A Madman’s Story by Lu Xun
Madness is caused by unusually seeing the world. A madman’s story is majorly symbolic. The use of animals, dogs, hyena, and wolfs with the bird buzzer all represent the villagers and daily lives of oppressors by society. The writer used ‘the madman’ though he knows more than the sane people to bring out how ironic the world could be. The cannibalism aspect of the villagers tells more about how humans can be so insensitive and unkind to their fellow beings. The madman goes on to say to them if they don’t change, they as well can be eaten, the case of man eat man’s society. By doing so, he tries to drive a point home. The madman who utters a lot of facts contrary to what the general public wants to hear. The madman also accuses ‘brother’ a person seemed closed to you who during the time of need can join hands together with others to cause harm. The writer specifically brings out the cultural oppression during the dynasty. The madman can be described as a person who is ready to rise above tradition and condemn beliefs that have been held for long, seemingly holding China back. Cannibalism can be viewed in terms of Confucius’s history with natural and moral change.
Cause of madness
The cause of madness seems to have arisen from exposure to other cultures and ways of life. The narrator having have schooled outside the country, Japan, had the knowledge to compare with the classic lives of its people. The influence seemingly came from the west because of his contact with western life ranging from capitalism to democracy
Interpretation of the ‘end’
In subconscious thought, one may have practiced a classic, oppressive lifestyle. Though it was out of the will, it is impossible to travel in time and correct the mess. The ‘madman’ therefore goes on to call on the general public to protect and raising the children right no matter the cause.