Is Diary of a Madman a book of traditional culture?

Diary of a Madman, written in April of 19 18, is the first short vernacular diary novel written by Lu Xun and the first modern vernacular novel written by China. This article was first published on May 19 18 in No.5, Volume 4 of New Youth, and was later included in Scream and compiled into Volume 1 of Complete Works of Lu Xun.

Through the image of the persecuted madman and the self-description of the madman, the novel reveals the "cannibalism" essence of feudal ethics, and shows the author's resistance to China feudal culture with feudal ethics as its main connotation. It also shows the author's profound sense of repentance. From the standpoint of radical "revolutionary democracy", the author deeply reflected on China's culture, and at the same time expressed his deep concern and indignation for China and even the future of mankind.

Creation background

After the victory of Russian October Revolution, Lu Xun was deeply encouraged. He and many advanced intellectuals at that time, such as Li Dazhao, Chen Duxiu and Hu Shi, wrote articles and ran magazines together, which set off a vigorous new culture movement in China after the May 4th Movement. He stood at the forefront of anti-imperialism and feudalism, actively advocated new culture, new ideas and new morality, and lashed out at the old culture, old ideas and old morality for thousands of years. [3]

19 17 On August 9, at the invitation of Qian, Lu Xun agreed to write an article for New Youth, and finished the creation of Diary of a Madman on April 19 18. Before writing Diary of a Madman, Lu Xun had read about one hundred foreign literary works. Diary of a Madman is the first cry of Lu Xun after experiencing silence and reflection. His works incorporate his complex emotions such as anger, resentment, dissatisfaction, anxiety, hope and prayer over the years. It must also reflect the author's deep thinking about the history of China and his understanding of the real society over the years. It is a thorough anti-feudal "declaration" and the "general preface" of the author's subsequent creation.