Symbolism is present throughout the story in the form of two objects: the suitcase and movies. Both objects show the extent to which intellectual liberty was limited during the time of the Cultural revolution.
Dai SiJie uses movies to show the propaganda during the Cultural Revolution. The movies show how conformed to Mao’s propaganda, the intellect of the population were during the Cultural Revolution. Dai SiJie writes, “There were still showing the old North Korean Film The Little Flower Girl, which had moved the four sorceresses in the Little Seamstress’ house to tears (81).” By using the word ‘still’ the author portrays how limited the scope of movies they played in public theatres. The government had ready control over public media and was able to maintain control over the people using specifically controlled movie propaganda. The narrator further details, “By now we had seen three films at the basketball court in Yong Jing. By far the most popular was North Korean melodrama with a heroine called “the Flower Girl”(35). The fact that they have only seen three movies, throughout this extended period, displays the control that the government has over lives of its people. All of the movies contain content which either supports or agrees with Mao’s vision. These two quotes shows the limiting nature of China through the propaganda films.
The suitcase is symbolizing the locking up of knowledge from western society held in the books, which goes against the popular consensus. Dai SiJie writes, “It was only after an hour’s headlong flight along the mountain path that we finally dared stop. Luo opened the suitcase. On top of the neatly stacked books lay the buffalo tail: black, with a tufted end, and stained with dark blood”(105). As Luo and the narrator open the books, they were able to freely receive knowledge and information which was banned under the Mao’s regime. Symbolically breaking the chains that held them away from the riches and knowledge trapped inside the suitcase. This idea is further continued as the narrator suggests, “ We’ll help you carry your hod to the rice station, and when we get back you can lend us some of those books you’ve got hidden in your suitcase. How’s that for a deal”(54). This quote shows the extent to which people would go to obtain knowledge. It also further shows the extent to which someone would go to protect their new founded intellect from others.
I like how you recognized the suitcase as a symbol that represented the locking up of knowledge. I think these quotes also exemplify coming of age, because the boys need to make these decisions for themselves, and decide what to prioritize(intellectual liberty, in this case.)
ReplyDeleteI find it interesting how in-depth you went with understanding the true reason why the narrator included the movies into the book. Your deep understanding of the influence the movie had over the people who would watch it really helps represent the media that the people of China were exposed to at the time.
ReplyDeleteI really like the quote you used to connect the suitcase to locking up knowledge. It shows that the two boys are maturing and starting to make important decisions for themselves, while also thinking about others like the Little Seamstress.
ReplyDeleteThe idea that the narrator and Luo were breaking chains to gain knowledge was really insightful, and it connects to a more general idea that they are breaking the chains that the Cultural Revolution had put on them.
ReplyDeleteReally good insightful analysis!
ReplyDeleteI like how in depth you were in your analysis. Why do you believe they were allowed to be shown North Korean films? I think the desire to learn new literature, and also protect their intellect is a point of coming of age, where the boys have to sort out how to handle this new knowledge they receive.
ReplyDeleteI liked that you chose the suitcase, which many people seem to have skipped over. You also interestingly discussed the theme of intellectual liberty, offering new insights on the importance of literature.
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