Character Analysis: Xiang Yu (King of Western Chu)

Character Analysis: Xiang Yu (King of Western Chu)
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Character Analysis: Xiang Yu (King of Western Chu)
Introduction
Xiang Yu makes for one of the most iconic figures in Chinese history owing to his great exploits as one of the fearless military leaders in the peasant revolution against the oppressive rule of the Qin dynasty in 209 BC. The Chinese historical figure went against the odds to win many battles and become a renowned figure known for his prowess and mastery of the art of war. Xian Yu’s prominence transcends generations, as evidenced by his diverse reincarnations in plays and films across Chinese entertainment and educational platforms. He rose against all odds to become a highly influential figure in both his generations and the generations to come. Xian Yu was impressed with his wit and skills in the peasants’ uprising against the Qin regime, gaining recognition across prominent state leaders with whom they led the rebellion and among the common Chinese men and women. His unmatched bravery in the face of enemies coupled with his ability to rally his fighters behind the courses of liberating the state of Chu and restoring the respect, splendor, and stature of the state’s elite individuals and families set him on a path to greatness celebrated in Chinese history. However, that was not to be the case as he succumbs to his pride and dies at his prime by his hand at the end of his sword in a sad unprecedented outcome that left both his peers and future generations in awe. Xiang Yu’s tragic demise offers an invitation to the evaluation and analysis of his character traits in an effort to highlight and understand the underlying factors contributing to the sudden turn of events from heroics to a tragic end. Provided herein is a character analysis of Xiang Yu, King of Western Chu, based on a short summary of his life’s bibliography.
Xiang Yu, The King of Western Chu
Xiang Yu, a highly decorated rebel and military leader in the revolution against the oppressive Qin dynasty, was a descendant of a noble family characterized by revered military leaders in the state of Chu CITATION Ssu93 \l 1033 (Ssu-ma, 1993). He looked up to his grandfather Xang Yang, a highly decorated general of the state since his father died while he was still young. The tragedy made a mark early on his life in 223 BC as at the age of 10 years, he lost his grandfather, who took his life following the annihilation of their home state, Chu, by the state of Qin in the latter’s effort to unify the country and form the first Chinese empire CITATION Ssu93 \l 1033 (Ssu-ma, 1993). He was taken in by his uncle Xiang Liang who raised him in exile to avoid the wrath of the Qin regime, which disregarded Chu’s existing social structure with the aristocrats being stripped of their lands for the unification purposes of the dynasty CITATION Ssu93 \l 1033 (Ssu-ma, 1993). Xiang Liang takes an interest in teaching Xiang Yu how to read and write, but the youngster saw no value in the studies saying that they only function to record people’s names CITATION Ssu93 \l 1033 (Ssu-ma, 1993). Xiang Lang further challenged him to practice swordsmanship, to which he says that it can only be effective in fighting one enemy at a time CITATION Ssu93 \l 1033 (Ssu-ma, 1993). The young Xiang Yu focuses on studying the art of war and asks his uncle to teach him how to win battles against armies, and Xiang Liang takes an interest in his nephew’s desire CITATION Ssu93 \l 1033 (Ssu-ma, 1993). Xiang Yu grows to become a skilled and intelligent young man with a remarkable understanding of the political environment and its manifestations across the state of Chu thanks to his uncle’s teachings on the art of war CITATION Ssu93 \l 1033 (Ssu-ma, 1993). He even gained the respect of his peers in the state who revered him for his knowledge and skills, which he revealed during a visit by the Qin dynasty’s first emperor to the Southern parts of the unified Chinese empire, saying out loudly that he was going to overthrow him one day CITATION Ssu93 \l 1033 (Ssu-ma, 1993). The 210 BC peasant rebellion provided an excellent opportunity for Xiang Yu to showcase his prowess in the art of war, rising through the ranks to become one of the military leaders leading the charge against Qin’s forces CITATION Ssu93 \l 1033 (Ssu-ma, 1993). Xiang Yu goes on to make his name in Chinese history following his win in the famous battle of Julu against over 200,000 troops of the Qin rising to the position of an overlord of Western Chu CITATION Ssu93 \l 1033 (Ssu-ma, 1993). Success becomes his doom as he makes various mistakes leading to his defeat by Liu Bang in Gaixia and subsequent suicide upon his retreat to Wujiang River CITATION Ssu93 \l 1033 (Ssu-ma, 1993).
Xiang Yu’s Character Analysis
Sima Qian presents Xiang Yu as a heroic figure in Chinese history following his remarkable achievements in the peasants’ rebellion and the overthrowing of Qin dynasty. The author admires his bravery and ambition to face the enemy and bring about positive changes in both his home state and the unified countr...