My Old Home

Writer: Lu Xun (1881-1936), a Chinese writer

Characters:

• Lu Xun
• Lu Xun’s mother
• Runtu
• Second Sister Yang (the Beancurd Beauty)
• Honger (Xun’s nephew), and Shuisheng (Runtu’s son)

Theme: conflict between memories/expectations and realities

Summary:

The autobiographical story “My Old Home” by a Chinese writer, Lu Xun, depicts the conflict between memories or expectations and realities. Lu Xun in the story narrates the experience of his childhood sweet memories and the bitter realities that he encounters as an adult. While returning to his hometown after twenty years, Xun recalls his childhood days. He expects his hometown to be a lovely place. He is especially excited to meet his childhood friend, Runtu, who had made an indelible impression upon Xun’s mind through the sharing of his fascinating tales of hunting birds and wild animals. Runtu was a son of Xun’s father’s servant, but the two little boys became friends, unaware of the social hierarchy that existed in the then Chinese society.

In contrast to his expectation, Xun finds his hometown rather unattractive, and when he meets Runtu, his excitement fades as soon as Runtu addresses him “Master!”. Realizing that Runtu is just a poor servant while he is rich, educated, and a big official, he becomes aware of the thick wall that stood between them. He cannot descend from his status and treat Runtu as a friend any more. Xun finally returns back to the city with a deep sense of loss and melancholic feelings.