Lu Hsun
(1881–1936)

In recognition of his inspirational literary contributions, many scholars believe Lu Hsun to be the most important Chinese fiction writer of his time. Hsun's dedication to learning began early as a result of his family's regard for extensive and traditional Chinese education. Hsun took advantage of his diverse knowledge by briefly studying medicine, translating foreign works, and teaching science to middle-school students.

Despite his country's past glory, Hsun felt unsettled with China, which he believed was inferior to the more advanced nations of the West. Through literature and the power of his own words, Hsun came to believe that he could incite turnaround. Resolving to rid his people of apathy, Lu Hsun immersed himself in the intellectual works of Charles Darwin, Friedrich Nietzsche, Nikolai Gogol, and Anton Chekhov.

In 1918, he participated in what would eventually be known as the New Culture Movement. Inspired by this defiant group of writers, Hsun wrote his first work, "The Diary of a Madman." He continued to rise to success with the satirical "The Story of Ah Q" (1921) and his volume of stories Old Stories Retold (1935). Over the years, Hsun's literary style took aim at the failing Chinese government, and his writing produced even more popularity by supporting a revolution in China. These revolutionary feelings lent to the enduring quality of his work and accounts for his prominence even today.

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