Diary of a Madman

Lu Xun's "Diary of a Madman" was first published in China in 1918, during a period of significant cultural and political upheaval in the country. The Qin dynasty, in power since 1644, had recently collapsed from internal and external pressures in the 1912 Xinhai Revolution, marking a dramatic break from the past. New ideas about government, philosophy, and science prompted many Chinese intellectuals to reflect on long-held traditions and look toward a rebirth of the Chinese nation. Lu Xun was a central writer, teacher, and intellectual in this movement.

Lu Xun was inspired to write "Diary of a Madman” by a short story of the same name by Ukrainian-born writer Nikolay Gogol. In Gogol’s story, the protagonist becomes obsessed with his employer’s daughter and begins to experience delusions, including talking dogs and believing that he is the king of Spain. Whereas Gogol’s narrative focuses on the personal, Lu Xun’s telling reflects a wider criticism of Chinese society and culture.

This guide uses the 1990 translation by William Lyell. For accessibility, citations refer to the numbered diary entries rather than pages.

Content Warning: This guide discusses and reproduces biased language surrounding mental health.