Breaking the Facade: Chinese Culture through the Lens of “The Besieged City“149

In Qian Zhongshu's classic novel, "The Besieged City", Chinese culture is presented as a complex and multifaceted entity, often obscured by a veneer of superficiality. Through the experiences of the novel's protagonist, Fang Hongjian, we gain a glimpse behind this facade, revealing the underlying complexities and contradictions that define this ancient civilization.

Fang Hongjian is a young scholar who returns to China from Europe, filled with idealistic notions of contributing to his country's intellectual development. However, upon his arrival, he finds himself confronted with a society that is more interested in appearances than substance. Fang's attempts to engage in meaningful intellectual discourse are met with apathy or ridicule, as the people around him are more concerned with accumulating wealth and status.

This superficiality is not confined to the elite circles that Fang navigates. Throughout the novel, we encounter characters who are obsessed with maintaining face, even at the expense of their own well-being. Tang Xiaofu, Fang's friend and fellow intellectual, is a prime example of this tendency. Tang clings to his belief in traditional Chinese values, even though he knows that they are no longer relevant in modern society. As a result, he becomes isolated and embittered.

The obsession with face is also reflected in the novel's portrayal of marriage. Fang's wife, Su Wenwan, is a beautiful and intelligent woman, but she is also manipulative and ambitious. She marries Fang not because she loves him, but because she sees him as a potential stepping stone to a higher social status. Su's actions expose the underlying hypocrisy of Chinese society, where marriage is often seen as a means of gaining power and wealth, rather than a union based on love and respect.

In addition to superficiality, "The Besieged City" also explores the theme of cultural stagnation. Fang Hongjian's encounter with the West has made him realize the deficiencies of Chinese culture. He sees that China has fallen behind the rest of the world in terms of scientific and technological progress, and he believes that the country needs to embrace modernization in order to survive. However, his calls for reform are met with resistance from those who are afraid of change.

Qian Zhongshu's novel is a powerful critique of Chinese culture, but it is also a work of compassion. Despite the flaws that he exposes, Qian ultimately believes in the resilience of the Chinese people. He suggests that China can overcome its challenges by embracing modernity while still preserving its cultural identity. The novel ends with Fang Hongjian leaving his old life behind and embarking on a new path, symbolizing the hope for a better future for China.

In conclusion, "The Besieged City" provides a unique perspective on Chinese culture. By breaking through the facade of superficiality, the novel reveals the complex and contradictory nature of this ancient civilization. Qian Zhongshu's masterpiece is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the true face of China.

2025-02-14

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