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The Works of Ha Jin

“The true scholar’s brush must encourage good and warn against evil.” Ha Jin himself quoted this Wang Chong passage in In the Pond. It is somewhat ironic to read something so descriptive of the author in his own book. Ha Jin’s works embody the struggle of the lowly peasant and the corrupt communist government in China. They show the difficulties, inequalities and injustices brought against the people by the self-proclaimed “People’s Republic.” In three works, In the pond, Waiting and Under the Red Flag, he is very poignant in his criticism of the system that has killed, impoverished and held down so many people in its short time on earth.
In the Pond is the story of a poor worker, Shao Bin, living in a commune town. During the day, he worked long hours in the Harvest Fertilizer Plant. At home, he was an aspiring artist, working into the night on beautiful ink drawings and calligraphy, often keeping his wife and toddler from sleep. His family was quickly out...

Posted by: Janet Valerio

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