Red Blossom on the Plain: An Inquisition of the Utopian Writing in Li Peifu’s The Gate for Sheep
Vol. 43 No. 2 06/2013
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Title |
Red Blossom on the Plain: An Inquisition of the Utopian Writing in Li Peifu’s The Gate for Sheep |
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Author |
Chau, Man-lut |
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Genre |
Article |
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Pages |
339-383 |
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Download |
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Language |
Chinese |
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Key words |
Li Peifu, The Gate for Sheep, Utopia, Maoist utopianism, New Collectivism, the new era of Chinese literature |
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Abstract |
The circulation of The Gate for Sheep 羊的門, written by Li Peifu 李佩甫, was immediately halted through political intervention after its publication in 1999. Perhaps this is the reason why there have not been comprehensive analyses about the artistic image of Hu Jiabao 呼家堡 village from the perspective of Utopian Writing, nor have there been investigations about how the novel relates to Chinese history, despite the short-lived popularity of the novel. This article first analyzes the relationship of Hu Jiabao village with Utopia, Maoist Utopianism, and New Collectivism. Then it investigates the leadership image of Hu Tiancheng 呼天成, as well as the relationship between leaders and the public, which explains the unique meaning of his character in the new era of Chinese literature and the long-existing expectation that Chinese peasants had for a “savior.” Finally, the meaning of the Utopian writing in The Gate for Sheep is investigated—Hu Jiabao village is an escape route for peasants throughout history, and the novel expresses the criticisms and reflections of the writer toward Chinese society. |