The True Story of Ah Q

Critique • Quotes

Selected Stories1972 collection, Peking

About the book

The True Story of Ah Q
Publication details ▽ Publication details △

Author
Lu Hsun, China

First publication
1919

Form
Novella

Genre
Literary

Writing language
Chinese

Length
Approx. 18,000 words in English translation

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• Literature

• Novellas

• Chinese Literature

Related pages ▽ Related pages △

• Lu Xun
author

Old Tales Retold

Notable lines

For several years now I have been meaning to write the true story of Ah Q.

— First line

Now he saw eyes more terrible even than the wolf's; dull yet penetrating eyes that, having devoured his words, still seemed eager to devour something beyond his flesh and blood. Most people were dissatisfied, because a shooting was not such a fine spectacle as a decapitation.

 

They had followed him for nothing.

— Last line

 

Critique • Quotes