LITerature Madman’s Diary Discussion Questions

discussion questions

1. “A Madman’s Diary” Discussion Questions Source: Fajardo -Acosta, F. (2001). A Madman’s Diary. Retrieved from http://fajardo-acosta.com/worldlit/luxun/diary.htm

2. China's first major "modern" short story Deliberately took the title of "Diary of a Madman" from Russian novelist Nikolai Gogol (1809-1852)  The story offers an ironic look at Chinese history, culture, and social life. 

3.  Cannibalism is primarily a symbolic theme in the story. The story condemns the oppressive nature of Chinese Confucian culture as a "man-eating" society. Lu Xun's story is often described as exposing the "cannibalistic feudal society" of pre-revolution China.

4. How does the madman see other people? How does he describe them? Does he see something others can't? According to the madman, what lies behind the smiles and façades of courtesy and civilization?

5. What is the significance of the animal imagery in the story? What sorts of animals are alluded to? Where? Why Do you find animal references anywhere else in the story? Is there an increased use of animal imagery and references as the story progresses? In Section 6, an enigmatic series of phrases is suddenly inserted: "the fierceness of a lion, the timidity of a rabbit, the craftiness of a fox." What is intended by this? Does it sound like an epigram encapsulating the meaning of the whole story? What might Lu Xun be trying to express through these phrases?

6. Is the madman really insane? Is he perhaps saner than those around him? What is sanity? What is madness? Who decides?

7. What is the madman criticizing? Is this story about actual cannibalism? What does cannibalism stand for? What does it mean to "eat" another human being? Are there any instances of behavior in the story, other than actual cannibalism, which one might term as cannibalistic?

8. How is this story connected to the historical situation of Lu Xun's time? What was going on in China during this time period? What sorts of social, economic, or political practices may be associated with cannibalism? 

9. The first entry in the diary reads, "Tonight the moon is very bright. … I begin to realize that during the past thirty-odd years I have been in the dark." What is the significance of the moon image?

10. What does the madman learn by reading history books? What does he find there? How does he interpret the words "benevolence, righteousness, and morality"? What does he claim is hiding under those words? 

11. In Section 9, what makes people reluctant to take "that one little step"? What is the symbolic meaning of that step? What does Lu Xun want for people to do? 

12. What is the significance of the concern with the death of the madman's younger sister? Why is Elder Brother blamed for her death?

13. Is the last line, "Save the children …," an optimistic or pessimistic ending? Who will save them? From what? What does it mean to be saved from becoming a cannibal?