SPARTA AND THE FORMATION OF LU XUN’S REVOLUTIONARY SPIRIT
SPARTA AND THE FORMATION OF LU XUN’S REVOLUTIONARY SPIRIT

Summary/Abstract: Lu Xun’s text “The Soul of Sparta” was academically influenced by the knowledge of ancient Greece and Rome that came from Japan and China, and in reality it was closely related to the international and domestic environment of that time. Through his translation and interpretation of the Spartan spirit, Lu Xun aimed to instil a sense of national pride and resilience among his compatriots. He believed that by emulating the Spartans’ commitment to valour and self-sacrifice, the Chinese people could overcome their challenges and achieve national rejuvenation. The spirit of the Spartans, as portrayed by Lu Xun, serves as a metaphor for the kind of national character that he believed was necessary for China to stand strong in the face of adversity. By highlighting the importance of individual strength and collective spirit, Lu Xun was advocating for a transformation in the national character that would empower the Chinese people to fight for their rights and dignity, and to take control of their own destiny. The revolutionary spirit in “The Soul of Sparta” continue to resonate in his later writings.

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