Hou Xiaotong borrows books written by Lu Xun from a library. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Social problems

However, for middle school students, Lu's works are too long, his language is difficult, and he always reflects major social problems in small detail, all of which make him a challenging prospect.

Lu's characters lived in a poor and backward China a century ago, struggling to survive among callous natives. In comparison, teenage students now live in a modern country in the internet age and are used to reading stimulating fiction online.

Hou is working to find ways in which students can connect with the characters in Lu's stories.

For example, she came up with the idea of talking specifically about the female characters in his works, such as the most traditional ones, those who want a divorce, or don't want to divorce, and "new women", who accept Western ideas about relationships and life, but struggle when faced with "overwhelming feudalistic forces".

She also tries to inspire students to ask interesting questions about the writer, and reminds them of the names he gives his characters, such as Red Nose or Blue Skin-colors that indicate abnormal mental conditions.

"It's great when I discuss the writer I love with students in class. It is especially rewarding when students who are initially not interested in literature, or think that Lu's work is boring and heavy going, finally become interested in him," she said.

"For one thing, he was a great stylist and storyteller. For another, readers can see how such an incisive and open-minded writer reflected on the world. Moreover, Lu Xun observed many subtleties about human nature, which young students don't understand, but will appreciate when they reach adulthood," she said.

Hou said that although Lu represents "only a small and weak fire in the darkness, he gives people hope. He is a night watchman for Chinese culture, a clear mind in a chaotic world, and a great participant and witness of his time."

She also loves Lu for his frailty, sensitivity and courage.

"People close to him often said he was gloomy, perhaps because he was sick. Sometimes, he wrote that he woke from dreams and felt empty. He was fragile, but not weak," Hou said.

"Although he was in pain and sad, he would pull himself together and fight despair. That frailty and toughness as a human being is very charming and touching."

At university, Hou's tutor made these comments about Lu: "Many people say they don't like Lu Xun because he is boring, or his works are not good enough to show how unique they are. But they should read him before taking such a stance."

Hou added, "At different ages, you can always find something new from his works that will touch or grab you."