The “Minor Characters” in Lu Xun’s Vernacular Literature—Set “Call to Arms” as an example

Abstract

With the emergence of the May Fourth New Culture Movement, realist literature gradually developed, and new ideas began to flourish. Lu Xun introduced these ideas into his vernacular literature. Vernacular literature has many kinds and sayings. Mr. Lu Xun’s concept and attitude toward vernacular literature criticize the influence of past native traditional pedantic ideas, which are shackles that prevent people from progressing. This article will analyze the typical minor characters in “Call to Arms” through textual analysis, descriptive research, and other inquiry methods. Based on the descriptions of typical minor characters, this study will present a series of survival scenarios of common people and expose the oppression they tolerate from traditional thinking and powerful people. Additionally, this study will highlight the bad situation that leads to insensitivity, ignorance, and backwardness among the people. Lu Xun criticizes the social status quo caused by feudal ideas in the people. He aims to enlighten the people with literature and change the feudal and backward part of vernacular culture. This also reflects Lu Xun’s native sentiment for his hometown and expresses his desire to eradicate feudal cultural customs.