Evolving representations of Chinese laborers in Mahua literature (1930s–1940s): the case of “Shisheng”, a supplement to Nanyang Siang Pau

This paper focuses primarily on the Chinese laborer-themed short stories published in the “Shisheng”, a supplement of Nanyang Siang Pau, to examine the representation and transformation of Chinese laborers in Mahua literature during the 1930s and 1940s. The portrayal of Chinese laborers in “Shisheng” went through two phases. The earlier era primarily depicted the deplorable conditions of Chinese laborers and the wealth gap after the outbreak of the Chinese resistance against Japan in 1937. It demonstrated a pronounced socialist consciousness by criticizing societal injustices and articulating aspirations for social reform. In contrast, the next phase redefined the image of Chinese coolies as patriotic vanguards by emphasizing their generous donations and enthusiastic participation in the boycott of Japanese goods. This resulted in a patriotic portrayal of Chinese laborers imbued with a strong “national salvation” ethos. The portrayal and evolution of Chinese laborers in “Shisheng” encapsulate the ideological shifts within the Mahua literary scene of the 1930s and 1940s, reflecting the profound influence that leftist and anti-Japanese national salvation literature had on Mahua society.

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