are made on their behalf. That is regardless of her view of the spouse to be and how she feels the decisions should be made.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the works are done by Lu Xun e and Ding Ling not only bring out the view of political influence on societal norms but also give a picture of how literature can be revolutionary. The writers are able to use their opportunity in writing to invoke the need for change in society on matter women and freedom. Through the analysis of society and the norms, the writers give a voice to the silenced members of the community. This approach allows for thought-provoking ideas to be channeled through Chinese culture.

References

YANG, Lie-xiang, and Dian ZHOU. "Interpreting the Female Consciousness in Lu Xun's Novel The New Year's Sacrifice." Journal of Chenzhou Teachers College 6 (2004).

Xiaoqing, Liu. "From Larva to Butterfly: Sophia in Ding Ling's Miss Sophia's Diary and Coco in Wei Hui's Shanghai Baby." Asian Journal of Women's Studies 17, no. 4 (2011): 69-98.

Xiong, Shuangting. "The Problematic Formation of the Modern Self in Lu Xun's "In Memoriam" and Ding Ling's "Miss Sophia's Diary"." (2017).