Jean-Christophe
Jean-Christophe is a ten volume novel, written by Romain Rolland during the years 1904 to 1912. The epic story is centered on a German musical genius, who has a courageous, uncompromising soul. Christophe is a fighter for social justice and would “rather die than live by illusion.” Rolland himself believed that art should be a part of the struggle to bring enlightenment to people. Like his heroic protagonist, he also struggled for social and political justice.
In Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress it is easy to see why Ma is so attracted to the novel Jean-Christophe. Both Ma and Christophe are musicians and believe in the principles of social justice as well as the idea that art leads to truth and knowledge. Also, in accordance with Jean-Christophe’s quote, “See things as they are, squarely face his misfortunes, -- and laugh,” Ma faces his situation with dignity and hope for a better future. Christophe and Ma also share a taste for rebellion as Jean kills a police officer (a figure of authority) while Ma steals and reads illegal books to defy the society forced upon him by Mao Zedong.
In Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress it is easy to see why Ma is so attracted to the novel Jean-Christophe. Both Ma and Christophe are musicians and believe in the principles of social justice as well as the idea that art leads to truth and knowledge. Also, in accordance with Jean-Christophe’s quote, “See things as they are, squarely face his misfortunes, -- and laugh,” Ma faces his situation with dignity and hope for a better future. Christophe and Ma also share a taste for rebellion as Jean kills a police officer (a figure of authority) while Ma steals and reads illegal books to defy the society forced upon him by Mao Zedong.
