The reading is about a heart-rending tale of two young couple whose love for each other was powerful to bring down a section of the mighty wall of China. After Fan Qiliang was forcefully recruited to go build the wall in the North part of China, his wife, Meng Jiangnu went looking for him, and after receiving tragic news that Qiliang has died and buried in the Great wall, she bitterly cried until a part of the wall collapsed.
There are several central issues raised in the reading. First is the include political abuse which is associated with cruelty, despotism, and failure. Rather than ruling by virtue, the emperor at the time of the construction of the wall, Qin Shihuang, used force to recruit workers (7). Second is religious superstitions; after Meng Juangnu jumped to her death, an embodiment of her status was erected at that same spot, Bohai Sea (19). The statue is used as an embodiment to reaffirm the suffering of the ancestors. Lastly is the political oppression of the poor. From the story, it is clear that Fan Qiliang was recruited against his wish to build the wall. His hiding days before he was captured is an indication of the resistance staged by the oppressed poor class (11). However, the resistance could only last a short while as there was no leader remorseful enough to defend the poor.
Usefulness of the Reading
The reading narrates of an old legend, and this adds more meaning to the contemporary folklore. The story is a good example of the embedment of a culture of the fulness of folklore which authentically preserved the sentiments and the values of the ancient people. From the reading, new agendas have been formulated to advocate for the women, nation, political and individual liberation in modern society.
Discussion Questions
1. How do the main issues presented in the reading relate to the contemporary world?
2. How does the folklore in the reading contribute to the modern narrative genre?
3. How does Meng Juangnu contribute to the empowerment of modern woman?
Work Cited
Idema, W L. Meng Jiangnü Brings Down the Great Wall: Ten Versions of a Chinese Legend. Seattle: University of Washington Press, 2012. Internet resource.
