Sacrifice By Lu Xun And Love In A Fallen City By Eileen Chang

This study analyzes two stories outlined in the two books; New Year’s Sacrifice by Lu Xun and Love in a Fallen City by Eileen Chang. The two stories describe experiences of two women who go through different experiences that define their future. They suffer the adverse effects of traditional Chinese customs and practices though one has a happy ending while the other suffers to the very end. Though they lived in different cities and at various time, it is evident how society built prejudices against gender roles, and the different ways that women tried to fight against the unfavorable beliefs, practices, and customs.
The New Year`s Sacrifice tells the story of Xianglin’s wife, who had been employed as a housekeeper at home in Luchen village after her first husband died. The ruthless mother-in-law abducts her and forcefully marries her off to a poor peasant. The second husband dies before two years of marriage followed by demise of her son who is eaten by wolves. These events make her unclean, and villagers see her as an
Liusu is attracted to traditional clothing, - she wears embroidered slippers and can stay at home; however, she hates commands when it concerns eating – “time to eat”. She is an independent woman who has faith and hope for the better. Being decisive and responsible, once, when dancing with her beloved one Liuyuan, she discusses love, life, lie in interpersonal relationships. For example, the couple hopes that even after the Judgment Day, the wall will remain where they can still stand strong, supporting each other. When discussing women beauty, Liusu and Liuyan agree that Chinese women are traditional and modern at the same time. They have been trying to meet standards, on the one hand, but still they can respect Western values as well. When compared to the New Year’s Sacrifice, it turns clear that Xianglin’s wife is weak, oppressed, - she is in despair and has no faith for the better