종족전쟁의 상상력 : 과학소설 『신기원』에 시연된 청말민초 황화 담론

Abstract

This essay explores late Qing discourse of the Yellow Peril as expressed in the science fiction novel New Era (1908). As the Qing dynasty faced imminent collapse, the author Biheguan zhuren imagined China in the year 1999. Conceived as a nation representing “the yellow race,” China proves victorious in a war with “the white race.” The future China is proud and nationalistic, its strength deriving from its technological development, which enables China to defeat the West in the racial war. I argue, however, that the utopian vision of a strong China betrays a recognition of national collapse: late Qing China was doomed as its science and technology had not in fact advanced.BR This science fiction text heralds the future glory of China; meanwhile, late Qing discussions of civilization are shown in diverse forms regarding science, race, political system, and cultural relations between the East and the West. In the context of the anti-Manchu ideology, which was prevalent at the turn of the 20th century, New Era reflects a complex discourse regarding how to shape a future China. For example, the calendar system of the Yellow Emperor was introduced by anti-Manchu group to legitimize their political ideology. In the novel, however, the calendar system is not only used to support a constitutional monarchy but also serves as a means to mobilize the united front of the yellow races. Ultimately, this utopian project prompted China to recognize a hopeless present and the failure of the old regime, which was an essential first step towards national rejuvenation.