7.1 The Emergence of Scar Literature

Scar Literature emerged in China after the Cultural Revolution, giving voice to the trauma and suffering experienced during that tumultuous period. It marked a significant shift in Chinese literature, allowing writers to openly criticize the Maoist era and challenge official narratives.

This genre played a crucial role in breaking the silence surrounding the Cultural Revolution. It served as a means of catharsis for both writers and readers, helping them process their experiences and move forward in the post-Mao era.

Scar Literature: Definition and Significance

Defining Scar Literature

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• Scar literature is a genre of Chinese literature that emerged in the late 1970s and early 1980s focusing on the traumatic experiences and aftermath of the Cultural Revolution (1966-1976)
• The term "scar" symbolizes the deep psychological and emotional wounds inflicted upon individuals and society during this turbulent period
• This genre marked a significant shift in Chinese literature as writers began to openly criticize the excesses and abuses of the Maoist era, challenging the official narrative

The Significance of Scar Literature in the Post-Mao Period

• Scar literature played a crucial role in breaking the silence surrounding the Cultural Revolution and exposing the suffering and injustices endured by the Chinese people
• It served as a means of catharsis and healing for both writers and readers, helping them come to terms with their traumatic experiences and move forward in the post-Mao era
• The emergence of scar literature demonstrated the Chinese people's desire for truth, justice, and a more open and reflective society, paving the way for further cultural and intellectual developments in the 1980s

Themes and Characteristics of Scar Literature

Common Themes in Scar Literature

• Scar literature often features autobiographical or semi-autobiographical narratives, drawing from the authors' personal experiences during the Cultural Revolution
• Common themes include the loss of innocence, the destruction of traditional values and relationships, and the struggle for survival and identity in the face of political persecution and social upheaval
• Many works in this genre depict the suffering endured in labor camps (laogai), the separation of families, and the erosion of trust and humanity under the oppressive political climate

Characteristics of Scar Literature

• Characters in scar literature frequently grapple with the consequences of being labeled as "rightists," "counter-revolutionaries," or "bad elements," and the impact of these labels on their lives and families
• Scar literature often employs a realistic and straightforward writing style, focusing on the emotional and psychological impact of the events rather than elaborate literary techniques
• The works in this genre encouraged a critical re-examination of the Maoist era, exposing the flaws and abuses of the political system and the impact on individuals and society

Social and Political Context of Scar Literature

The End of the Cultural Revolution and the Emergence of a New Era

• The death of Mao Zedong in 1976 and the end of the Cultural Revolution created a political and social environment that allowed for greater freedom of expression and reflection on the past
• The new leadership under Deng Xiaoping initiated a process of "Boluan Fanzheng" (bringing order out of chaos), which included a reassessment of the Cultural Revolution and a gradual loosening of cultural and intellectual controls

Political and Social Changes that Facilitated Scar Literature

• The Third Plenum of the 11th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China in 1978 marked a significant shift in policy, emphasizing economic reform and opening up (gaige kaifang), as well as a more tolerant attitude towards cultural expression
• The "Beijing Spring" movement in 1978-1979, characterized by the Democracy Wall and the emergence of underground literature, further encouraged writers to explore previously taboo subjects and express their grievances
• The official rehabilitation of many intellectuals and artists who had been persecuted during the Cultural Revolution (e.g., Ding Ling, Liu Binyan) provided a sense of vindication and empowered them to share their stories

Scar Literature and National Healing

Confronting Trauma and Fostering Collective Healing

• Scar literature served as a platform for the Chinese people to confront and come to terms with the trauma and suffering experienced during the Cultural Revolution
• By giving voice to the silenced and marginalized, scar literature helped to break the official silence surrounding the atrocities committed and fostered a sense of collective healing
• The cathartic nature of scar literature allowed both writers and readers to process their emotions, rebuild their identities, and move forward in the post-Mao era with a greater understanding of the past

Seeking Truth and Reflecting on the Past

• Scar literature contributed to the process of "seeking truth from facts" (shishi qiu shi), as advocated by Deng Xiaoping, by providing a more accurate and nuanced portrayal of recent history
• The works in this genre encouraged a critical re-examination of the Maoist era, exposing the flaws and abuses of the political system and the impact on individuals and society
• The popularity and influence of scar literature demonstrated the Chinese people's desire for truth, justice, and a more open and reflective society, setting the stage for further cultural and intellectual developments in the 1980s (e.g., the "high culture fever" and the "root-seeking" movement)