Interpretations on the Abnormal Characters in the Novels by Lao She

Dan Li

doi:10.5539/ass.v8n15p235

Abstract

Lao She’s novels describe the class of common citizens and create many kinds of figures. Among these characters, there are one kind that shows abnormal life states and attitudes without any exceptions in that complicated society, although they have different identities and personalities. By analyzing the reasons for the formation of abnormal psychology of these people, the author categorizes these figures into three types: the first is the self-reclusive abnormal psychology; the second is the institutional- closed abnormal psychology; the third is the abnormal psychology caused by pursuit for self interests. By means of categorization, the author hopes to interpret Lao She’s wishes for reforming the characters of nationals.

Highlights

Lao She’s novels describe the class of common citizens and create many kinds of figures
By analyzing the reasons for the formation of abnormal psychology of these people, the author categorizes these figures into three types: the first is the self-reclusive abnormal psychology; the second is the institutional- closed abnormal psychology; the third is the abnormal psychology caused by pursuit for self interests
Lao She’s works always care about the actual life of common people and the fate of nation

Summary

The Self-reclusive Abnormal Psychology

There is one kind of characters who are awakening, but they cannot bear the sadness of desperation after the awakening and choose to be self-reclusive This closure causes their extremely complicated and contradictory attitudes. They gradually develop the nearly self-killing abnormal psychology The representatives of this kind of characters are Mr Cao in Rickshaw Boy and Ruixuan Qi in Four Generations under One Roof. Ruixuan Qi in Four Generations under One Roof was an intellectual living in the transition period of the old times to the new times On one hand, he took traditional culture education in his childhood. He suffered a lot due to the conflict between serving the family and fighting for the country His pains were based on the clear understandings of human consciousness and national dignity, which gave his soul more burdens

The Institutional-closed Abnormal Psychology

The Abnormal Psychology Caused by the Pursuit for Self Interests