Chinese Journal of Literary Criticism

No.3, 2020

Cultural Memory and Concern for the People: A Re-Interpretation of Lao She’s Teahouse

(Abstract)

Ban Yiwen

Lao She’s Teahouse is a landmark in the history of contemporary Chinese literature. Here we attempt to offer a re-interpretation of this masterpiece from the perspective of “cultural memory”. First of all, Teahouse constructs the dramatic structure from the memories of the characters, and presents their fate through the teahouse, a “field of memory”. Secondly, the identity of Master Chang, the psychological trauma of Kang Shunzi, as well as Cui Jiufeng’s revolutionary memory, all of these concretely present the writing of national trauma. Finally, through the symbolic act of “reminiscence and memorial ceremony” towards the end of the third act of Teahouse, we can analyze and appreciate Lao She’s profound feelings for Beijing’s popular culture.