On Lu Xun’s “Spectator” Image and Its Reflection of Social Phenomenon and Thinking

Abstract

This paper explores the image of the “Spectator” in Lu Xun’s works and the social phenomenon it reflects. It portrays the collective image of Chinese society at the time as indifferent bystanders, characterized by intellectual numbness and a lack of courage and responsibility. It also reflects the helpless, evasive, and compromising attitudes of intellectuals in response to reality. Although times have changed a lot, the “Spectator” psychology still exists to some extent in modern society. In today’s increasingly fierce competition at home and abroad, the “Spectator” is not conducive to the construction of a powerful socialist modern country. Through the analysis of Lu Xun’s “Spectator” image, the inner characteristics of the “Spectator” image, the realistic support of the “Spectator” image and its tragedy, the author draws out the alerting effect of the “Spectator” image on modern society, and thus explores the value pursuit from the “Spectator” to the walker. The author analyzes the ways to pursue the values of an active participant (or “walker”) by focusing on enhancing contemporary citizens’ public consciousness, emphasizing educational guidance in schools, and ensuring institutional support from the government. The author calls for constant vigilance and self-reflection, urging people to continually improve their moral character and cultivate a spirit of humanistic care.