In the text, Lu Xun utilizes realistic characterization to write a captivating story and symbolic realism to express his moral concern. The modernist theme which are most effective in both educating and impacting Xun’s goal of guiding China towards a new way of thought are fear, isolation of the individual and abstract metaphors. Fundamentally, Xun’s use of cannibalism as a metaphor in the story is not to focus on particular cases of cannibalism in China, but rather to point out specific faults entrenched in the society of China.
Xun suggests that various scholars are regarded as madmen in the society and isolated with no voice. The Confucian standards were a lifeblood recognized positively by many persons in the social order – the same notion of finding mistake in Confucian writings and suggesting that they corrupt individuals were favored until the twentieth-century. Being against repetitive memorization could result in consideration as an outsider and a person’s opportunities could be confided to a small place, the same way the madman was isolated in his room for several years, up to when he apologized and was given a government work following his older brother’s assurance that the condition was alleviated.
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Xun uses the concept of cannibalism to show how those in power devour the poor and oppressed. The idea of cannibalism occurring for many years can bet ascribed to the highly stratified Chinese society, where power was in the top government officials and the ruling dynasty. The weak are devoured and eaten by the strong wholly – that is, the people in the top lead an excessively luxurious life, whereas the underprivileged are troubled searching for food.
The madman could symbolize the poor mainstream, in which being secluded in one place embodies suppression and control over him. The deprived would be limited to performing their works and paying taxes in a similar way – their lives depending on the hands of the reigning class. The ruler’s fear is as well demonstrated in the story, in which the madman does not attempt any physical resistance toward his abductors. This means that the poor majority are fearful to their rulers and the rich, and while they are oppressed they cannot challenge the oppression.
