As a powerhouse of modern Chinese literature, Cixian Liu has captured the attention of readers worldwide with a series of thought-provoking novels. These novels not only offer compelling narratives but also explore complex themes and messages, some of which may have been influenced by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
In this article, we will delve into three of Liu’s notable novels, examining their content in relation to the CCP’s influence. It is important to consider that these works could not have achieved such fame and accolades in China without at least the tacit approval of the CCP. This fact raises intriguing questions about the relationship between the author’s creative expression and the political context in which he writes.
From a Western perspective, it is well-known that the CCP has not exactly encouraged candid discussions of the disruption caused by the Chinese Cultural Revolution. However, in the following analysis of Liu’s novels, we will uncover some surprising insights and speculate on how these themes may serve the CCP’s agenda.
Anchored in Revolutionary Upheaval
The Chinese Cultural Revolution, which lasted from 1966 to 1976, was a tumultuous period in China’s history. Led by Chairman Mao Zedong, the aim was to reassert his authority and eliminate perceived capitalist and traditional elements within the Chinese society. This period saw the rise of radical factions, widespread destruction of cultural relics, and the persecution of millions of people, including intellectuals and other members of the intelligentsia.
During the Cultural Revolution, the intelligentsia faced severe challenges as they were targeted for their perceived “bourgeois” ideals and affiliations. Many scholars, writers, and artists were silenced, imprisoned, or sent to labor camps in the countryside. The intellectual climate of the time was marked by an atmosphere of fear and suspicion, which stifled creativity and expression.
Despite the end of the Cultural Revolution, its impact on the Chinese intelligentsia has had long-lasting effects. A generation of intellectuals was lost, and the intellectual legacy of the period remains a sensitive subject in contemporary China. As we explore the themes and messages in Cixian Liu’s novels, it is essential to keep this historical context in mind and consider how it may have influenced the author’s work and the CCP’s stance towards it. I find it no coincidence that Liu’s novels involve an existential threat that seemingly requires an immediate and society-disrupting response by the “powers that be,” and it’s refreshing to hear Chinese voices exploring the impacts of crisis decisionmaking on a national scale.
The Three-Body Problem
Published in 2008, The Three-Body Problem is the first novel in Cixian Liu’s Remembrance of Earth’s Past trilogy. It follows the story of an alien invasion set against the backdrop of the Cultural Revolution. The novel has garnered international acclaim for its unique blend of hard science fiction and Chinese history.
One of the most striking aspects of The Three-Body Problem is its exploration of the Cultural Revolution’s impact on the Chinese intelligentsia. The protagonist, Ye Wenjie, witnesses the brutal persecution of her father, a prominent physicist, during the height of the revolution. This traumatic experience leads her to make a fateful decision with far-reaching consequences.
Considering the CCP’s reluctance to encourage open discussions about the Cultural Revolution, it is intriguing that The Three-Body Problem, which delves into this sensitive topic, has received considerable attention and accolades in China. This raises the question of why the CCP would allow or even encourage such a discussion in popular international literature.
One possible explanation is that the novel serves the CCP’s agenda by presenting the Cultural Revolution as a historical aberration rather than a systemic issue within the Chinese political system. By focusing on the personal experiences of the protagonist, the novel might subtly deflect attention from the broader implications of the CCP’s role in the Cultural Revolution. Moreover, The Three-Body Problem’s success on the international stage could help bolster China’s soft power by showcasing the creativity and talent of its authors.
The Dark Forest
The Dark Forest, the second novel in Liu’s Remembrance of Earth’s Past trilogy, continues the story of humanity’s struggle against an impending alien invasion. The novel introduces the concept of the “dark forest” as a metaphor for the universe, suggesting that advanced civilizations must hide their existence to avoid detection and potential annihilation.
While The Dark Forest may not directly address the Cultural Revolution, its themes and messages could still be influenced by the CCP. The novel’s portrayal of humanity’s response to the alien threat reveals a pessimistic view of human nature, with characters driven by self-interest, deception, and paranoia. This bleak outlook could be interpreted as a reflection of the social and political climate during the Cultural Revolution.
Furthermore, the “dark forest” concept can be seen as an allegory for the competitive nature of global politics, with nations vying for power and influence. In this context, the novel’s themes may serve the CCP’s agenda by highlighting the importance of a strong, centralized government capable of navigating the treacherous landscape of international relations. By emphasizing the need for unity and cooperation in the face of an existential threat, The Dark Forest could be subtly promoting the value of a single-party system like that of the CCP.
Supernova Era
Published in 1989 and translated into English in 2019, Supernova Era is a standalone novel by Cixian Liu. The story is set in a near-future Earth where a nearby supernova explosion has released a lethal radiation wave, causing the death of all adults on the planet. With the children as the only survivors, they inherit the responsibility of rebuilding society and redefining leadership, governance, and moral values.
Although Supernova Era does not explicitly reference the Cultural Revolution, its themes and messages might still reflect the influence of the CCP. The novel depicts a society in which traditional power structures are dismantled, forcing the young characters to question their values and adapt to new ways of thinking. This scenario can be seen as an allegory for the tumult experienced by Chinese society during the Cultural Revolution, when established beliefs and customs were challenged by radical ideologies.
Moreover, the novel’s exploration of the difficulties faced by the children in rebuilding society might serve the CCP’s agenda by emphasizing the importance of strong, stable leadership. The characters’ struggles with power dynamics, conflicting ideologies, and the necessity for cooperation underscore the challenges that emerge in the absence of a guiding authority. In this context, Supernova Era could be subtly reinforcing the notion that a centralized, single-party system like the CCP’s is crucial for maintaining order and progress.
Conclusion
In this analysis of Cixian Liu’s novels, we have explored the themes and messages that may have been influenced by the Chinese Communist Party. By examining the historical context of the Chinese Cultural Revolution and its impact on the Chinese intelligentsia, we can better understand the potential motives and implications of the CCP’s tacit approval of these works.
From the exploration of the Cultural Revolution’s history in The Three-Body Problem to the allegorical representations of political dynamics in The Dark Forest and Supernova Era, Liu’s novels offer a rich tapestry of insights that may serve the CCP’s agenda. Whether by subtly promoting the value of a strong, centralized government or by deflecting attention from the broader implications of the Cultural Revolution, these novels showcase the complex interplay between creative expression and political context.
As we continue to engage with and appreciate the works of authors like Cixian Liu, it is crucial to remain aware of the potential influences shaping their narratives. By doing so, we can foster a more nuanced understanding of the relationship between literature and politics, and appreciate the power of storytelling in shaping our worldviews.