The Hurricane by Chou Li-Po
Please write a paper of literary analysis of a literary text we’ve discussed so far. Length will be 5-6 pages, using 12’ font, double spaced.
A literary analysis essay is a type of essay which includes an argumentative analysis of a piece of literature. You will examine the text - novel, play, story etc. analyze the idea, plot, characters, tone, writing style, devices which the writer uses to narrate his story and contextualize the text in its intellectual, cultural and political context.
Take this as an opportunity to demonstrate your deeper understanding of the text and the key questions arising from it, your ability to address its position in the proper historical and cultural contexts and, if necessary, its relation with other similar texts. Key questions that can help you brainstorm the essay include:
-What is the main problem or issue that the author is addressing?
-What is the author’s central claim, argument, or point?
- What are the literary devices used, such as symbolism, imagery, metaphor, and foreshadowing?
-how does the work develop characters, plot, and themes?
How is the author's use of language and style?
-how does the text respond to historical and cultural context that may be relevant?
-what is the structure and organization of the text (e.g., narrative structure, point of view)?
- is there any intertextual references or allusions within the text?
You are not supposed to answer these above questions one by one. These were questions aiming to help you develop your thoughts and generating a central thesis for your paper. Critical to writing an analytical paper would be making a clearly stated central thesis and make your argument based on textual analysis and contextualization to convince your readers of your thesis.
Please do:
1.Read the work which you have to analyze thoroughly, make sure that you completely understand the author's idea, the plot and the characters;
2.Collect evidence -facts, expressions, other evidence - to make a reasonable conclusion in your analysis. You should have enough material to be persuasive in your conclusions. Make the notes while reading. You should also learn some information about the author, it will help you to understand his intentions and thoughts better.
3.Making literary analysis outline : You should understand what you will start with and what you will say in the conclusion. Make sure that you devote space to important ideas of the author.
Formulate a thesis and explain why your arguments have a great significance, how are they connected to the ideas and thoughts of the author of the book or novel and/or the historical background.
Please Avoid:
writing lengthy summary of the story or autobiographical essay.
subjective description of what you feel, e.g. you like or dislike of the text.
passing pure judgment on why is this piece of work is a good or bad piece.
Please also indicate in footnote or endnote if you are directly quoting or paraphrasing others’ ideas. No outside scholarly source is required for this analysis paper.
Most of all: enjoy the process of clearing your thoughts and writing down your in-depth analysis in a coherent and convincing way!
The Hurricane by Chou Li-Po
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The Hurricane by Chou Li-Po
Introduction
Chou Li-po's 1955 novel, "The Hurricane," stands as a prominent pillar in the Chinese socialist realism. Through its intricate narrative, the book unfolds a compelling story that transcends mere literary entertainment. It shows the very essence of an era characterized by profound sociopolitical shifts and, above all, the indomitable spirit of the Chinese peasantry. This masterpiece transports its readers to the late 1940s, a period when China, emerging from centuries of feudalism, embarked on a transformative journey towards social justice and economic equity (Li-Po, 1955). The novel is an evidence to the resilience of the human spirit when confronted with systemic oppression. It showcases the desire of the impoverished peasants in northeast China to overthrow the shackles of the oppressive landlord class and redistribute the land, a pursuit reflective of the broader nationwide movement during the early days of the People's Republic of China. This essay will analyse the aspects of Chou Li-po's "The Hurricane." The exploration will focus deep into the novel's main themes, vividly drawn characters, its plot, and the sophisticated literary devices employed by the author. Moreover, it shall focus on the lens of historical and cultural context, a critical vantage point to fully appreciate the narrative's underlying socio-political aspect.
Main Themes
One of the central themes of "The Hurricane" resonates profoundly with the socio-political landscape of its time, showing the essence of China's transition from a feudal society to a new era of social reform. In the late 1940s, as Chou Li-po penned his novel, China was still entrenched in the remnants of a feudal system, with the vast majority of land firmly held in the grasp of a select few powerful landlords. This stranglehold on agricultural resources led to a dire state of affairs, where peasants toiled endlessly. They worked for low wages, and lived in the throes of unrelenting poverty. The novel places this struggle for land reform front and center. It portrays the desolate lives of these peasants, mired in a harsh existence, their aspirations stifled by the oppressive weight of the landlord class. It serves as a powerful indictment of this social inequality, as it chronicles the peasants' unwavering determination to overthrow the yoke of the landlord class and redistribute the land equitably. Through the characters and the unfolding plot, Chou Li-po masterfully illustrates the trials and tribulations of this struggle, offering readers an intimate and emotionally charged journey into the heart of China's societal transformation.
In the backdrop of a divided and strife-ridden society, the novel showcases another vital theme, one that resonates deeply with the socio-political situation of its time. This is the theme of peasant unity. At the outset of the land reform struggle, the peasants find themselves fragmented, isolated, and woefully susceptible to manipulation by the powerful landlords. This division, emblematic of a society torn by disparities and ruled by a pervasive hierarchy, is emblematic of a broader national struggle for unity and empowerment. As the narrative unfolds, the novel takes readers on a transformative journey. With great precision, it details the peasants' discovery of the Communist Party and its visionary program. This newfound knowledge serves as a catalyst, igniting the spark of unity amongst the marginalized, instilling in them a sense of common purpose. Through the evolution of the characters and their collective actions, "The Hurricane" compellingly demonstrates the inextricable link between unity and progress, revealing that only through a shared vision and concerted action can the peasants overcome the profound challenges that beset them.
In this way, Chou Li-po's novel serves as both a reflection and a commentary on the socio-political climate of its time. It portrays the interplay of power, oppression, and the inexorable drive for social justice (Li-Po, 1955). Through the lens of these two central themes, "The Hurricane" offers readers a profound and insightful win...