China Studies Wiki - User contributions [en]

Zhang Jie (born 1937)

2012-12-12T23:19:24Z

Ericaangie: /* Disclosure */

[[File:Arch002021286b.jpg|400px|thumb|right|Zhang Jie, an artistic photo by Buso. Click [http://www.martabuso.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/5e06319eda06f020e43594a9c230972d/a/r/arch002021286b.jpg here] for original source ]]
== About Zhang Jie ==
A one of a kind and brilliant Chinese Literature writer. She successfully took on socialism and turned it into a novella. She clearly show us what the people in China of all ranks had to suffer and went through during and after the times of communism, how did they deal with it, what was left to be entrusted with, to rebuild upon for a new generation in China. Zhang Jie began to write after the access of power began for Deng Xioping (Deputy Minister), the dead of Mao Tseng Tang occurred in 1976 and the fall of the Gang of Four occurred; this gang included Mao’s cruel wife, Jiang Qing, mastermind and political figure that together with Mao authored millions of crimes during the Cultural Revolution,''"She published her first novel 'Love must not be forgotten' in 1978, two years later after the death of the dictator Mao."'' www.miscelaneaeditores.com

It was after these events that Zhang Jie began to write. China finally began to experience a relatively more freedom for writers to create, and works of other foreign writers began to make their way into China. China started to get energized catching on the humanistic and artistic works of the world. It was beginning to exit the 10 years confinement of literature and oppression that had suffered during the Cultural Revolution. The extreme ideals of communism lost attention and writers could now use other themes in their stories, other than the working classes or soldiers. Zhang Jie was now 39 years old. She was finally able and experienced to establish her brilliant place in the Chinese Literature.

[[File:Brigitte_lin_book_fair_hk.jpg|400px|thumb|left|Zhang Jie, at a Hong Kong Book fair. They announced her book
'Without Words' will be go to the big screen. Click [http://wiki.vm.rub.de/uvu/images/5/59/Brigitte_lin_book_fair_hk.jpg here] for original source ]]

== Biography ==
'''1937'''
Zhang Jie was born in Beijing in 1937, her mother taught elementary school, she grew up poor even when she was a Manchu Royalty decedent. She had to escape the Japanese army that wanted to kill them. ''"Her mother, Manchurian royalty by birth but reduced to poverty by China's perpetual war and revolt, was a primary school teacher before the Japanese invasion." beijingscene.com.'' A guide that they meet introduced Zhang Jie to western children stories. The stories she read were from The Grimm brothers, Hans Christian Andersen and the fables of Krylov were among her favorites. Although people like to critic her because about this, Zhang Jie said that she is glad to have read these children stories, because they taught her to be consider to other people and not smash others on her way to success ''"I secretly congratulate myself and say that if I have one iota of human feeling, if I do not move up in the world by stepping on other people, do not use others to gain advantage, it is in large part due to the influence of the humanism in classical Western literature.” beijingscene.com''

'''1956'''
She wanted so badly to be a writer but end up studying economics ''"The government, however decided that because of her excellent school record she should study economics” Dillard pag 65.'' Zhang Jie cried about this but went anyways. Zhang Jie was admitted in RENMIN University of China.

'''1960'''
Zhang Jie, graduated and took a job in the Mechanics Engineer Industry that would allowed her a lot of information in this field to later write her Mao Dun Award winning book 'Heavy Wings (Leaden Wings)'. She worked in this industry for eight years.

'''1963'''
She married a colleague and had a daughter called 'Tang Di'

'''1964'''
Mao wanted the writers like Zhang Jie to experience equality with the rural or less fortunate people, and get rid off any funny ideas of possible superiority they might have ''"In addition to the Socialist Education Movement in the countryside, Mao repeatedly urged the literature and arts circles, as well as the various propaganda arms, to reform their areas.” marxists.org.''

'''1969'''
At the age of 32 Zhang Jie was sent to a farm for four years to be reform to Jiangxi, located southwest if China. Even when they have lost all money and connection of her royal family, because of her royal lineage, she was considered of a privilege class, so according to the teachings of Mao Tseng Tang she needed to be reform and experience the workers life. ''"Because she was the daughter of a right winger, she was forced to participate in re-educational measures at a special school from 1969 to 1972.” culture.base.net.'' During these times, it must have been very hard to be separated of her daughter and mother.

'''1978'''
Zhang Jie published her first children story right after the Culture Revolution called 'Music of the Forests', and won China national award ''"It was at this time that she also began to write. Only after the Cultural Revolution (1966–67) did she publish her first story" 'Die Musik der Wälder' culturebase.net.'' Russian children literature really was her inspiration to begin writing. Also, she was one of the first Modern writers to write about women and love. 'Love must not be forgotten' was her first novel about these issues of love.

'''1979'''
Zhang Jie joined the Chinese Writers Association. Zhang Jie’s work was popular.

'''1980'''
Her acclaim novella 'Heavy Wings' was published and very well received. She had waited for a long time and because of the changes and relatively freedoms that China was experiencing this was the right moment to do it. Also, Zhang Jie joined the Chinese Communist Party.

'''1982'''
She becomes a member of the PEN International. Zhang Jie would travel outside of China for the first time ever to attend a conference in Los Angeles, at UCLA, where she would meet American writer and journalist 'Harrison Salisbury'. Dillard, pag 63. Zhang Jie must have been very happy that she can finally write all she wanted.

'''1985'''
She was awarded the Mao Dun Literature Prize for ''Leaden Wings = Heavy Wings''.''"This novel is one of the three which jointly won the 1985 Mao Dun Literary Prize, the most prestigious award for novels in China" jstor.org''

'''2005'''
Zhang Jie was awarded for the second time the Mao Dun Literature Prize for 'Without a Word'. She is the only author to have won this prize twice.

[[File:Zhang-jie-0719L.jpg|500px|thumb|right|In 1985, Zhang Jie won the Mao Dun Prize Click [http://images2.chinatraveldepot.com/Images/Destination/Zhang-jie-0719L.jpg here] for original source ]]

== Two Faces of Chinese Literature ==
I think it is helpful and important to distinguish 2 faces in Chinese Literature, and which one Zhang Jie belongs too, this way we can comprehend even better the Chinese Literature evolution and what group accompany the author. Together with Zhang Jie, these authors and their writings will be the ones in charge to lead China into a new direction.

The first face was in the 1920s.- It started with the fall of the Empire and the disintegration of the Old Traditional Literacy. The beginning of the ‘Chinese Literature Modern Classics was born’, the unforgettable Lu Xun, Lao She, Cao Yu, Mao Deng, Ba Jin and others, ''"At that moment the canonical list of modern classics of Chinese literature came out: Lu Xun, Lao She, Cao Yu, Mao Dun, Ba Jin” www.upf.edu.''

The Second face during the 1980s.- A period of relative relaxation begins that allowed the ‘emerge of new climate of cultural creativity’. The distinction of what it was ‘Revolutionary Literature between – Modern Literature’ was well noticed. "The young writers that had to remain silent had been waken (Good morning Zhang Jie!)." In this face: we found Zhang Jie, Wang Meng, Liu Xiabo, Wang Shuo, Hao Shaogong and many more.

== Fun Facts about Zhang Jie ==
[[File:Cute.jpg|250px|thumb|left|Zhang Jie, loves cats and was seeing playing with one at UCLA conference. Click [http://www.thedibb.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=662542] for original source ]]
Zhang Jie loves to giggle and to read books. She has a way of looking at you with sarcasm. Zhang Jie also likes Siamese cats a lot. During the UCLA conference, she got a hold of somebody's cat and would not let go of it. People reported that she was holding on to the cat the wrong way, the cat’s behind was facing people in front of her, while the face of the cat was facing Zhang Jie’s back, funny way to hold a kitty, and she did it for a while too, ''"Zhang Jie and innovative and controversial young writer, is carrying my Siamese cat around the house. She holds it by the armpit, so it faces the couch.” Dillard, pag 61.''
She also loves to speak softly and her work is regularly under fire. I guess people like to criticize her'' "Zhang Jie , whose own work is regularly under fire, had to defend the Party line.” Dillard, pag 68.''

== Her work ==
[[File:ZHangJieHenryMiller.png|400px|thumb|right|Zhang Jie and American writer 'Henry Miller'in 1984 Click [http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C507t-K16jQ/TguQwhGSIiI/AAAAAAAABF0/FI09ZHvkDT4/s320/ZHangJieHenryMiller.gif here]for original source ]]
Zhang Jie was raised by her mother, her parents were divorced. Probably at a young age witnessed and experienced the discrimination and abuse to the fact that she had no father. In those times it did not look good to be a single mother, you can be discriminated greatly. These facts had to have inspired Zhang Jie into her writings and allowed her to rule when she talks about what women went through during those times, since she had witnessed it herself. A good example of this in her book 'Heavy Wings' ''pag 107, "He darted a warning glance at Zheng. To him divorcees ranked with prostitutes.”''

'''Why Zhang Jie calls it "Heavy wings"'''
Zhang Jie is a smart writer, strong and brave representative of the new Modern generation. This generation is like a newborn or a new bird representing the Republic of China. Zhang Jie and writers like her are the ones that are responsible to help others break out of the shell, and show them how to fly high. But can they do it? Or, Are the wings of this nation 'too heavy to take off' and begin to fly completely free? You decide.

'''Zhang Jie way of writing'''
''By taking us inside the story, Zhang Jie show us how the people of China lives, how they struggle silently hoping for a change that is too slow in the process of happening, like a pregnant mother that is in contractions now, this mother or nation that has been evolving month by month, decade by decade, and is in growing pains of the changes that are taking place, for a new baby, a new nation that is pushing to come out, and by coming out is creating changes in the way of thinking of China, a China that wants to breath loud, that wants to take off flying freely, and wants to reach the stars without having the government teased her and tide her down like a kite. Erica Bazalar-Oaks.''

In this novella, Zhang Jie is brilliant! She takes us inside the society of China in a very personal way. She describes the personalities so well and body movements, their rooms, houses and buildings where they live, and through her words make us feel as spectators that we can be seating right there on a chair, or on the table near by ear dropping on the conversation the characters are having. Zhang Jie shows as a writer her brilliance and experience, when the story just flows. She goes from one story to another in such a subtle way, that you as the reader are not a bit distracted, but pleasingly surprise making you feel like a light feather traveling gently from one side to another. On her words, she also uses European phrases that are well known and demonstrates her past influences in readings, ''pag 95 "Not all high officials rested in their laurels.”'' Also Zhang Jie demonstrates something I found interesting, her unique and personal style of writing when she mixes in one situation, two elements from different backgrounds. She can convey and interesting way of thinking that she cleanly and successfully displays in her novella. A good example is when the character of Zheng was in the car letting the breeze to ruffle his hair, Zheng though to himself, ''pag 102, "Would this speech he had just made, like previous ones, vanish without a trace like a snowflake in the dessert?”'' Here, she uses the snowflake that happens on winter season, and combines it with the element of the dessert that portraits a hot weather, two different types of times to explain the feelings of the character of Zheng. I enjoyed that.

[[File:Zhang-jie.png|400px|thumb|left|Zhang Jie very young in her twenties Click [http://digital.library.upenn.edu/women/_gallery/zhang-jie.gif here] for original source ]]

== Analysis of the Book 'Heavy Wings' ==

'''Heavy Wings also call Leaden Wings'''
Was published in 1980. Zhang Jie tells us what is happening today in Modern China after the Cultural Revolution, and where they stand in progress in their society and the world. One important thing that she writes about is 'marriage' in a country that is full of traditions, marriage can be one thing that is controversial to discuss. In Heavy Wings, the characters, women and men of different economical classes equally show their struggles in marriage, and fears of the society criticism if they would ever were to get divorce. Zhang Jie has been accused before of being immoral or too westernized, also to work against the party. Zhang Jie herself is divorced; in her work she stands for true love versus tradition. But, 'This also could mean that the author is suggesting that women and men can and should take their time experiencing falling in love! Before they go into rehearse marriage'. Also, this novella centers in the modernization of the Chinese industry and how the citizens are all for modern and bringing outside investments, especially interesting since Chinese people has not favored or trust outside companies. Heavy Wings give us as well an interesting inside of the social classes China has. We have the working classes that work in the industry very hard and barely get by, the middle class with the managers in charge that want to make a difference for their people and the ministers that are the ones that are way involve with the party, make the money and can do good or bad.

'''Modernization of China'''
When she talks about the modernization of China industry, she can give an excellent inside of thoughts about the progress in this organization, since she worked in this field for many years in the past. That means that she probably also witnessed the corruption that goes on; the good people that want to modernize and make a difference in their sector for the better, but encounter corruption with the bad people that only wants to hold on tied to communism rules, so they can benefit themselves and not the workers, that work hard and that need to make more money, to at least better their living conditions, ''pag 86 "To boost production in China you have to improve living conditions.”''

'''Divorce in the Chinese society'''
Heavy wings shows how people therefore might not be in love but because it would look bad on them, they have to put up with it, ''pag 34,"He seldom had free Sunday and they slept in different rooms.”''If they would divorce, for the men in their careers, they could lose their social status and be consider unstable losers, and for the women is far worst, if they became divorcees they can be look down as prostitutes, ''pag 107, "He darted a warning glance at Zheng. To him divorcees ranked with prostitutes.”'' One call only imagine how much Zheng Jie suffered when she was little looking at her mother been mistreated since her mother was divorced, and after loosing all position in society and money, Zheng Jie’s mother had to find a job, protect her daughter and put up with a society that did not protect her but made their lives worst. We can definitely tell that this part in Zhang Jie’s life influenced this writer a lot when she learnt this type of discrimination against her mother, against women in her society.

'''Tender moments'''
There are also great moments of tenderness in this story from Chinese men and women, that will give a better understanding of their deep hearts. ''Pag 79, "Everyone present was watching him in silence. The sight gave him fresh strength. Old Lü’s bearded chin beneath his bleary eyes was quivering. Chen put the dumpling into the old fellow’s mouth. ‘I let you down, Old Lü, he said.”''

[[File:ZhangJieHarrison.png|400px|thumb|right|Zhang Jie, at 45 (First time out of China) with writer Harrison Salisbury
In 1982, at the UCLA, US-Chinese writers conference Click [http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--m26XHdk0so/TguRGQWGs5I/AAAAAAAABF8/lzPMfkPY4Yw/s320/ZhangJieHarrison.gif here] for original source ]]
'''The way Chinese people live'''
We see the working Chinese people struggling to meet ends, with low salaries or enough to get by, and small and/or poor housing, if you can call some of these places mentioned in the story housing. Also there is not much money left, but to only go out for a meal, this is the way of entertainment. They really cannot get out of this type of social class. ''Pag 62, "China really gets its intellectuals on the cheap, Zheng though. Then, remembering the technicians in his ministry and the workers in factories, he reflected, he reflected that China got all its common people on the cheap”'', and the youth has no way of diversion or entertainment but to go out and eat. They could not go out to dance or have money to travel. ''Pag 62, "Zheng glanced round. ‘Apart from the two of us, everybody here’s young. Can’t blame. Eating out is their only diversion. What else can they do!”''

'''The careers that Chinese society forces on their people'''
Zhang show us how Chinese people’s education are not well rounded but are tailor to get jobs that will advance them in society. This situation does not make them happy but it is the way that it has been working for a long time, ''Pag 59, "Looking at his eyes Zheng Ziyun felt a stab of envy. In his young days he had wanted to study anthropology, literature or history, but fate had made him an official.”'' Chinese people dream to experience careers their society does not allow them to have, ''pag 85, "Keeping his eyes on the dark road, Chen said slowly, ‘In middle school I was mad on the violin, thought music the highest form of art. And I wanted to get a PHD in physics. But I’ve ended up a factory manager!” He laughed rather bitterly.''

'''Class struggles, history and beliefs do not let Chinese move forward'''
Zhang Jie let us know that the Chinese people mentality has to change or there will be no progress at all. ''Pag 42, "What they were up against now were deeply ingrained beliefs. These beliefs were like net in which all were caught. History was bound to condemn and eliminate them.”''

'''The Past of the Cultural Revolution = Communism will be remember'''
Zhang Jie made it clear that these abuses and crimes, did happened in China, that her thoughts in this book are not exaggerated or made up, but they come from 'real life events' that mark the Chinese people and their lives. - These events are vital to understand them and what they are fighting for -. During the Cultural Revolution with Mao, all that opposed the Communist party or look like they did, were kill, could be incarcerated, nearly kill to death, brutally bit up, abuse or persecuted. They could also be send to do 'restitution to these rural places' so they can be reform, ''pag 45, "The Cultural Revolution brought her fearful anxiety and distress: he was nearly beaten to death. When he came back after several months of confinement in a damp room he could hardly walk for arthritis.”''

'''Zhang Jie calls for a change in the government and the society of China'''.
This is a very provocative book and it calls for the Chinese people to change mentally too, to leave once and for all 'old habits or traditions' that hold them back, and open themselves to progress in their personal lives as well as resources or markets they use to do business with. ''pag 101, "For some years we studied chairman Mao’s works regardless of the political results. We competed to see who could write the most copious notes or parrot the most quotations. The effectiveness of political work should be judge by the new wealth created. We must run our economy according to economic laws and give up our old egalitarian way of all eating from one big pot. That stifles initiative.”''

== Zhang Jie Goals as a writer ==
In September of 1982, Zhang Jie spoke at the UCLA, at the US-Chinese writers conference organized by Norman Cousins, on her thoughts in Literature.''"Life should become what humans beings wish it to be"''. When she talks us about human beings and what we wish for, it is clear that in order to become anything we must have freedom of choice,''"Pure literature as our purpose cannot exist, because the writer’s feeling will have an impact on the material world." Dillard, pag 64.'' Zhang Jie then wants freedom to become, but with the understanding that as writers in this journey, they also have a responsibility to impact the people for a better world.

== Powerpoint Slide ==
[[File:FINAL_DE_Zhang_Jie.pptx|thumb]]

== Disclosure ==
It has been a pleasure to have done this class with Mr Woesler. I have translated reference #1 and #6. I have been a translator for over 25 years. I had tried to work hard in my wiki and have tried to do my very best to use the resources available to me in a respectful manner. In doing so, it is my hope that this work can help others 'strengthen the appreciation and knowledge of the Republic of China and their wonderful People'. Erica Bazalar-Oaks. www.bazalar.com.

== References ==
1. About Zhang Jie
http://www.miscelaneaeditores.com

2. Biography:
http://www.beijingscene.com/cissue/feature.html

3. http://www.marxists.org/history/erol/ncm-7/cwp-cr/part-3.htm

4. http://www.culturebase.net/artist.php?3577

5. Her novel:
http://www.jstor.org/discover/10.2307/2158675?uid=3739928&uid=2129&uid=2&uid=70&uid=4&uid=3739256&sid=21101404588403jstor.org

6. Faces of Chinese Literature:
http://www.upf.edu

7. http://www.iu.edu/~easc/outreach/educators/literature/workshops/doc/Perry_2005.pdf 11/16/2012

8. http://www.pen-international.org/

9. http://www.literaturfestival.com/participants/authors/2003/zhang-jie

10. http://contemporary_chinese_culture.academic.ru/952/Zhang_Jie

11. Book # 1
Encounters With Chinese Writers By Annie Dillard. Published by University Press of New England,1984.ISBN 0-8195-5130-9

12. Book # 2
The Australian Journal of Chinese Affairs. Published by The University of Chicago Press,1979.ISBN 01567365

13. Book # 3
Leaden Wings, Zhang Jie. Published by VIRAGO PRESS Limited 1987. ISBN 0-86068-759-7

Qian Zhongshu (1910

2012-12-11T19:50:17Z

Ericaangie:

[[File:Qian_Zhongshu_1940s.jpg‎|thumb|left|Qian Zhongshu]]

<h1>Qian Zhongshu (1910 – 1998)</h1>

<p><h2>Legacy</h2>
Qian Zhongshu is considered both in China and abroad to be one of greatest contemporary Chinese writers of all times. His beautiful prose in writing that shows Chinese tradition, his cleaver suggestions of history in his writing and the use of different languages to convey traditions from all over the world, show modernism, and educates the readers of important events as well as entertaining them. Qian Zhongshu introduces in his work a sense of an international sense of humor or way of thinking to the people of his time 1,900s. He kept readers inform of the current events and make them curious about the rest of the world. Despite the hard times he happened to lived in during his life, he never lost his creativity. His writings shows a tremendous amount of work, research and recollection of international quotes. It has been translated in German, Ancient Greek, Italian, French, Russian, English, French and Spanish. Zhongshu choice to stay in China, and write in Chinese during the extremely hard times they were going through, proves with no doubt his great nationalism and love for his country.</p>

[[File:Yangjiang_6.jpg|thumb|Click [http://www.chinaheritagequarterly.org/features.php?searchterm=026_yangjiang.inc&issue=026] Qian Zhongshu with the love of his life, wife Yang Jiang]]

<p><h2>Early Life</h2>
Qian Zhongshu was born in Wuxi, from a well-educated family in 1910, his father Qian Jibo, was a known Confucius scholar and because of tradition, he sent Zhongshu to study with his uncle. His uncle would take Zhongshu to tea-houses where Zhongshu was left alone to read books. It is known that when he was a little child, he was sat on the floor and his uncle offered him a bunch of things like toys, books. Zhongshu then went reaching for the books and that is why his name was to be “Zhongshu” which means, love for books. He also had another name his father gave him while complaining about him of been to talkative, it was “Mocun” which means, to stay in peace or to stay quiet, Zhongshu talkativeness obviously irritated his dad. When he was 10 years old, his uncle died. We know Zhongshu went out with him a lot and was educated by him for 10 years. This event been of such an importance could have impacted him for life. Zhongshu continued living with his widow aunt, even when she was getting poor and his biological family was doing well financially. This shows the level of love and attachment he had for his uncle’s family and how much he loved him. Zhongshu had to return to the strict teachings of his father. Zhongshu would become a “mastered in classical Chinese”. Zhongshu was a young man that, since he was a toddler was educated consistently and directed to developed and follow his Literature inclinations and he was darn good at it. Zhongshu was an accomplished young man, so it does not come as a surprise that he was so confident about his abilities and perhaps arrogant at times. I personally think because he also loved to joke around a lot, he was misunderstood. I can see how people would feel intimidated by him unnecessarily. Zhongshu won awards for his intelligence and abilities in Chinese Literature and English since he was a young child; his love for Literature and Languages was undeniable.
</p>
<h2>Teenage Life</h2>
<h3>1929</h3> Zhongshu was accepted into the Language Department of Tsing-Hua University; the university was later move to the South of China due to the War against Japanese invasion in 1937 "Tsinghua University was forced to move to Kunming and join with Peking University and Nankai University to form the Southwest Associated University due to the Resistance War against the Japanese Invasion. In 1946 The University was moved back to its original location in Beijing after the war" www.tsinghua.edu.cn. In this school although he failed at mathematics, he was so incredible good in Chinese and English that he was immediately accepted in the Language Department. At school he kept to himself and the students thought he was a stuck up. Zhongshu was always out of class and was always found out at the library reading, and he would tell everyone that he has pretty much read them all. Despite these events, Zhongshu excelled at Tsing-hua.

[[File:A9782267004830.jpg|thumb|Click [http://www.librairielephenix.fr/livres/la-forteresse-assiegee-9782267004830.html] Wedding Day]]

<h2>Adult Life</h2>
<h3>1935</h3> Zhongshu meets his match in Tsing-hua university, and accomplish young lady called Yang Jiang, who later will become a famous writer, play writer and translator. Yang Jiang translated “Don Quijote de la Mancha in 1978” and thanks to her and their famous friend Yang Xianyi; well known translator, poet and recounter in China, who will invite all of the artists and writers of his time to his home, and make parties where everyone could share their work and talk freely; imagine that, what a feast! Wish I could have been a bee in the wall to hear what they were talking about. It is because of them, we are able to know more about the personality of Zhongshu and because of his wife Yang Jiang that we can also have more accurate information of the work of Zhongshu. Zhongshu married Yang Jiang, and he would later said about his wife, that he could not have meet a better woman like her because she was a great lover, mother and friend. It seems than even in his picks for marriage Zhongshu strived for the best. They had a daughter called Qian Yuan. In 1935, Zhongshu won a sponsorship to go Britain. He went to Europe with his wife and attended the Oxford University and the Sobornne, where he continued his studies and earned a “Bachelor of Literature”.

[[File:Cuijie8861200853018115866353-1.png|thumb|Click [http://www.for68.com/new/2008/5/cu93134518103580021244-1.htm] Qian Zhongshu with wife Yang Jiang and his daughter Qian Yuan. They loved each other very much. His wife wrote the memoir "We Three (我們仨)"]]

<h3>1937</h3> Shortly after his daughter Qian Yuan was born, they went to Paris and study for one more year.

<h2>World Events that influenced his work</h2>
<h3>1938 -1940s</h3> Zhongshu returned to China; he could have taken many jobs abroad but he decided to come back home. Zhongshu taught at different schools. China and the world were going to tremendous amount of horrible and political events of which ZhongShu was well aware of and used in his writings. In December 13, 1937 Japan invaded and attacked China, Nanking. The Japanese brutally raped, killed and robbed Chinese people. This is also known as “The Nanking Massacre”. The atrocities committed to the people of China went on for 6 weeks and were followed by the taken of the city of Nanking (Nanjing). Nanjing was the former capital of China. This event is the Second Sino-Japanese War and ended in 1945 with the surrender of Japan; Japan sought for many years to dominate China economically and militarily and wanted their resources and labor. This must have been a huge painful hit to ZhongShu’s heart, because it happened pretty much in his hometown since Nanking is located in the province of Nanjing, south of Beijing, and Wuxi is just about an hour from it. United States, Germany and the Soviet Union helped China to fight Japan. Although Mao did not raise to power yet, China was also suffering Communism specially in the South. This historical influences and others can be seem in the author worldly famous novel “Fortress Besieged”. Zhongshu clearly mentions a reference of the Holocaust, how the main character Fang Hung-Qiang saw the Jews refuges in the ship he was on when he was coming home from Europe. This reminds us that in 1938 another event of great importance was happening on another part of the world, 'the Holocaust' was in full bloom, and that France a place where Zhongshu had studied would be invaded by Germany in May 10th, 1940. Zhongshu certainly would follow up with Paris news, especially after living and studying there for a full year. In 1938, after his studies in Paris, Zhongshu had come back home. It is during his life that these great events happened, and he thought it was important to immortalize them in his novel “Fortress Besieged”. Also on December 7th, 1941, Japanese by surprise, attacked the United States of America waters, Pearl Harbor. Japan was on a mission to conquer China, the Pacific and Indochina to gain resources like oil and steel that they did not have because been an island they depend on trading to live, and others countries were giving them a hard time in trading, specially the US that was its primary source. The Americans condemned their attacks to the Chinese people in Nanking, for this reason the US had denied them oil making the Japanese military force like airplanes and ships of no use and affecting their economy. The US at this time had one of the best or competitive Naval Military Force in the world and Japan did not want the US in the war, so it was important to attack Pearl Harbor to stop us from aiding China. The Japanese though themselves as a superior race in the world, they grew tired of the US interference in their plans. The next day of their attacked to our waters, we declared war to Japan. War World II had began.

[[File:117.jpg|thumb|Click [http://www.jnmba.org/about.aspx?NID=6811] Jinan University 1946. Qian Zhingshu First to the left]]

<h2>His Works</h2>
<h3>1941-1949</h3>Zhongshu stayed in Shanghai from 1941-45. Shanghai had less communist police and more foreigners were seeing there, so people could not be arrested so easily like in the south part of China, where could be arrested for just talking to a foreigner. Also it was very close to his hometown in Nanjing just hours, which will allow him to keep up with news about it. It was during these troublesome times that Zhongshu wrote the most and was the most prolific writer. ZhongShu decided he was not going to tide himself to any jobs. During this time he became disappointed at his work of Fortress Besieged and though he could write much better. He wrote a novel call “Heart of the Artichoke” that was lost on the mail. Also, a collection of short essays called “Marginalias of Life” published in 1941. Men, Beast and Ghost, was collection of stories that was of satiric nature and was published in 1946. On the Art of Poetry was written in 1948. His most famous one is “Fortress Besieged” that was published in 1947. During those times, China was also under the cruel Communism with Mao Zedong. During this time, ZhongShu was well sought after by Mao Zedong because of his fluently in many languages. Mao Zedong requested that he be part of the group that translated his poems. Whether before or after, his wife and him were accused of not been Marxist enough, so they were sent to be re-educated to the south of China in Henan, to do agricultural work. Only after Mao Zedong’s dead in 1949, ZhongShu translations of his poems would be re-discover again.

<h3>1949</h3> Zhongshu went back to Peking to his Alma Matter at Tsing-hua and taught there for a time, been in the end in charge of the Language department. Mao rose to power.

<h3>1953</h3> He became the chief editor of the Foreign Languages Division of the National Library in Nanjing. Later he was to become senior researcher in Beijing.

<h3>1979</h3> Zhongshu comes to the United States, awesome! And helps correct his biography and clarifies questions about him.

<h3>1994 -1998</h3> In 1994, Zhongshu enters a hospital ill and would not come out till his death in 1998. His daughter died as well in 1997.

[[File:Old-QZS-portrait-2.jpg‎|thumb|Click [http://www.thechinabeat.org/?m=201011] A mature Qian Zhongshu]]

<h2>“Fortress Besieged” his famous novel</h2>

It is Zhongshu most celebrated novel in the world, written in prose. The novel was written in 1944 and completed in 1946. It was published in 1947 and turned into a very popular and successful TV series in early 1990s. It is consider a masterpiece. This novel is funny, informative of the world and gives abroad cultural psychological education for anyone that reads it. It unfolded in the 1930s. Also today, it is still a popular novel in China.

It tells us about the story of Fang HungQiang a young man that goes to Europe paid by his future father in law and instead of studying and get a PHd; so important for a dignified Chinese man and his family at that time, Fang just wasted his time by not taking it serious and not finishing his studies. He ended up buying a fake degree to take home to China so his dad and dad in law will not close to kill him for his actions or feel disgrace in front of the town. When he returns he had to endure his family wanted to find him a new bride, since his bride ended dying. The press of his hometown interviewed him and he made a fool of himself at speech. Fang could not do anything right, so he ended up loosing his last love resource, Miss Su as well as Miss Tang, Miss Su’s relative whom Fang falls in love with. Fang ended up becoming very good friends with Chao, Miss Su’s fiancée, whom after finding out Fang is only after Miss Tang and not Miss Su, was relieved, and finally ended up laying down his guard and sarcasm towards Fang. The second part Fang takes a job at a university that was a pain to work for, and goes on a trip to Hunan with his coworkers from Shanghai. This part its funny moments as well.

Among them was Miss Sun that likes to portrait herself as innocent girl. The last part is about his bad marriage that started as joke and out resignation for not been alone, and how his wife ended up leaving him. Zhongshu shows such a command of the portraying of each character and using innuendos like the character’s name call “Alec Li” whom was a true smart-aleck, then using this adjective to name his character. Or the part where the ladies call Miss Pao “truth” because her skimpy clothing, and “the truth is naked”, but later they have to changed her name to “half truth” because Miss Pao after all, was not completely without a stich on, so funny. All of these make this novel truly enjoyable.

In this novel, Zhongshu made up a name for the fake university where Fang gets his PHD, it was named “Carleton”. Today this name is use as a symbol of sarcasm to joke around and indicate that a graduate person might has bought their degree at a made up university instead of have earned it. Its title “Fortress Besieged” is based on a French proverb that says, “Marriage is like a fortress besieged, those who are outside want to get in, but those who are inside want to get out of it. Personally I think, this title chosen by Zhongshu could possibly show his point of views of the time. That is Chinese citizens wanted so desperately to leave China for a fantasy perfect world, but once they were out, they will quickly realized how also the world is not without its great troubles, and they would want to come back home, where they can at least call it their own. In this novel Zhongshu married China with the rest of the world!

<h1>Disclaimer and Powerpoint information</h1>

My name is [Erica Bazalar-Oaks]http://www.bazalar.com, senior student at UVU Utah Valley University. I tried always to give the most accurate information in all of my works. Although this analyzes has been carefully made with extensive research, it is advice that you always double-check your sources in all your works. I hope my analyzes helps others to better understand this incredible author, the times he lived in and consequently his amazing work and contributing to the world. Erica. Please be kindly advice that the powerpoint contains sensitive images that might be offensive to some, but nevertheless are "real pictures of real events in the world" that will help us understand better what the author knew and was touched by. Discretion is advice. Thanks again.
[[File:Fi RECHECK PPS FINAL Qiang CHINESE LITERATURE.pptx|thumb]]

<h1>Sources</h1>
1- Book. The Facts on File Companion to the World Novel: 1900 to the Present
By Michael Sollars, Arbolina Llamas Jennings.
ISSN 978-0-8160-6233

2- Book. Studies in Literature and Language
Vol. 1, No. 2, 2010, pp. 70-83
ISSN 1923-1555
70
A Study on Qian Zhongshu’s Translation:
Sublimation in Translation
ZHENG Xiao-dan1

3- Discussion Papers Series. Professor and Director of the Institute of Jewish Studies at Nanjing University, the People’s Republic of China. http://www.un.org/en/holocaustremembrance/docs/paper2.shtml

4- Genocide of the 20th Century
http://www.historyplace.com/worldhistory/genocide/holocaust.htm

5- China Heritage Quaterly (great source)
http://www.chinaheritagequarterly.org/index.php

6- The China Beat
http://www.thechinabeat.org/?tag=qian-zhongshu

7- The Holocaust and World War II
http://www.ushmm.org/wlc/en/article.php?ModuleId=10007653

8- The Devil pays a nighttime visit to Mr. Qian Zhongshu
by Jeremy Goldkorn on November 25, 2011. http://www.danwei.com/the-devil-pays-a-nighttime-visit-to-mr-qian-zhongshu/

9. Distance from Nanking to Wuxi.
http://www.distancefromto.net/between/Nanjing/Wuxi

10.Tsing-Hua University
http://www.tsinghua.edu.cn/publish/then/5777/index.html

<h1>Photos</h1>
1. http://www.danwei.com<br />
2. http://www.dushu.com<br />
3. http://www.notodo.com<br />
4. http://www.librairielephenix.fr/livres/la-forteresse-assiegee-9782267004830.html<br />
5. http://www.for68.com<br />
6. http://www.chinaheritagequarterly.org/<br />
7. http://en.wikipedia.org<br />
8. http://www.jnmba.org/about.aspx?NID=6811<br />
9. http://www.chinatourism.ch<br />
10 http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk<br />

Qian Zhongshu (1910

2012-12-11T19:30:25Z

Ericaangie:

[[File:Qian_Zhongshu_1940s.jpg‎|thumb|left|Qian Zhongshu]]

<h1>Qian Zhongshu (1910 – 1998)</h1>

<p><h2>Legacy</h2>
Qian Zhongshu is considered both in China and abroad to be one of greatest contemporary Chinese writers of all times. His beautiful prose in writing that shows Chinese tradition, his cleaver suggestions of history in his writing and the use of different languages to convey traditions from all over the world, show modernism, and educates the readers of important events as well as entertaining them. Qian Zhongshu introduces in his work a sense of an international sense of humor or way of thinking to the people of his time 1,900s. He kept readers inform of the current events and make them curious about the rest of the world. Despite the hard times he happened to lived his life in, he never lost his creativity. His writings shows a tremendous amount of work, research and recollection of international quotes. It has been translated in German, Ancient Greek, Italian, French, Russian, English, French and Spanish. Zhongshu choice to stay in China, and write in Chinese during the extremely hard times they were going through, proves with no doubt his great nationalism and love for his country.</p>

[[File:Yangjiang_6.jpg|thumb|Click [http://www.chinaheritagequarterly.org/features.php?searchterm=026_yangjiang.inc&issue=026] Qian Zhongshu with the love of his life, wife Yang Jiang]]

<p><h2>Early Life</h2>
Qian Zhongshu was born in Wuxi, from a well-educated family in 1910, his father Qian Jibo, was a known Confucius scholar and because of tradition, he sent Zhongshu to study with his uncle. His uncle would take Zhongshu to teahouses where Zhongshu was left alone to read books. It is known that when he was a little child, he was sat on the floor and his uncle offered him a bunch of things like toys, books. Zhongshu then went reaching for the books and that is why his name was to be “Zhongshu” which means, love for books. He also had another name his father gave him while complaining about him of been to talkative, it was “Mocun” which means, to stay in peace or to stay quiet, Zhongshu talkativeness obviously irritated his dad. When he was 10 years old, his uncle died. We know Zhongshu went out with him a lot and was educated by him for 10 years. This event been of such an importance could have impacted him for life. Zhongshu continued living with his widow aunt, even when she was getting poor and his biological family was doing well financially. This shows the level of love and attachment he had for his uncle’s family and how much he loved him. Zhongshu had to return to the strict teachings of his father. Zhongshu would become a “mastered in classical Chinese”. Zhongshu was a young man that, since he was a toddler was educated consistently and directed to developed and follow his Literature inclinations, he was darn good at it. Zhongshu was an accomplished young man, so it does not come as a surprise that he was so confident about his abilities and perhaps arrogant at times. I personally think because he also loved to joke around a lot, he was misunderstood. I can see how people would feel intimidated by him unnecessarily. Zhongshu won awards for his intelligence and abilities in Chinese Literature and English since he was a young child; his love for Literature and Languages was undeniable.
</p>
<h2>Teenage Life</h2>
<h3>1929</h3> Zhongshu was accepted into the Language Department of Tsing-Hua University; the university was later move to the South of China due to the War against Japanese invasion in 1937 "Tsinghua University was forced to move to Kunming and join with Peking University and Nankai University to form the Southwest Associated University due to the Resistance War against the Japanese Invasion in 1937. In 1946 The University was moved back to its original location in Beijing after the war" www.tsinghua.edu.cn. In this school although he failed at mathematics, he was so incredible good in Chinese and English that he was immediately accepted in the Language Department. At school he kept to himself and the students thought he was a stuck up. Zhongshu was always out of class and was always found out at the library reading, and he would tell everyone that he has pretty much read them all. Despite these events, Zhongshu excelled at Tsing-hua.

[[File:A9782267004830.jpg|thumb|Click [http://www.librairielephenix.fr/livres/la-forteresse-assiegee-9782267004830.html] Wedding Day]]

<h2>Adult Life</h2>
<h3>1935</h3> Zhongshu meets his match in Tsing-hua university, and accomplish young lady called Yang Jiang, who later will become a famous writer, play writer and translator. Yang Jiang translated “Don Quijote de la Mancha in 1978” and thanks to her, and their famous friend Yang Xianyi; well known translator, poet and recounter in China, who will invite all of the artists and writers of his time to his home, and make parties where everyone could share their work and talk freely; imagine that, what a feast! Wish I could have been a bee in the wall to hear what they were talking about. It is because of them, we are able to know more about the personality of Zhongshu and because of his wife Yang Jiang that we can also have more accurate information of the work of Zhongshu. Zhongshu married Yang Jiang, and he would later said about his wife, that he could not have meet a better woman like her because she was a great lover, mother and friend. It seems than even in his picks for marriage Zhongshu strived for the best. They had a daughter called Qian Yuan. In 1935, Zhongshu won a sponsorship to go Britain. He went to Europe with his wife and attended the Oxford University and the Sobornne, where he continued his studies and earned a “Bachelor of Literature”.

[[File:Cuijie8861200853018115866353-1.png|thumb|Click [http://www.for68.com/new/2008/5/cu93134518103580021244-1.htm] Qian Zhongshu with wife Yang Jiang and his daughter Qian Yuan. They loved each other very much. His wife wrote the memoir "We Three (我們仨)"]]

<h3>1937</h3> Shortly after his daughter Qian Yuan was born, they went to Paris and study for one more year.

<h2>World Events that influenced his work</h2>
<h3>1938 -1940s</h3> Zhongshu returned to China; he could have taken many jobs abroad but he decided to come back home. Zhongshu taught at different schools. China and the world were going to tremendous amount of horrible and political events of which ZhongShu was well aware of and used it in his writings. In December 13, 1937 Japan invaded and attacked China, Nanking. The Japanese brutally raped, killed and robbed Chinese people. This is also known as “The Nanking Massacre”. The atrocities committed to the people of China went on for 6 weeks and were followed by the taken of the city of Nanking (Nanjing). Nanjing was the former capital of China. This event is the Second Sino-Japanese War and ended in 1945 with the surrender of Japan; Japan sought for many years to dominate China economically and militarily and wanted their resources and labor. This must have been a huge painful hit to ZhongShu’s heart, because it happened pretty much in his hometown since Nanking is located in the province of Nanjing, south of Beijing, and Wuxi is just about an hour from it. United States, Germany and the Soviet Union helped China to fight Japan. Although Mao did not raise to power yet, China was suffering Communism specially in the South. These historical influences can be seem in the author worldly famous novel “Fortress Besieged”, Zhongshu clearly mentions how the main character Fang Hung-Qiang saw the Jews refuges in the ship he was on when he was coming home from Europe. This reminds us that in 1938 another event of great importance was happening, the Holocaust was in full bloom and that France, a place where Zhongshu had studied would be invaded by Germany in May 10th, 1940. Zhongshu certainly would follow up with Paris news, especially after living and studying there for a full year. In 1938, after his studies in Paris, Zhongshu had come back home. It is during his life that great events happened, and he thought it was important to immortalize them in his novel “Fortress Besieged”. Also on December 7th, 1941, Japanese by surprise, attacked the United States of America waters, Pearl Harbor. Japan was on a mission to conquer, China, the Pacific and Indochina to gain resources like oil and steel that they did not have because been an island they depend on trading to live, and others countries were giving them a hard time in trading, specially the US that was its primary source. The Americans condemned their attacks to the Chinese people in Nanking, for this reason the US had denied them oil making the Japanese military force like airplanes and ships of no use and affecting their economy. The US at this time had the greatest Naval Military Force in the world and Japan did not want the US in the war, so it was important to attack Pearl Harbor to stop us from aiding China. The Japanese though themselves as a superior race in the world, they grew tired of the US interference in their plans. The next day of their attacked to our waters, we declared war to Japan. War World II had began.

[[File:117.jpg|thumb|Click [http://www.jnmba.org/about.aspx?NID=6811] Jinan University 1946. Qian Zhingshu First to the left]]

<h2>His Works</h2>
<h3>1941-1949</h3>Zhongshu stayed in Shanghai from 1941-45. Shanghai had less communist police and more foreigners were seeing there, so people could not be arrested so easily like in the south part of China, where could be arrested for just talking to a foreigner. Also it was very close to his hometown in Nanjing just hours, which will allow him to keep up with news about it. It was during these troublesome times that Zhongshu wrote the most and was the most prolific writer. ZhongShu decided he was not going to tide himself to any jobs. During this time he became disappointed at his work of Fortress Besieged and though he could write much better. He wrote a novel call “Heart of the Artichoke” that was lost on the mail. Also, a collection of short essays called “Marginalias of Life” published in 1941. Men, Beast and Ghost, was collection of stories that was of satiric nature and was published in 1946. On the Art of Poetry was written in 1948. His most famous one is “Fortress Besieged” that was published in 1947. In 1949, China was also under the cruel Communism with Mao Zedong. During this time, ZhongShu was well sought after by Mao Zedong because of his fluently in many languages. Mao Zedong requested that he be part of the group that translated his poems. Whether before or after, his wife and him were accused of not been Marxist enough, so they were sent to be re-educated to the south of China in Henan, to do agricultural work. Only after Mao Zedong’s dead in 1949, ZhongShu translations of his poems would be re-discover again.

<h3>1949</h3> Zhongshu went back to Peking to his Alma Matter at Tsing-hua and taught there for a time, been in the end in charge of the Language department. Mao rose to power.

<h3>1953</h3> He became the chief editor of the Foreign Languages Division of the National Library in Nanjing. Later he was to become senior researcher in Beijing.

<h3>1979</h3> Zhongshu comes to the United States, awesome! And helps correct his biography and clarifies questions about him.

<h3>1994 -1998</h3> In 1994, Zhongshu enters a hospital ill and would not come out till his death in 1998. His daughter died as well in 1997.

[[File:Old-QZS-portrait-2.jpg‎|thumb|Click [http://www.thechinabeat.org/?m=201011] A mature Qian Zhongshu]]

<h2>“Fortress Besieged” his famous novel</h2>

It is Zhongshu most celebrated novel in the world, written in prose. The novel was written in 1944 and completed in 1946. It was published in 1947 and turned into a very popular and successful TV series in early 1990s. It is consider a masterpiece. This novel is funny, informative of the world and gives abroad cultural psychological education for anyone that reads it. It unfolded in the 1930s. Also today, it is still a popular novel in China.

It tells us about the story of Fang HungQiang a young man that goes to Europe paid by his future father in law and instead of studying and get a PHd; so important for a dignified Chinese man and his family at that time, Fang just wasted his time by not taking it serious and not finishing his studies. He ended up buying a fake degree to take home to China so his dad and dad in law will not close to kill him for his actions or feel disgrace in front of the town. When he returns he had to endure his family wanted to find him a new bride, since his bride ended dying. The press of his hometown interviewed him and he made a fool of himself at speech. Fang could not do anything right, so he ended up loosing his last love resource, Miss Su as well as Miss Tang, Miss Su’s relative whom Fang falls in love with. Fang ended up becoming very good friends with Chao, Miss Su’s fiancée, whom after finding out Fang is only after Miss Tang and not Miss Su, was relieved, and finally ended up laying down his guard and sarcasm towards Fang. The second part Fang takes a job at a university that was a pain to work for, and goes on a trip to Hunan with his coworkers from Shanghai. This part its funny moments as well.

Among them was Miss Sun that likes to portrait herself as innocent girl. The last part is about his bad marriage that started as joke and out resignation for not been alone, and how his wife ended up leaving him. Zhongshu shows such a command of the portraying of each character and using innuendos like the character’s name call “Alec Li” whom was a true smart-aleck, then using this adjective to name his character. Or the part where the ladies call Miss Pao “truth” because her skimpy clothing, and “the truth is naked”, but later they have to changed her name to “half truth” because Miss Pao after all, was not completely without a stich on, so funny. All of these make this novel truly enjoyable.

In this novel, Zhongshu made up a name for the fake university where Fang gets his PHD, it was named “Carleton”. Today this name is use as a symbol of sarcasm to joke around and indicate that a graduate person might has bought their degree at a made up university instead of have earned it. Its title “Fortress Besieged” is based on a French proverb that says, “Marriage is like a fortress besieged, those who are outside want to get in, but those who are inside want to get out of it. Personally I think, this title chosen by Zhongshu could possibly show his point of views of the time. That is Chinese citizens wanted so desperately to leave China for a fantasy perfect world, but once they were out, they will quickly realized how also the world is not without its great troubles, and they would want to come back home, where they can at least call it their own. In this novel Zhongshu married China with the rest of the world!

<h1>Disclaimer and Powerpoint information</h1>

My name is [Erica Bazalar-Oaks]http://www.bazalar.com, senior student at UVU Utah Valley University. I tried always to give the most accurate information in all of my works. Although this analyzes has been carefully made with extensive research, it is advice that you always double-check your sources in all your works. I hope my analyzes helps others to better understand this incredible author, the times he lived in and consequently his amazing work and contributing to the world. Erica. Please be kindly advice that the powerpoint contains sensitive images that might be offensive to some, but nevertheless are "real pictures of real events in the world" that will help us understand better what the author knew and was touched by. Discretion is advice. Thanks again.
[[File:Fi RECHECK PPS FINAL Qiang CHINESE LITERATURE.pptx|thumb]]

<h1>Sources</h1>
1- Book. The Facts on File Companion to the World Novel: 1900 to the Present
By Michael Sollars, Arbolina Llamas Jennings.
ISSN 978-0-8160-6233

2- Book. Studies in Literature and Language
Vol. 1, No. 2, 2010, pp. 70-83
ISSN 1923-1555
70
A Study on Qian Zhongshu’s Translation:
Sublimation in Translation
ZHENG Xiao-dan1

3- Discussion Papers Series. Professor and Director of the Institute of Jewish Studies at Nanjing University, the People’s Republic of China. http://www.un.org/en/holocaustremembrance/docs/paper2.shtml

4- Genocide of the 20th Century
http://www.historyplace.com/worldhistory/genocide/holocaust.htm

5- China Heritage Quaterly (great source)
http://www.chinaheritagequarterly.org/index.php

6- The China Beat
http://www.thechinabeat.org/?tag=qian-zhongshu

7- The Holocaust and World War II
http://www.ushmm.org/wlc/en/article.php?ModuleId=10007653

8- The Devil pays a nighttime visit to Mr. Qian Zhongshu
by Jeremy Goldkorn on November 25, 2011. http://www.danwei.com/the-devil-pays-a-nighttime-visit-to-mr-qian-zhongshu/

9. Distance from Nanking to Wuxi.
http://www.distancefromto.net/between/Nanjing/Wuxi

10.Tsing-Hua University
http://www.tsinghua.edu.cn/publish/then/5777/index.html

<h1>Photos</h1>
1. http://www.danwei.com<br />
2. http://www.dushu.com<br />
3. http://www.notodo.com<br />
4. http://www.librairielephenix.fr/livres/la-forteresse-assiegee-9782267004830.html<br />
5. http://www.for68.com<br />
6. http://www.chinaheritagequarterly.org/<br />
7. http://en.wikipedia.org<br />
8. http://www.jnmba.org/about.aspx?NID=6811<br />
9. http://www.chinatourism.ch<br />
10 http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk<br />

Qian Zhongshu (1910

2012-12-11T19:29:30Z

Ericaangie:

[[File:Qian_Zhongshu_1940s.jpg‎|thumb|left|Qian Zhongshu]]

<h1>Qian Zhongshu (1910 – 1998)</h1>

<p><h2>Legacy</h2>
Qian Zhongshu is considered both in China and abroad to be one of greatest contemporary Chinese writers of all times. His beautiful prose in writing that shows Chinese tradition, his cleaver suggestions of history in his writing and the use of different languages to convey traditions from all over the world, show modernism in educating the readers of important events as well as entertaining them. Qian Zhongshu introduces in his work a sense of an international sense of humor or way of thinking to the people of his time 1,900s. He kept readers inform of the current events and make them curious about the rest of the world. Despite the hard times he happened to lived his life in, he never lost his creativity. His writings shows a tremendous amount of work, research and recollection of international quotes. It has been translated in German, Ancient Greek, Italian, French, Russian, English, French and Spanish. Zhongshu choice to stay in China, and write in Chinese during the extremely hard times they were going through, proves with no doubt his great nationalism and love for his country.</p>

[[File:Yangjiang_6.jpg|thumb|Click [http://www.chinaheritagequarterly.org/features.php?searchterm=026_yangjiang.inc&issue=026] Qian Zhongshu with the love of his life, wife Yang Jiang]]

<p><h2>Early Life</h2>
Qian Zhongshu was born in Wuxi, from a well-educated family in 1910, his father Qian Jibo, was a known Confucius scholar and because of tradition, he sent Zhongshu to study with his uncle. His uncle would take Zhongshu to teahouses where Zhongshu was left alone to read books. It is known that when he was a little child, he was sat on the floor and his uncle offered him a bunch of things like toys, books. Zhongshu then went reaching for the books and that is why his name was to be “Zhongshu” which means, love for books. He also had another name his father gave him while complaining about him of been to talkative, it was “Mocun” which means, to stay in peace or to stay quiet, Zhongshu talkativeness obviously irritated his dad. When he was 10 years old, his uncle died. We know Zhongshu went out with him a lot and was educated by him for 10 years. This event been of such an importance could have impacted him for life. Zhongshu continued living with his widow aunt, even when she was getting poor and his biological family was doing well financially. This shows the level of love and attachment he had for his uncle’s family and how much he loved him. Zhongshu had to return to the strict teachings of his father. Zhongshu would become a “mastered in classical Chinese”. Zhongshu was a young man that, since he was a toddler was educated consistently and directed to developed and follow his Literature inclinations, he was darn good at it. Zhongshu was an accomplished young man, so it does not come as a surprise that he was so confident about his abilities and perhaps arrogant at times. I personally think because he also loved to joke around a lot, he was misunderstood. I can see how people would feel intimidated by him unnecessarily. Zhongshu won awards for his intelligence and abilities in Chinese Literature and English since he was a young child; his love for Literature and Languages was undeniable.
</p>
<h2>Teenage Life</h2>
<h3>1929</h3> Zhongshu was accepted into the Language Department of Tsing-Hua University; the university was later move to the South of China due to the War against Japanese invasion in 1937 "Tsinghua University was forced to move to Kunming and join with Peking University and Nankai University to form the Southwest Associated University due to the Resistance War against the Japanese Invasion in 1937. In 1946 The University was moved back to its original location in Beijing after the war" www.tsinghua.edu.cn. In this school although he failed at mathematics, he was so incredible good in Chinese and English that he was immediately accepted in the Language Department. At school he kept to himself and the students thought he was a stuck up. Zhongshu was always out of class and was always found out at the library reading, and he would tell everyone that he has pretty much read them all. Despite these events, Zhongshu excelled at Tsing-hua.

[[File:A9782267004830.jpg|thumb|Click [http://www.librairielephenix.fr/livres/la-forteresse-assiegee-9782267004830.html] Wedding Day]]

<h2>Adult Life</h2>
<h3>1935</h3> Zhongshu meets his match in Tsing-hua university, and accomplish young lady called Yang Jiang, who later will become a famous writer, play writer and translator. Yang Jiang translated “Don Quijote de la Mancha in 1978” and thanks to her, and their famous friend Yang Xianyi; well known translator, poet and recounter in China, who will invite all of the artists and writers of his time to his home, and make parties where everyone could share their work and talk freely; imagine that, what a feast! Wish I could have been a bee in the wall to hear what they were talking about. It is because of them, we are able to know more about the personality of Zhongshu and because of his wife Yang Jiang that we can also have more accurate information of the work of Zhongshu. Zhongshu married Yang Jiang, and he would later said about his wife, that he could not have meet a better woman like her because she was a great lover, mother and friend. It seems than even in his picks for marriage Zhongshu strived for the best. They had a daughter called Qian Yuan. In 1935, Zhongshu won a sponsorship to go Britain. He went to Europe with his wife and attended the Oxford University and the Sobornne, where he continued his studies and earned a “Bachelor of Literature”.

[[File:Cuijie8861200853018115866353-1.png|thumb|Click [http://www.for68.com/new/2008/5/cu93134518103580021244-1.htm] Qian Zhongshu with wife Yang Jiang and his daughter Qian Yuan. They loved each other very much. His wife wrote the memoir "We Three (我們仨)"]]

<h3>1937</h3> Shortly after his daughter Qian Yuan was born, they went to Paris and study for one more year.

<h2>World Events that influenced his work</h2>
<h3>1938 -1940s</h3> Zhongshu returned to China; he could have taken many jobs abroad but he decided to come back home. Zhongshu taught at different schools. China and the world were going to tremendous amount of horrible and political events of which ZhongShu was well aware of and used it in his writings. In December 13, 1937 Japan invaded and attacked China, Nanking. The Japanese brutally raped, killed and robbed Chinese people. This is also known as “The Nanking Massacre”. The atrocities committed to the people of China went on for 6 weeks and were followed by the taken of the city of Nanking (Nanjing). Nanjing was the former capital of China. This event is the Second Sino-Japanese War and ended in 1945 with the surrender of Japan; Japan sought for many years to dominate China economically and militarily and wanted their resources and labor. This must have been a huge painful hit to ZhongShu’s heart, because it happened pretty much in his hometown since Nanking is located in the province of Nanjing, south of Beijing, and Wuxi is just about an hour from it. United States, Germany and the Soviet Union helped China to fight Japan. Although Mao did not raise to power yet, China was suffering Communism specially in the South. These historical influences can be seem in the author worldly famous novel “Fortress Besieged”, Zhongshu clearly mentions how the main character Fang Hung-Qiang saw the Jews refuges in the ship he was on when he was coming home from Europe. This reminds us that in 1938 another event of great importance was happening, the Holocaust was in full bloom and that France, a place where Zhongshu had studied would be invaded by Germany in May 10th, 1940. Zhongshu certainly would follow up with Paris news, especially after living and studying there for a full year. In 1938, after his studies in Paris, Zhongshu had come back home. It is during his life that great events happened, and he thought it was important to immortalize them in his novel “Fortress Besieged”. Also on December 7th, 1941, Japanese by surprise, attacked the United States of America waters, Pearl Harbor. Japan was on a mission to conquer, China, the Pacific and Indochina to gain resources like oil and steel that they did not have because been an island they depend on trading to live, and others countries were giving them a hard time in trading, specially the US that was its primary source. The Americans condemned their attacks to the Chinese people in Nanking, for this reason the US had denied them oil making the Japanese military force like airplanes and ships of no use and affecting their economy. The US at this time had the greatest Naval Military Force in the world and Japan did not want the US in the war, so it was important to attack Pearl Harbor to stop us from aiding China. The Japanese though themselves as a superior race in the world, they grew tired of the US interference in their plans. The next day of their attacked to our waters, we declared war to Japan. War World II had began.

[[File:117.jpg|thumb|Click [http://www.jnmba.org/about.aspx?NID=6811] Jinan University 1946. Qian Zhingshu First to the left]]

<h2>His Works</h2>
<h3>1941-1949</h3>Zhongshu stayed in Shanghai from 1941-45. Shanghai had less communist police and more foreigners were seeing there, so people could not be arrested so easily like in the south part of China, where could be arrested for just talking to a foreigner. Also it was very close to his hometown in Nanjing just hours, which will allow him to keep up with news about it. It was during these troublesome times that Zhongshu wrote the most and was the most prolific writer. ZhongShu decided he was not going to tide himself to any jobs. During this time he became disappointed at his work of Fortress Besieged and though he could write much better. He wrote a novel call “Heart of the Artichoke” that was lost on the mail. Also, a collection of short essays called “Marginalias of Life” published in 1941. Men, Beast and Ghost, was collection of stories that was of satiric nature and was published in 1946. On the Art of Poetry was written in 1948. His most famous one is “Fortress Besieged” that was published in 1947. In 1949, China was also under the cruel Communism with Mao Zedong. During this time, ZhongShu was well sought after by Mao Zedong because of his fluently in many languages. Mao Zedong requested that he be part of the group that translated his poems. Whether before or after, his wife and him were accused of not been Marxist enough, so they were sent to be re-educated to the south of China in Henan, to do agricultural work. Only after Mao Zedong’s dead in 1949, ZhongShu translations of his poems would be re-discover again.

<h3>1949</h3> Zhongshu went back to Peking to his Alma Matter at Tsing-hua and taught there for a time, been in the end in charge of the Language department. Mao rose to power.

<h3>1953</h3> He became the chief editor of the Foreign Languages Division of the National Library in Nanjing. Later he was to become senior researcher in Beijing.

<h3>1979</h3> Zhongshu comes to the United States, awesome! And helps correct his biography and clarifies questions about him.

<h3>1994 -1998</h3> In 1994, Zhongshu enters a hospital ill and would not come out till his death in 1998. His daughter died as well in 1997.

[[File:Old-QZS-portrait-2.jpg‎|thumb|Click [http://www.thechinabeat.org/?m=201011] A mature Qian Zhongshu]]

<h2>“Fortress Besieged” his famous novel</h2>

It is Zhongshu most celebrated novel in the world, written in prose. The novel was written in 1944 and completed in 1946. It was published in 1947 and turned into a very popular and successful TV series in early 1990s. It is consider a masterpiece. This novel is funny, informative of the world and gives abroad cultural psychological education for anyone that reads it. It unfolded in the 1930s. Also today, it is still a popular novel in China.

It tells us about the story of Fang HungQiang a young man that goes to Europe paid by his future father in law and instead of studying and get a PHd; so important for a dignified Chinese man and his family at that time, Fang just wasted his time by not taking it serious and not finishing his studies. He ended up buying a fake degree to take home to China so his dad and dad in law will not close to kill him for his actions or feel disgrace in front of the town. When he returns he had to endure his family wanted to find him a new bride, since his bride ended dying. The press of his hometown interviewed him and he made a fool of himself at speech. Fang could not do anything right, so he ended up loosing his last love resource, Miss Su as well as Miss Tang, Miss Su’s relative whom Fang falls in love with. Fang ended up becoming very good friends with Chao, Miss Su’s fiancée, whom after finding out Fang is only after Miss Tang and not Miss Su, was relieved, and finally ended up laying down his guard and sarcasm towards Fang. The second part Fang takes a job at a university that was a pain to work for, and goes on a trip to Hunan with his coworkers from Shanghai. This part its funny moments as well.

Among them was Miss Sun that likes to portrait herself as innocent girl. The last part is about his bad marriage that started as joke and out resignation for not been alone, and how his wife ended up leaving him. Zhongshu shows such a command of the portraying of each character and using innuendos like the character’s name call “Alec Li” whom was a true smart-aleck, then using this adjective to name his character. Or the part where the ladies call Miss Pao “truth” because her skimpy clothing, and “the truth is naked”, but later they have to changed her name to “half truth” because Miss Pao after all, was not completely without a stich on, so funny. All of these make this novel truly enjoyable.

In this novel, Zhongshu made up a name for the fake university where Fang gets his PHD, it was named “Carleton”. Today this name is use as a symbol of sarcasm to joke around and indicate that a graduate person might has bought their degree at a made up university instead of have earned it. Its title “Fortress Besieged” is based on a French proverb that says, “Marriage is like a fortress besieged, those who are outside want to get in, but those who are inside want to get out of it. Personally I think, this title chosen by Zhongshu could possibly show his point of views of the time. That is Chinese citizens wanted so desperately to leave China for a fantasy perfect world, but once they were out, they will quickly realized how also the world is not without its great troubles, and they would want to come back home, where they can at least call it their own. In this novel Zhongshu married China with the rest of the world!

<h1>Disclaimer and Powerpoint information</h1>

My name is [Erica Bazalar-Oaks]http://www.bazalar.com, senior student at UVU Utah Valley University. I tried always to give the most accurate information in all of my works. Although this analyzes has been carefully made with extensive research, it is advice that you always double-check your sources in all your works. I hope my analyzes helps others to better understand this incredible author, the times he lived in and consequently his amazing work and contributing to the world. Erica. Please be kindly advice that the powerpoint contains sensitive images that might be offensive to some, but nevertheless are "real pictures of real events in the world" that will help us understand better what the author knew and was touched by. Discretion is advice. Thanks again.
[[File:Fi RECHECK PPS FINAL Qiang CHINESE LITERATURE.pptx|thumb]]

<h1>Sources</h1>
1- Book. The Facts on File Companion to the World Novel: 1900 to the Present
By Michael Sollars, Arbolina Llamas Jennings.
ISSN 978-0-8160-6233

2- Book. Studies in Literature and Language
Vol. 1, No. 2, 2010, pp. 70-83
ISSN 1923-1555
70
A Study on Qian Zhongshu’s Translation:
Sublimation in Translation
ZHENG Xiao-dan1

3- Discussion Papers Series. Professor and Director of the Institute of Jewish Studies at Nanjing University, the People’s Republic of China. http://www.un.org/en/holocaustremembrance/docs/paper2.shtml

4- Genocide of the 20th Century
http://www.historyplace.com/worldhistory/genocide/holocaust.htm

5- China Heritage Quaterly (great source)
http://www.chinaheritagequarterly.org/index.php

6- The China Beat
http://www.thechinabeat.org/?tag=qian-zhongshu

7- The Holocaust and World War II
http://www.ushmm.org/wlc/en/article.php?ModuleId=10007653

8- The Devil pays a nighttime visit to Mr. Qian Zhongshu
by Jeremy Goldkorn on November 25, 2011. http://www.danwei.com/the-devil-pays-a-nighttime-visit-to-mr-qian-zhongshu/

9. Distance from Nanking to Wuxi.
http://www.distancefromto.net/between/Nanjing/Wuxi

10.Tsing-Hua University
http://www.tsinghua.edu.cn/publish/then/5777/index.html

<h1>Photos</h1>
1. http://www.danwei.com<br />
2. http://www.dushu.com<br />
3. http://www.notodo.com<br />
4. http://www.librairielephenix.fr/livres/la-forteresse-assiegee-9782267004830.html<br />
5. http://www.for68.com<br />
6. http://www.chinaheritagequarterly.org/<br />
7. http://en.wikipedia.org<br />
8. http://www.jnmba.org/about.aspx?NID=6811<br />
9. http://www.chinatourism.ch<br />
10 http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk<br />

Qian Zhongshu (1910

2012-12-11T19:29:04Z

Ericaangie:

[[File:Qian_Zhongshu_1940s.jpg‎|thumb|left|Qian Zhongshu]]

<h1>Qian Zhongshu (1910 – 1998)</h1>

<p><h2>Legacy</h2>
Qian Zhongshu is considered both in China and abroad, to be one of greatest contemporary Chinese writers of all times. His beautiful prose in writing that shows Chinese tradition, his cleaver suggestions of history in his writing and the use of different languages to convey traditions from all over the world, show modernism in educating the readers of important events as well as entertaining them. Qian Zhongshu introduces in his work a sense of an international sense of humor or way of thinking to the people of his time 1,900s. He kept readers inform of the current events and make them curious about the rest of the world. Despite the hard times he happened to lived his life in, he never lost his creativity. His writings shows a tremendous amount of work, research and recollection of international quotes. It has been translated in German, Ancient Greek, Italian, French, Russian, English, French and Spanish. Zhongshu choice to stay in China, and write in Chinese during the extremely hard times they were going through, proves with no doubt his great nationalism and love for his country.</p>

[[File:Yangjiang_6.jpg|thumb|Click [http://www.chinaheritagequarterly.org/features.php?searchterm=026_yangjiang.inc&issue=026] Qian Zhongshu with the love of his life, wife Yang Jiang]]

<p><h2>Early Life</h2>
Qian Zhongshu was born in Wuxi, from a well-educated family in 1910, his father Qian Jibo, was a known Confucius scholar and because of tradition, he sent Zhongshu to study with his uncle. His uncle would take Zhongshu to teahouses where Zhongshu was left alone to read books. It is known that when he was a little child, he was sat on the floor and his uncle offered him a bunch of things like toys, books. Zhongshu then went reaching for the books and that is why his name was to be “Zhongshu” which means, love for books. He also had another name his father gave him while complaining about him of been to talkative, it was “Mocun” which means, to stay in peace or to stay quiet, Zhongshu talkativeness obviously irritated his dad. When he was 10 years old, his uncle died. We know Zhongshu went out with him a lot and was educated by him for 10 years. This event been of such an importance could have impacted him for life. Zhongshu continued living with his widow aunt, even when she was getting poor and his biological family was doing well financially. This shows the level of love and attachment he had for his uncle’s family and how much he loved him. Zhongshu had to return to the strict teachings of his father. Zhongshu would become a “mastered in classical Chinese”. Zhongshu was a young man that, since he was a toddler was educated consistently and directed to developed and follow his Literature inclinations, he was darn good at it. Zhongshu was an accomplished young man, so it does not come as a surprise that he was so confident about his abilities and perhaps arrogant at times. I personally think because he also loved to joke around a lot, he was misunderstood. I can see how people would feel intimidated by him unnecessarily. Zhongshu won awards for his intelligence and abilities in Chinese Literature and English since he was a young child; his love for Literature and Languages was undeniable.
</p>
<h2>Teenage Life</h2>
<h3>1929</h3> Zhongshu was accepted into the Language Department of Tsing-Hua University; the university was later move to the South of China due to the War against Japanese invasion in 1937 "Tsinghua University was forced to move to Kunming and join with Peking University and Nankai University to form the Southwest Associated University due to the Resistance War against the Japanese Invasion in 1937. In 1946 The University was moved back to its original location in Beijing after the war" www.tsinghua.edu.cn. In this school although he failed at mathematics, he was so incredible good in Chinese and English that he was immediately accepted in the Language Department. At school he kept to himself and the students thought he was a stuck up. Zhongshu was always out of class and was always found out at the library reading, and he would tell everyone that he has pretty much read them all. Despite these events, Zhongshu excelled at Tsing-hua.

[[File:A9782267004830.jpg|thumb|Click [http://www.librairielephenix.fr/livres/la-forteresse-assiegee-9782267004830.html] Wedding Day]]

<h2>Adult Life</h2>
<h3>1935</h3> Zhongshu meets his match in Tsing-hua university, and accomplish young lady called Yang Jiang, who later will become a famous writer, play writer and translator. Yang Jiang translated “Don Quijote de la Mancha in 1978” and thanks to her, and their famous friend Yang Xianyi; well known translator, poet and recounter in China, who will invite all of the artists and writers of his time to his home, and make parties where everyone could share their work and talk freely; imagine that, what a feast! Wish I could have been a bee in the wall to hear what they were talking about. It is because of them, we are able to know more about the personality of Zhongshu and because of his wife Yang Jiang that we can also have more accurate information of the work of Zhongshu. Zhongshu married Yang Jiang, and he would later said about his wife, that he could not have meet a better woman like her because she was a great lover, mother and friend. It seems than even in his picks for marriage Zhongshu strived for the best. They had a daughter called Qian Yuan. In 1935, Zhongshu won a sponsorship to go Britain. He went to Europe with his wife and attended the Oxford University and the Sobornne, where he continued his studies and earned a “Bachelor of Literature”.

[[File:Cuijie8861200853018115866353-1.png|thumb|Click [http://www.for68.com/new/2008/5/cu93134518103580021244-1.htm] Qian Zhongshu with wife Yang Jiang and his daughter Qian Yuan. They loved each other very much. His wife wrote the memoir "We Three (我們仨)"]]

<h3>1937</h3> Shortly after his daughter Qian Yuan was born, they went to Paris and study for one more year.

<h2>World Events that influenced his work</h2>
<h3>1938 -1940s</h3> Zhongshu returned to China; he could have taken many jobs abroad but he decided to come back home. Zhongshu taught at different schools. China and the world were going to tremendous amount of horrible and political events of which ZhongShu was well aware of and used it in his writings. In December 13, 1937 Japan invaded and attacked China, Nanking. The Japanese brutally raped, killed and robbed Chinese people. This is also known as “The Nanking Massacre”. The atrocities committed to the people of China went on for 6 weeks and were followed by the taken of the city of Nanking (Nanjing). Nanjing was the former capital of China. This event is the Second Sino-Japanese War and ended in 1945 with the surrender of Japan; Japan sought for many years to dominate China economically and militarily and wanted their resources and labor. This must have been a huge painful hit to ZhongShu’s heart, because it happened pretty much in his hometown since Nanking is located in the province of Nanjing, south of Beijing, and Wuxi is just about an hour from it. United States, Germany and the Soviet Union helped China to fight Japan. Although Mao did not raise to power yet, China was suffering Communism specially in the South. These historical influences can be seem in the author worldly famous novel “Fortress Besieged”, Zhongshu clearly mentions how the main character Fang Hung-Qiang saw the Jews refuges in the ship he was on when he was coming home from Europe. This reminds us that in 1938 another event of great importance was happening, the Holocaust was in full bloom and that France, a place where Zhongshu had studied would be invaded by Germany in May 10th, 1940. Zhongshu certainly would follow up with Paris news, especially after living and studying there for a full year. In 1938, after his studies in Paris, Zhongshu had come back home. It is during his life that great events happened, and he thought it was important to immortalize them in his novel “Fortress Besieged”. Also on December 7th, 1941, Japanese by surprise, attacked the United States of America waters, Pearl Harbor. Japan was on a mission to conquer, China, the Pacific and Indochina to gain resources like oil and steel that they did not have because been an island they depend on trading to live, and others countries were giving them a hard time in trading, specially the US that was its primary source. The Americans condemned their attacks to the Chinese people in Nanking, for this reason the US had denied them oil making the Japanese military force like airplanes and ships of no use and affecting their economy. The US at this time had the greatest Naval Military Force in the world and Japan did not want the US in the war, so it was important to attack Pearl Harbor to stop us from aiding China. The Japanese though themselves as a superior race in the world, they grew tired of the US interference in their plans. The next day of their attacked to our waters, we declared war to Japan. War World II had began.

[[File:117.jpg|thumb|Click [http://www.jnmba.org/about.aspx?NID=6811] Jinan University 1946. Qian Zhingshu First to the left]]

<h2>His Works</h2>
<h3>1941-1949</h3>Zhongshu stayed in Shanghai from 1941-45. Shanghai had less communist police and more foreigners were seeing there, so people could not be arrested so easily like in the south part of China, where could be arrested for just talking to a foreigner. Also it was very close to his hometown in Nanjing just hours, which will allow him to keep up with news about it. It was during these troublesome times that Zhongshu wrote the most and was the most prolific writer. ZhongShu decided he was not going to tide himself to any jobs. During this time he became disappointed at his work of Fortress Besieged and though he could write much better. He wrote a novel call “Heart of the Artichoke” that was lost on the mail. Also, a collection of short essays called “Marginalias of Life” published in 1941. Men, Beast and Ghost, was collection of stories that was of satiric nature and was published in 1946. On the Art of Poetry was written in 1948. His most famous one is “Fortress Besieged” that was published in 1947. In 1949, China was also under the cruel Communism with Mao Zedong. During this time, ZhongShu was well sought after by Mao Zedong because of his fluently in many languages. Mao Zedong requested that he be part of the group that translated his poems. Whether before or after, his wife and him were accused of not been Marxist enough, so they were sent to be re-educated to the south of China in Henan, to do agricultural work. Only after Mao Zedong’s dead in 1949, ZhongShu translations of his poems would be re-discover again.

<h3>1949</h3> Zhongshu went back to Peking to his Alma Matter at Tsing-hua and taught there for a time, been in the end in charge of the Language department. Mao rose to power.

<h3>1953</h3> He became the chief editor of the Foreign Languages Division of the National Library in Nanjing. Later he was to become senior researcher in Beijing.

<h3>1979</h3> Zhongshu comes to the United States, awesome! And helps correct his biography and clarifies questions about him.

<h3>1994 -1998</h3> In 1994, Zhongshu enters a hospital ill and would not come out till his death in 1998. His daughter died as well in 1997.

[[File:Old-QZS-portrait-2.jpg‎|thumb|Click [http://www.thechinabeat.org/?m=201011] A mature Qian Zhongshu]]

<h2>“Fortress Besieged” his famous novel</h2>

It is Zhongshu most celebrated novel in the world, written in prose. The novel was written in 1944 and completed in 1946. It was published in 1947 and turned into a very popular and successful TV series in early 1990s. It is consider a masterpiece. This novel is funny, informative of the world and gives abroad cultural psychological education for anyone that reads it. It unfolded in the 1930s. Also today, it is still a popular novel in China.

It tells us about the story of Fang HungQiang a young man that goes to Europe paid by his future father in law and instead of studying and get a PHd; so important for a dignified Chinese man and his family at that time, Fang just wasted his time by not taking it serious and not finishing his studies. He ended up buying a fake degree to take home to China so his dad and dad in law will not close to kill him for his actions or feel disgrace in front of the town. When he returns he had to endure his family wanted to find him a new bride, since his bride ended dying. The press of his hometown interviewed him and he made a fool of himself at speech. Fang could not do anything right, so he ended up loosing his last love resource, Miss Su as well as Miss Tang, Miss Su’s relative whom Fang falls in love with. Fang ended up becoming very good friends with Chao, Miss Su’s fiancée, whom after finding out Fang is only after Miss Tang and not Miss Su, was relieved, and finally ended up laying down his guard and sarcasm towards Fang. The second part Fang takes a job at a university that was a pain to work for, and goes on a trip to Hunan with his coworkers from Shanghai. This part its funny moments as well.

Among them was Miss Sun that likes to portrait herself as innocent girl. The last part is about his bad marriage that started as joke and out resignation for not been alone, and how his wife ended up leaving him. Zhongshu shows such a command of the portraying of each character and using innuendos like the character’s name call “Alec Li” whom was a true smart-aleck, then using this adjective to name his character. Or the part where the ladies call Miss Pao “truth” because her skimpy clothing, and “the truth is naked”, but later they have to changed her name to “half truth” because Miss Pao after all, was not completely without a stich on, so funny. All of these make this novel truly enjoyable.

In this novel, Zhongshu made up a name for the fake university where Fang gets his PHD, it was named “Carleton”. Today this name is use as a symbol of sarcasm to joke around and indicate that a graduate person might has bought their degree at a made up university instead of have earned it. Its title “Fortress Besieged” is based on a French proverb that says, “Marriage is like a fortress besieged, those who are outside want to get in, but those who are inside want to get out of it. Personally I think, this title chosen by Zhongshu could possibly show his point of views of the time. That is Chinese citizens wanted so desperately to leave China for a fantasy perfect world, but once they were out, they will quickly realized how also the world is not without its great troubles, and they would want to come back home, where they can at least call it their own. In this novel Zhongshu married China with the rest of the world!

<h1>Disclaimer and Powerpoint information</h1>

My name is [Erica Bazalar-Oaks]http://www.bazalar.com, senior student at UVU Utah Valley University. I tried always to give the most accurate information in all of my works. Although this analyzes has been carefully made with extensive research, it is advice that you always double-check your sources in all your works. I hope my analyzes helps others to better understand this incredible author, the times he lived in and consequently his amazing work and contributing to the world. Erica. Please be kindly advice that the powerpoint contains sensitive images that might be offensive to some, but nevertheless are "real pictures of real events in the world" that will help us understand better what the author knew and was touched by. Discretion is advice. Thanks again.
[[File:Fi RECHECK PPS FINAL Qiang CHINESE LITERATURE.pptx|thumb]]

<h1>Sources</h1>
1- Book. The Facts on File Companion to the World Novel: 1900 to the Present
By Michael Sollars, Arbolina Llamas Jennings.
ISSN 978-0-8160-6233

2- Book. Studies in Literature and Language
Vol. 1, No. 2, 2010, pp. 70-83
ISSN 1923-1555
70
A Study on Qian Zhongshu’s Translation:
Sublimation in Translation
ZHENG Xiao-dan1

3- Discussion Papers Series. Professor and Director of the Institute of Jewish Studies at Nanjing University, the People’s Republic of China. http://www.un.org/en/holocaustremembrance/docs/paper2.shtml

4- Genocide of the 20th Century
http://www.historyplace.com/worldhistory/genocide/holocaust.htm

5- China Heritage Quaterly (great source)
http://www.chinaheritagequarterly.org/index.php

6- The China Beat
http://www.thechinabeat.org/?tag=qian-zhongshu

7- The Holocaust and World War II
http://www.ushmm.org/wlc/en/article.php?ModuleId=10007653

8- The Devil pays a nighttime visit to Mr. Qian Zhongshu
by Jeremy Goldkorn on November 25, 2011. http://www.danwei.com/the-devil-pays-a-nighttime-visit-to-mr-qian-zhongshu/

9. Distance from Nanking to Wuxi.
http://www.distancefromto.net/between/Nanjing/Wuxi

10.Tsing-Hua University
http://www.tsinghua.edu.cn/publish/then/5777/index.html

<h1>Photos</h1>
1. http://www.danwei.com<br />
2. http://www.dushu.com<br />
3. http://www.notodo.com<br />
4. http://www.librairielephenix.fr/livres/la-forteresse-assiegee-9782267004830.html<br />
5. http://www.for68.com<br />
6. http://www.chinaheritagequarterly.org/<br />
7. http://en.wikipedia.org<br />
8. http://www.jnmba.org/about.aspx?NID=6811<br />
9. http://www.chinatourism.ch<br />
10 http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk<br />

Zhang Jie (born 1937)

2012-12-06T18:27:36Z

Ericaangie: /* Zhang Jie Goals as a writer */

[[File:Arch002021286b.jpg|400px|thumb|right|Zhang Jie, an artistic photo by Buso. Click [http://www.martabuso.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/5e06319eda06f020e43594a9c230972d/a/r/arch002021286b.jpg here] for original source ]]
== About Zhang Jie ==
A one of a kind and brilliant Chinese Literature writer. She successfully took on socialism and turned it into a novella. She clearly show us what the people in China of all ranks had to suffer and went through during and after the times of communism, how did they deal with it, what was left to be entrusted with, to rebuild upon for a new generation in China. Zhang Jie began to write after the access of power began for Deng Xioping (Deputy Minister), the dead of Mao Tseng Tang occurred in 1976 and the fall of the Gang of Four occurred; this gang included Mao’s cruel wife, Jiang Qing, mastermind and political figure that together with Mao authored millions of crimes during the Cultural Revolution,''"She published her first novel 'Love must not be forgotten' in 1978, two years later after the death of the dictator Mao."'' www.miscelaneaeditores.com

It was after these events that Zhang Jie began to write. China finally began to experience a relatively more freedom for writers to create, and works of other foreign writers began to make their way into China. China started to get energized catching on the humanistic and artistic works of the world. It was beginning to exit the 10 years confinement of literature and oppression that had suffered during the Cultural Revolution. The extreme ideals of communism lost attention and writers could now use other themes in their stories, other than the working classes or soldiers. Zhang Jie was now 39 years old. She was finally able and experienced to establish her brilliant place in the Chinese Literature.

[[File:Brigitte_lin_book_fair_hk.jpg|400px|thumb|left|Zhang Jie, at a Hong Kong Book fair. They announced her book
'Without Words' will be go to the big screen. Click [http://wiki.vm.rub.de/uvu/images/5/59/Brigitte_lin_book_fair_hk.jpg here] for original source ]]

== Biography ==
'''1937'''
Zhang Jie was born in Beijing in 1937, her mother taught elementary school, she grew up poor even when she was a Manchu Royalty decedent. She had to escape the Japanese army that wanted to kill them. ''"Her mother, Manchurian royalty by birth but reduced to poverty by China's perpetual war and revolt, was a primary school teacher before the Japanese invasion." beijingscene.com.'' A guide that they meet introduced Zhang Jie to western children stories. The stories she read were from The Grimm brothers, Hans Christian Andersen and the fables of Krylov were among her favorites. Although people like to critic her because about this, Zhang Jie said that she is glad to have read these children stories, because they taught her to be consider to other people and not smash others on her way to success ''"I secretly congratulate myself and say that if I have one iota of human feeling, if I do not move up in the world by stepping on other people, do not use others to gain advantage, it is in large part due to the influence of the humanism in classical Western literature.” beijingscene.com''

'''1956'''
She wanted so badly to be a writer but end up studying economics ''"The government, however decided that because of her excellent school record she should study economics” Dillard pag 65.'' Zhang Jie cried about this but went anyways. Zhang Jie was admitted in RENMIN University of China.

'''1960'''
Zhang Jie, graduated and took a job in the Mechanics Engineer Industry that would allowed her a lot of information in this field to later write her Mao Dun Award winning book 'Heavy Wings (Leaden Wings)'. She worked in this industry for eight years.

'''1963'''
She married a colleague and had a daughter called 'Tang Di'

'''1964'''
Mao wanted the writers like Zhang Jie to experience equality with the rural or less fortunate people, and get rid off any funny ideas of possible superiority they might have ''"In addition to the Socialist Education Movement in the countryside, Mao repeatedly urged the literature and arts circles, as well as the various propaganda arms, to reform their areas.” marxists.org.''

'''1969'''
At the age of 32 Zhang Jie was sent to a farm for four years to be reform to Jiangxi, located southwest if China. Even when they have lost all money and connection of her royal family, because of her royal lineage, she was considered of a privilege class, so according to the teachings of Mao Tseng Tang she needed to be reform and experience the workers life. ''"Because she was the daughter of a right winger, she was forced to participate in re-educational measures at a special school from 1969 to 1972.” culture.base.net.'' During these times, it must have been very hard to be separated of her daughter and mother.

'''1978'''
Zhang Jie published her first children story right after the Culture Revolution called 'Music of the Forests', and won China national award ''"It was at this time that she also began to write. Only after the Cultural Revolution (1966–67) did she publish her first story" 'Die Musik der Wälder' culturebase.net.'' Russian children literature really was her inspiration to begin writing. Also, she was one of the first Modern writers to write about women and love. 'Love must not be forgotten' was her first novel about these issues of love.

'''1979'''
Zhang Jie joined the Chinese Writers Association. Zhang Jie’s work was popular.

'''1980'''
Her acclaim novella 'Heavy Wings' was published and very well received. She had waited for a long time and because of the changes and relatively freedoms that China was experiencing this was the right moment to do it. Also, Zhang Jie joined the Chinese Communist Party.

'''1982'''
She becomes a member of the PEN International. Zhang Jie would travel outside of China for the first time ever to attend a conference in Los Angeles, at UCLA, where she would meet American writer and journalist 'Harrison Salisbury'. Dillard, pag 63. Zhang Jie must have been very happy that she can finally write all she wanted.

'''1985'''
She was awarded the Mao Dun Literature Prize for ''Leaden Wings = Heavy Wings''.''"This novel is one of the three which jointly won the 1985 Mao Dun Literary Prize, the most prestigious award for novels in China" jstor.org''

'''2005'''
Zhang Jie was awarded for the second time the Mao Dun Literature Prize for 'Without a Word'. She is the only author to have won this prize twice.

[[File:Zhang-jie-0719L.jpg|500px|thumb|right|In 1985, Zhang Jie won the Mao Dun Prize Click [http://images2.chinatraveldepot.com/Images/Destination/Zhang-jie-0719L.jpg here] for original source ]]

== Two Faces of Chinese Literature ==
I think it is helpful and important to distinguish 2 faces in Chinese Literature, and which one Zhang Jie belongs too, this way we can comprehend even better the Chinese Literature evolution and what group accompany the author. Together with Zhang Jie, these authors and their writings will be the ones in charge to lead China into a new direction.

The first face was in the 1920s.- It started with the fall of the Empire and the disintegration of the Old Traditional Literacy. The beginning of the ‘Chinese Literature Modern Classics was born’, the unforgettable Lu Xun, Lao She, Cao Yu, Mao Deng, Ba Jin and others, ''"At that moment the canonical list of modern classics of Chinese literature came out: Lu Xun, Lao She, Cao Yu, Mao Dun, Ba Jin” www.upf.edu.''

The Second face during the 1980s.- A period of relative relaxation begins that allowed the ‘emerge of new climate of cultural creativity’. The distinction of what it was ‘Revolutionary Literature between – Modern Literature’ was well noticed. "The young writers that had to remain silent had been waken (Good morning Zhang Jie!)." In this face: we found Zhang Jie, Wang Meng, Liu Xiabo, Wang Shuo, Hao Shaogong and many more.

== Fun Facts about Zhang Jie ==
[[File:Cute.jpg|250px|thumb|left|Zhang Jie, loves cats and was seeing playing with one at UCLA conference. Click [http://www.thedibb.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=662542] for original source ]]
Zhang Jie loves to giggle and to read books. She has a way of looking at you with sarcasm. Zhang Jie also likes Siamese cats a lot. During the UCLA conference, she got a hold of somebody's cat and would not let go of it. People reported that she was holding on to the cat the wrong way, the cat’s behind was facing people in front of her, while the face of the cat was facing Zhang Jie’s back, funny way to hold a kitty, and she did it for a while too, ''"Zhang Jie and innovative and controversial young writer, is carrying my Siamese cat around the house. She holds it by the armpit, so it faces the couch.” Dillard, pag 61.''
She also loves to speak softly and her work is regularly under fire. I guess people like to criticize her'' "Zhang Jie , whose own work is regularly under fire, had to defend the Party line.” Dillard, pag 68.''

== Her work ==
[[File:ZHangJieHenryMiller.png|400px|thumb|right|Zhang Jie and American writer 'Henry Miller'in 1984 Click [http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C507t-K16jQ/TguQwhGSIiI/AAAAAAAABF0/FI09ZHvkDT4/s320/ZHangJieHenryMiller.gif here]for original source ]]
Zhang Jie was raised by her mother, her parents were divorced. Probably at a young age witnessed and experienced the discrimination and abuse to the fact that she had no father. In those times it did not look good to be a single mother, you can be discriminated greatly. These facts had to have inspired Zhang Jie into her writings and allowed her to rule when she talks about what women went through during those times, since she had witnessed it herself. A good example of this in her book 'Heavy Wings' ''pag 107, "He darted a warning glance at Zheng. To him divorcees ranked with prostitutes.”''

'''Why Zhang Jie calls it "Heavy wings"'''
Zhang Jie is a smart writer, strong and brave representative of the new Modern generation. This generation is like a newborn or a new bird representing the Republic of China. Zhang Jie and writers like her are the ones that are responsible to help others break out of the shell, and show them how to fly high. But can they do it? Or, Are the wings of this nation 'too heavy to take off' and begin to fly completely free? You decide.

'''Zhang Jie way of writing'''
''By taking us inside the story, Zhang Jie show us how the people of China lives, how they struggle silently hoping for a change that is too slow in the process of happening, like a pregnant mother that is in contractions now, this mother or nation that has been evolving month by month, decade by decade, and is in growing pains of the changes that are taking place, for a new baby, a new nation that is pushing to come out, and by coming out is creating changes in the way of thinking of China, a China that wants to breath loud, that wants to take off flying freely, and wants to reach the stars without having the government teased her and tide her down like a kite. Erica Bazalar-Oaks.''

In this novella, Zhang Jie is brilliant! She takes us inside the society of China in a very personal way. She describes the personalities so well and body movements, their rooms, houses and buildings where they live, and through her words make us feel as spectators that we can be seating right there on a chair, or on the table near by ear dropping on the conversation the characters are having. Zhang Jie shows as a writer her brilliance and experience, when the story just flows. She goes from one story to another in such a subtle way, that you as the reader are not a bit distracted, but pleasingly surprise making you feel like a light feather traveling gently from one side to another. On her words, she also uses European phrases that are well known and demonstrates her past influences in readings, ''pag 95 "Not all high officials rested in their laurels.”'' Also Zhang Jie demonstrates something I found interesting, her unique and personal style of writing when she mixes in one situation, two elements from different backgrounds. She can convey and interesting way of thinking that she cleanly and successfully displays in her novella. A good example is when the character of Zheng was in the car letting the breeze to ruffle his hair, Zheng though to himself, ''pag 102, "Would this speech he had just made, like previous ones, vanish without a trace like a snowflake in the dessert?”'' Here, she uses the snowflake that happens on winter season, and combines it with the element of the dessert that portraits a hot weather, two different types of times to explain the feelings of the character of Zheng. I enjoyed that.

[[File:Zhang-jie.png|400px|thumb|left|Zhang Jie very young in her twenties Click [http://digital.library.upenn.edu/women/_gallery/zhang-jie.gif here] for original source ]]

== Analysis of the Book 'Heavy Wings' ==

'''Heavy Wings also call Leaden Wings'''
Was published in 1980. Zhang Jie tells us what is happening today in Modern China after the Cultural Revolution, and where they stand in progress in their society and the world. One important thing that she writes about is 'marriage' in a country that is full of traditions, marriage can be one thing that is controversial to discuss. In Heavy Wings, the characters, women and men of different economical classes equally show their struggles in marriage, and fears of the society criticism if they would ever were to get divorce. Zhang Jie has been accused before of being immoral or too westernized, also to work against the party. Zhang Jie herself is divorced; in her work she stands for true love versus tradition. But, 'This also could mean that the author is suggesting that women and men can and should take their time experiencing falling in love! Before they go into rehearse marriage'. Also, this novella centers in the modernization of the Chinese industry and how the citizens are all for modern and bringing outside investments, especially interesting since Chinese people has not favored or trust outside companies. Heavy Wings give us as well an interesting inside of the social classes China has. We have the working classes that work in the industry very hard and barely get by, the middle class with the managers in charge that want to make a difference for their people and the ministers that are the ones that are way involve with the party, make the money and can do good or bad.

'''Modernization of China'''
When she talks about the modernization of China industry, she can give an excellent inside of thoughts about the progress in this organization, since she worked in this field for many years in the past. That means that she probably also witnessed the corruption that goes on; the good people that want to modernize and make a difference in their sector for the better, but encounter corruption with the bad people that only wants to hold on tied to communism rules, so they can benefit themselves and not the workers, that work hard and that need to make more money, to at least better their living conditions, ''pag 86 "To boost production in China you have to improve living conditions.”''

'''Divorce in the Chinese society'''
Heavy wings shows how people therefore might not be in love but because it would look bad on them, they have to put up with it, ''pag 34,"He seldom had free Sunday and they slept in different rooms.”''If they would divorce, for the men in their careers, they could lose their social status and be consider unstable losers, and for the women is far worst, if they became divorcees they can be look down as prostitutes, ''pag 107, "He darted a warning glance at Zheng. To him divorcees ranked with prostitutes.”'' One call only imagine how much Zheng Jie suffered when she was little looking at her mother been mistreated since her mother was divorced, and after loosing all position in society and money, Zheng Jie’s mother had to find a job, protect her daughter and put up with a society that did not protect her but made their lives worst. We can definitely tell that this part in Zhang Jie’s life influenced this writer a lot when she learnt this type of discrimination against her mother, against women in her society.

'''Tender moments'''
There are also great moments of tenderness in this story from Chinese men and women, that will give a better understanding of their deep hearts. ''Pag 79, "Everyone present was watching him in silence. The sight gave him fresh strength. Old Lü’s bearded chin beneath his bleary eyes was quivering. Chen put the dumpling into the old fellow’s mouth. ‘I let you down, Old Lü, he said.”''

[[File:ZhangJieHarrison.png|400px|thumb|right|Zhang Jie, at 45 (First time out of China) with writer Harrison Salisbury
In 1982, at the UCLA, US-Chinese writers conference Click [http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--m26XHdk0so/TguRGQWGs5I/AAAAAAAABF8/lzPMfkPY4Yw/s320/ZhangJieHarrison.gif here] for original source ]]
'''The way Chinese people live'''
We see the working Chinese people struggling to meet ends, with low salaries or enough to get by, and small and/or poor housing, if you can call some of these places mentioned in the story housing. Also there is not much money left, but to only go out for a meal, this is the way of entertainment. They really cannot get out of this type of social class. ''Pag 62, "China really gets its intellectuals on the cheap, Zheng though. Then, remembering the technicians in his ministry and the workers in factories, he reflected, he reflected that China got all its common people on the cheap”'', and the youth has no way of diversion or entertainment but to go out and eat. They could not go out to dance or have money to travel. ''Pag 62, "Zheng glanced round. ‘Apart from the two of us, everybody here’s young. Can’t blame. Eating out is their only diversion. What else can they do!”''

'''The careers that Chinese society forces on their people'''
Zhang show us how Chinese people’s education are not well rounded but are tailor to get jobs that will advance them in society. This situation does not make them happy but it is the way that it has been working for a long time, ''Pag 59, "Looking at his eyes Zheng Ziyun felt a stab of envy. In his young days he had wanted to study anthropology, literature or history, but fate had made him an official.”'' Chinese people dream to experience careers their society does not allow them to have, ''pag 85, "Keeping his eyes on the dark road, Chen said slowly, ‘In middle school I was mad on the violin, thought music the highest form of art. And I wanted to get a PHD in physics. But I’ve ended up a factory manager!” He laughed rather bitterly.''

'''Class struggles, history and beliefs do not let Chinese move forward'''
Zhang Jie let us know that the Chinese people mentality has to change or there will be no progress at all. ''Pag 42, "What they were up against now were deeply ingrained beliefs. These beliefs were like net in which all were caught. History was bound to condemn and eliminate them.”''

'''The Past of the Cultural Revolution = Communism will be remember'''
Zhang Jie made it clear that these abuses and crimes, did happened in China, that her thoughts in this book are not exaggerated or made up, but they come from 'real life events' that mark the Chinese people and their lives. - These events are vital to understand them and what they are fighting for -. During the Cultural Revolution with Mao, all that opposed the Communist party or look like they did, were kill, could be incarcerated, nearly kill to death, brutally bit up, abuse or persecuted. They could also be send to do 'restitution to these rural places' so they can be reform, ''pag 45, "The Cultural Revolution brought her fearful anxiety and distress: he was nearly beaten to death. When he came back after several months of confinement in a damp room he could hardly walk for arthritis.”''

'''Zhang Jie calls for a change in the government and the society of China'''.
This is a very provocative book and it calls for the Chinese people to change mentally too, to leave once and for all 'old habits or traditions' that hold them back, and open themselves to progress in their personal lives as well as resources or markets they use to do business with. ''pag 101, "For some years we studied chairman Mao’s works regardless of the political results. We competed to see who could write the most copious notes or parrot the most quotations. The effectiveness of political work should be judge by the new wealth created. We must run our economy according to economic laws and give up our old egalitarian way of all eating from one big pot. That stifles initiative.”''

== Zhang Jie Goals as a writer ==
In September of 1982, Zhang Jie spoke at the UCLA, at the US-Chinese writers conference organized by Norman Cousins, on her thoughts in Literature.''"Life should become what humans beings wish it to be"''. When she talks us about human beings and what we wish for, it is clear that in order to become anything we must have freedom of choice,''"Pure literature as our purpose cannot exist, because the writer’s feeling will have an impact on the material world." Dillard, pag 64.'' Zhang Jie then wants freedom to become, but with the understanding that as writers in this journey, they also have a responsibility to impact the people for a better world.

== Powerpoint Slide ==
[[File:FINAL_DE_Zhang_Jie.pptx|thumb]]

== Disclosure ==
It has been a pleasure to have done this class with Mr Woesler. I have translated reference #1 and #6. I have been a translator for over 25 years. I had worked hard in my wiki and have done my very best to use the resources available to me in a respectful manner. In doing so, it is my hope that this work can help others 'strengthen the appreciation and knowledge of the Republic of China and their wonderful People'. Erica Bazalar-Oaks. www.bazalar.com.

== References ==
1. About Zhang Jie
http://www.miscelaneaeditores.com

2. Biography:
http://www.beijingscene.com/cissue/feature.html

3. http://www.marxists.org/history/erol/ncm-7/cwp-cr/part-3.htm

4. http://www.culturebase.net/artist.php?3577

5. Her novel:
http://www.jstor.org/discover/10.2307/2158675?uid=3739928&uid=2129&uid=2&uid=70&uid=4&uid=3739256&sid=21101404588403jstor.org

6. Faces of Chinese Literature:
http://www.upf.edu

7. http://www.iu.edu/~easc/outreach/educators/literature/workshops/doc/Perry_2005.pdf 11/16/2012

8. http://www.pen-international.org/

9. http://www.literaturfestival.com/participants/authors/2003/zhang-jie

10. http://contemporary_chinese_culture.academic.ru/952/Zhang_Jie

11. Book # 1
Encounters With Chinese Writers By Annie Dillard. Published by University Press of New England,1984.ISBN 0-8195-5130-9

12. Book # 2
The Australian Journal of Chinese Affairs. Published by The University of Chicago Press,1979.ISBN 01567365

13. Book # 3
Leaden Wings, Zhang Jie. Published by VIRAGO PRESS Limited 1987. ISBN 0-86068-759-7

Zhang Jie (born 1937)

2012-12-06T18:24:23Z

Ericaangie: /* Zhang Jie Goals as a writer */

[[File:Arch002021286b.jpg|400px|thumb|right|Zhang Jie, an artistic photo by Buso. Click [http://www.martabuso.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/5e06319eda06f020e43594a9c230972d/a/r/arch002021286b.jpg here] for original source ]]
== About Zhang Jie ==
A one of a kind and brilliant Chinese Literature writer. She successfully took on socialism and turned it into a novella. She clearly show us what the people in China of all ranks had to suffer and went through during and after the times of communism, how did they deal with it, what was left to be entrusted with, to rebuild upon for a new generation in China. Zhang Jie began to write after the access of power began for Deng Xioping (Deputy Minister), the dead of Mao Tseng Tang occurred in 1976 and the fall of the Gang of Four occurred; this gang included Mao’s cruel wife, Jiang Qing, mastermind and political figure that together with Mao authored millions of crimes during the Cultural Revolution,''"She published her first novel 'Love must not be forgotten' in 1978, two years later after the death of the dictator Mao."'' www.miscelaneaeditores.com

It was after these events that Zhang Jie began to write. China finally began to experience a relatively more freedom for writers to create, and works of other foreign writers began to make their way into China. China started to get energized catching on the humanistic and artistic works of the world. It was beginning to exit the 10 years confinement of literature and oppression that had suffered during the Cultural Revolution. The extreme ideals of communism lost attention and writers could now use other themes in their stories, other than the working classes or soldiers. Zhang Jie was now 39 years old. She was finally able and experienced to establish her brilliant place in the Chinese Literature.

[[File:Brigitte_lin_book_fair_hk.jpg|400px|thumb|left|Zhang Jie, at a Hong Kong Book fair. They announced her book
'Without Words' will be go to the big screen. Click [http://wiki.vm.rub.de/uvu/images/5/59/Brigitte_lin_book_fair_hk.jpg here] for original source ]]

== Biography ==
'''1937'''
Zhang Jie was born in Beijing in 1937, her mother taught elementary school, she grew up poor even when she was a Manchu Royalty decedent. She had to escape the Japanese army that wanted to kill them. ''"Her mother, Manchurian royalty by birth but reduced to poverty by China's perpetual war and revolt, was a primary school teacher before the Japanese invasion." beijingscene.com.'' A guide that they meet introduced Zhang Jie to western children stories. The stories she read were from The Grimm brothers, Hans Christian Andersen and the fables of Krylov were among her favorites. Although people like to critic her because about this, Zhang Jie said that she is glad to have read these children stories, because they taught her to be consider to other people and not smash others on her way to success ''"I secretly congratulate myself and say that if I have one iota of human feeling, if I do not move up in the world by stepping on other people, do not use others to gain advantage, it is in large part due to the influence of the humanism in classical Western literature.” beijingscene.com''

'''1956'''
She wanted so badly to be a writer but end up studying economics ''"The government, however decided that because of her excellent school record she should study economics” Dillard pag 65.'' Zhang Jie cried about this but went anyways. Zhang Jie was admitted in RENMIN University of China.

'''1960'''
Zhang Jie, graduated and took a job in the Mechanics Engineer Industry that would allowed her a lot of information in this field to later write her Mao Dun Award winning book 'Heavy Wings (Leaden Wings)'. She worked in this industry for eight years.

'''1963'''
She married a colleague and had a daughter called 'Tang Di'

'''1964'''
Mao wanted the writers like Zhang Jie to experience equality with the rural or less fortunate people, and get rid off any funny ideas of possible superiority they might have ''"In addition to the Socialist Education Movement in the countryside, Mao repeatedly urged the literature and arts circles, as well as the various propaganda arms, to reform their areas.” marxists.org.''

'''1969'''
At the age of 32 Zhang Jie was sent to a farm for four years to be reform to Jiangxi, located southwest if China. Even when they have lost all money and connection of her royal family, because of her royal lineage, she was considered of a privilege class, so according to the teachings of Mao Tseng Tang she needed to be reform and experience the workers life. ''"Because she was the daughter of a right winger, she was forced to participate in re-educational measures at a special school from 1969 to 1972.” culture.base.net.'' During these times, it must have been very hard to be separated of her daughter and mother.

'''1978'''
Zhang Jie published her first children story right after the Culture Revolution called 'Music of the Forests', and won China national award ''"It was at this time that she also began to write. Only after the Cultural Revolution (1966–67) did she publish her first story" 'Die Musik der Wälder' culturebase.net.'' Russian children literature really was her inspiration to begin writing. Also, she was one of the first Modern writers to write about women and love. 'Love must not be forgotten' was her first novel about these issues of love.

'''1979'''
Zhang Jie joined the Chinese Writers Association. Zhang Jie’s work was popular.

'''1980'''
Her acclaim novella 'Heavy Wings' was published and very well received. She had waited for a long time and because of the changes and relatively freedoms that China was experiencing this was the right moment to do it. Also, Zhang Jie joined the Chinese Communist Party.

'''1982'''
She becomes a member of the PEN International. Zhang Jie would travel outside of China for the first time ever to attend a conference in Los Angeles, at UCLA, where she would meet American writer and journalist 'Harrison Salisbury'. Dillard, pag 63. Zhang Jie must have been very happy that she can finally write all she wanted.

'''1985'''
She was awarded the Mao Dun Literature Prize for ''Leaden Wings = Heavy Wings''.''"This novel is one of the three which jointly won the 1985 Mao Dun Literary Prize, the most prestigious award for novels in China" jstor.org''

'''2005'''
Zhang Jie was awarded for the second time the Mao Dun Literature Prize for 'Without a Word'. She is the only author to have won this prize twice.

[[File:Zhang-jie-0719L.jpg|500px|thumb|right|In 1985, Zhang Jie won the Mao Dun Prize Click [http://images2.chinatraveldepot.com/Images/Destination/Zhang-jie-0719L.jpg here] for original source ]]

== Two Faces of Chinese Literature ==
I think it is helpful and important to distinguish 2 faces in Chinese Literature, and which one Zhang Jie belongs too, this way we can comprehend even better the Chinese Literature evolution and what group accompany the author. Together with Zhang Jie, these authors and their writings will be the ones in charge to lead China into a new direction.

The first face was in the 1920s.- It started with the fall of the Empire and the disintegration of the Old Traditional Literacy. The beginning of the ‘Chinese Literature Modern Classics was born’, the unforgettable Lu Xun, Lao She, Cao Yu, Mao Deng, Ba Jin and others, ''"At that moment the canonical list of modern classics of Chinese literature came out: Lu Xun, Lao She, Cao Yu, Mao Dun, Ba Jin” www.upf.edu.''

The Second face during the 1980s.- A period of relative relaxation begins that allowed the ‘emerge of new climate of cultural creativity’. The distinction of what it was ‘Revolutionary Literature between – Modern Literature’ was well noticed. "The young writers that had to remain silent had been waken (Good morning Zhang Jie!)." In this face: we found Zhang Jie, Wang Meng, Liu Xiabo, Wang Shuo, Hao Shaogong and many more.

== Fun Facts about Zhang Jie ==
[[File:Cute.jpg|250px|thumb|left|Zhang Jie, loves cats and was seeing playing with one at UCLA conference. Click [http://www.thedibb.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=662542] for original source ]]
Zhang Jie loves to giggle and to read books. She has a way of looking at you with sarcasm. Zhang Jie also likes Siamese cats a lot. During the UCLA conference, she got a hold of somebody's cat and would not let go of it. People reported that she was holding on to the cat the wrong way, the cat’s behind was facing people in front of her, while the face of the cat was facing Zhang Jie’s back, funny way to hold a kitty, and she did it for a while too, ''"Zhang Jie and innovative and controversial young writer, is carrying my Siamese cat around the house. She holds it by the armpit, so it faces the couch.” Dillard, pag 61.''
She also loves to speak softly and her work is regularly under fire. I guess people like to criticize her'' "Zhang Jie , whose own work is regularly under fire, had to defend the Party line.” Dillard, pag 68.''

== Her work ==
[[File:ZHangJieHenryMiller.png|400px|thumb|right|Zhang Jie and American writer 'Henry Miller'in 1984 Click [http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C507t-K16jQ/TguQwhGSIiI/AAAAAAAABF0/FI09ZHvkDT4/s320/ZHangJieHenryMiller.gif here]for original source ]]
Zhang Jie was raised by her mother, her parents were divorced. Probably at a young age witnessed and experienced the discrimination and abuse to the fact that she had no father. In those times it did not look good to be a single mother, you can be discriminated greatly. These facts had to have inspired Zhang Jie into her writings and allowed her to rule when she talks about what women went through during those times, since she had witnessed it herself. A good example of this in her book 'Heavy Wings' ''pag 107, "He darted a warning glance at Zheng. To him divorcees ranked with prostitutes.”''

'''Why Zhang Jie calls it "Heavy wings"'''
Zhang Jie is a smart writer, strong and brave representative of the new Modern generation. This generation is like a newborn or a new bird representing the Republic of China. Zhang Jie and writers like her are the ones that are responsible to help others break out of the shell, and show them how to fly high. But can they do it? Or, Are the wings of this nation 'too heavy to take off' and begin to fly completely free? You decide.

'''Zhang Jie way of writing'''
''By taking us inside the story, Zhang Jie show us how the people of China lives, how they struggle silently hoping for a change that is too slow in the process of happening, like a pregnant mother that is in contractions now, this mother or nation that has been evolving month by month, decade by decade, and is in growing pains of the changes that are taking place, for a new baby, a new nation that is pushing to come out, and by coming out is creating changes in the way of thinking of China, a China that wants to breath loud, that wants to take off flying freely, and wants to reach the stars without having the government teased her and tide her down like a kite. Erica Bazalar-Oaks.''

In this novella, Zhang Jie is brilliant! She takes us inside the society of China in a very personal way. She describes the personalities so well and body movements, their rooms, houses and buildings where they live, and through her words make us feel as spectators that we can be seating right there on a chair, or on the table near by ear dropping on the conversation the characters are having. Zhang Jie shows as a writer her brilliance and experience, when the story just flows. She goes from one story to another in such a subtle way, that you as the reader are not a bit distracted, but pleasingly surprise making you feel like a light feather traveling gently from one side to another. On her words, she also uses European phrases that are well known and demonstrates her past influences in readings, ''pag 95 "Not all high officials rested in their laurels.”'' Also Zhang Jie demonstrates something I found interesting, her unique and personal style of writing when she mixes in one situation, two elements from different backgrounds. She can convey and interesting way of thinking that she cleanly and successfully displays in her novella. A good example is when the character of Zheng was in the car letting the breeze to ruffle his hair, Zheng though to himself, ''pag 102, "Would this speech he had just made, like previous ones, vanish without a trace like a snowflake in the dessert?”'' Here, she uses the snowflake that happens on winter season, and combines it with the element of the dessert that portraits a hot weather, two different types of times to explain the feelings of the character of Zheng. I enjoyed that.

[[File:Zhang-jie.png|400px|thumb|left|Zhang Jie very young in her twenties Click [http://digital.library.upenn.edu/women/_gallery/zhang-jie.gif here] for original source ]]

== Analysis of the Book 'Heavy Wings' ==

'''Heavy Wings also call Leaden Wings'''
Was published in 1980. Zhang Jie tells us what is happening today in Modern China after the Cultural Revolution, and where they stand in progress in their society and the world. One important thing that she writes about is 'marriage' in a country that is full of traditions, marriage can be one thing that is controversial to discuss. In Heavy Wings, the characters, women and men of different economical classes equally show their struggles in marriage, and fears of the society criticism if they would ever were to get divorce. Zhang Jie has been accused before of being immoral or too westernized, also to work against the party. Zhang Jie herself is divorced; in her work she stands for true love versus tradition. But, 'This also could mean that the author is suggesting that women and men can and should take their time experiencing falling in love! Before they go into rehearse marriage'. Also, this novella centers in the modernization of the Chinese industry and how the citizens are all for modern and bringing outside investments, especially interesting since Chinese people has not favored or trust outside companies. Heavy Wings give us as well an interesting inside of the social classes China has. We have the working classes that work in the industry very hard and barely get by, the middle class with the managers in charge that want to make a difference for their people and the ministers that are the ones that are way involve with the party, make the money and can do good or bad.

'''Modernization of China'''
When she talks about the modernization of China industry, she can give an excellent inside of thoughts about the progress in this organization, since she worked in this field for many years in the past. That means that she probably also witnessed the corruption that goes on; the good people that want to modernize and make a difference in their sector for the better, but encounter corruption with the bad people that only wants to hold on tied to communism rules, so they can benefit themselves and not the workers, that work hard and that need to make more money, to at least better their living conditions, ''pag 86 "To boost production in China you have to improve living conditions.”''

'''Divorce in the Chinese society'''
Heavy wings shows how people therefore might not be in love but because it would look bad on them, they have to put up with it, ''pag 34,"He seldom had free Sunday and they slept in different rooms.”''If they would divorce, for the men in their careers, they could lose their social status and be consider unstable losers, and for the women is far worst, if they became divorcees they can be look down as prostitutes, ''pag 107, "He darted a warning glance at Zheng. To him divorcees ranked with prostitutes.”'' One call only imagine how much Zheng Jie suffered when she was little looking at her mother been mistreated since her mother was divorced, and after loosing all position in society and money, Zheng Jie’s mother had to find a job, protect her daughter and put up with a society that did not protect her but made their lives worst. We can definitely tell that this part in Zhang Jie’s life influenced this writer a lot when she learnt this type of discrimination against her mother, against women in her society.

'''Tender moments'''
There are also great moments of tenderness in this story from Chinese men and women, that will give a better understanding of their deep hearts. ''Pag 79, "Everyone present was watching him in silence. The sight gave him fresh strength. Old Lü’s bearded chin beneath his bleary eyes was quivering. Chen put the dumpling into the old fellow’s mouth. ‘I let you down, Old Lü, he said.”''

[[File:ZhangJieHarrison.png|400px|thumb|right|Zhang Jie, at 45 (First time out of China) with writer Harrison Salisbury
In 1982, at the UCLA, US-Chinese writers conference Click [http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--m26XHdk0so/TguRGQWGs5I/AAAAAAAABF8/lzPMfkPY4Yw/s320/ZhangJieHarrison.gif here] for original source ]]
'''The way Chinese people live'''
We see the working Chinese people struggling to meet ends, with low salaries or enough to get by, and small and/or poor housing, if you can call some of these places mentioned in the story housing. Also there is not much money left, but to only go out for a meal, this is the way of entertainment. They really cannot get out of this type of social class. ''Pag 62, "China really gets its intellectuals on the cheap, Zheng though. Then, remembering the technicians in his ministry and the workers in factories, he reflected, he reflected that China got all its common people on the cheap”'', and the youth has no way of diversion or entertainment but to go out and eat. They could not go out to dance or have money to travel. ''Pag 62, "Zheng glanced round. ‘Apart from the two of us, everybody here’s young. Can’t blame. Eating out is their only diversion. What else can they do!”''

'''The careers that Chinese society forces on their people'''
Zhang show us how Chinese people’s education are not well rounded but are tailor to get jobs that will advance them in society. This situation does not make them happy but it is the way that it has been working for a long time, ''Pag 59, "Looking at his eyes Zheng Ziyun felt a stab of envy. In his young days he had wanted to study anthropology, literature or history, but fate had made him an official.”'' Chinese people dream to experience careers their society does not allow them to have, ''pag 85, "Keeping his eyes on the dark road, Chen said slowly, ‘In middle school I was mad on the violin, thought music the highest form of art. And I wanted to get a PHD in physics. But I’ve ended up a factory manager!” He laughed rather bitterly.''

'''Class struggles, history and beliefs do not let Chinese move forward'''
Zhang Jie let us know that the Chinese people mentality has to change or there will be no progress at all. ''Pag 42, "What they were up against now were deeply ingrained beliefs. These beliefs were like net in which all were caught. History was bound to condemn and eliminate them.”''

'''The Past of the Cultural Revolution = Communism will be remember'''
Zhang Jie made it clear that these abuses and crimes, did happened in China, that her thoughts in this book are not exaggerated or made up, but they come from 'real life events' that mark the Chinese people and their lives. - These events are vital to understand them and what they are fighting for -. During the Cultural Revolution with Mao, all that opposed the Communist party or look like they did, were kill, could be incarcerated, nearly kill to death, brutally bit up, abuse or persecuted. They could also be send to do 'restitution to these rural places' so they can be reform, ''pag 45, "The Cultural Revolution brought her fearful anxiety and distress: he was nearly beaten to death. When he came back after several months of confinement in a damp room he could hardly walk for arthritis.”''

'''Zhang Jie calls for a change in the government and the society of China'''.
This is a very provocative book and it calls for the Chinese people to change mentally too, to leave once and for all 'old habits or traditions' that hold them back, and open themselves to progress in their personal lives as well as resources or markets they use to do business with. ''pag 101, "For some years we studied chairman Mao’s works regardless of the political results. We competed to see who could write the most copious notes or parrot the most quotations. The effectiveness of political work should be judge by the new wealth created. We must run our economy according to economic laws and give up our old egalitarian way of all eating from one big pot. That stifles initiative.”''

== Zhang Jie Goals as a writer ==
In September of 1982, Zhang Jie spoke at the UCLA, at the US-Chinese writers conference organized by Norman Cousins about her thoughts in Literature.''"Life should become what humans beings wish it to be"''. When she talks about us, as human beings and what we wish for, it is clear to me that in order to become anything, we must have freedom of choice. Zhang Jie also expressed her feelings of responsibility that she feels the writers have to the world,''"Pure literature as our purpose cannot exist, because the writer’s feeling will have an impact on the material world." Dillard, pag 64.'' Zhang Jie then wants freedom to become, but with the understanding that as writers they have a responsibility to impact the people for a better world.

== Powerpoint Slide ==
[[File:FINAL_DE_Zhang_Jie.pptx|thumb]]

== Disclosure ==
It has been a pleasure to have done this class with Mr Woesler. I have translated reference #1 and #6. I have been a translator for over 25 years. I had worked hard in my wiki and have done my very best to use the resources available to me in a respectful manner. In doing so, it is my hope that this work can help others 'strengthen the appreciation and knowledge of the Republic of China and their wonderful People'. Erica Bazalar-Oaks. www.bazalar.com.

== References ==
1. About Zhang Jie
http://www.miscelaneaeditores.com

2. Biography:
http://www.beijingscene.com/cissue/feature.html

3. http://www.marxists.org/history/erol/ncm-7/cwp-cr/part-3.htm

4. http://www.culturebase.net/artist.php?3577

5. Her novel:
http://www.jstor.org/discover/10.2307/2158675?uid=3739928&uid=2129&uid=2&uid=70&uid=4&uid=3739256&sid=21101404588403jstor.org

6. Faces of Chinese Literature:
http://www.upf.edu

7. http://www.iu.edu/~easc/outreach/educators/literature/workshops/doc/Perry_2005.pdf 11/16/2012

8. http://www.pen-international.org/

9. http://www.literaturfestival.com/participants/authors/2003/zhang-jie

10. http://contemporary_chinese_culture.academic.ru/952/Zhang_Jie

11. Book # 1
Encounters With Chinese Writers By Annie Dillard. Published by University Press of New England,1984.ISBN 0-8195-5130-9

12. Book # 2
The Australian Journal of Chinese Affairs. Published by The University of Chicago Press,1979.ISBN 01567365

13. Book # 3
Leaden Wings, Zhang Jie. Published by VIRAGO PRESS Limited 1987. ISBN 0-86068-759-7

Zhang Jie (born 1937)

2012-12-06T18:23:47Z

Ericaangie: /* Zhang Jie Goals as a writer */

[[File:Arch002021286b.jpg|400px|thumb|right|Zhang Jie, an artistic photo by Buso. Click [http://www.martabuso.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/5e06319eda06f020e43594a9c230972d/a/r/arch002021286b.jpg here] for original source ]]
== About Zhang Jie ==
A one of a kind and brilliant Chinese Literature writer. She successfully took on socialism and turned it into a novella. She clearly show us what the people in China of all ranks had to suffer and went through during and after the times of communism, how did they deal with it, what was left to be entrusted with, to rebuild upon for a new generation in China. Zhang Jie began to write after the access of power began for Deng Xioping (Deputy Minister), the dead of Mao Tseng Tang occurred in 1976 and the fall of the Gang of Four occurred; this gang included Mao’s cruel wife, Jiang Qing, mastermind and political figure that together with Mao authored millions of crimes during the Cultural Revolution,''"She published her first novel 'Love must not be forgotten' in 1978, two years later after the death of the dictator Mao."'' www.miscelaneaeditores.com

It was after these events that Zhang Jie began to write. China finally began to experience a relatively more freedom for writers to create, and works of other foreign writers began to make their way into China. China started to get energized catching on the humanistic and artistic works of the world. It was beginning to exit the 10 years confinement of literature and oppression that had suffered during the Cultural Revolution. The extreme ideals of communism lost attention and writers could now use other themes in their stories, other than the working classes or soldiers. Zhang Jie was now 39 years old. She was finally able and experienced to establish her brilliant place in the Chinese Literature.

[[File:Brigitte_lin_book_fair_hk.jpg|400px|thumb|left|Zhang Jie, at a Hong Kong Book fair. They announced her book
'Without Words' will be go to the big screen. Click [http://wiki.vm.rub.de/uvu/images/5/59/Brigitte_lin_book_fair_hk.jpg here] for original source ]]

== Biography ==
'''1937'''
Zhang Jie was born in Beijing in 1937, her mother taught elementary school, she grew up poor even when she was a Manchu Royalty decedent. She had to escape the Japanese army that wanted to kill them. ''"Her mother, Manchurian royalty by birth but reduced to poverty by China's perpetual war and revolt, was a primary school teacher before the Japanese invasion." beijingscene.com.'' A guide that they meet introduced Zhang Jie to western children stories. The stories she read were from The Grimm brothers, Hans Christian Andersen and the fables of Krylov were among her favorites. Although people like to critic her because about this, Zhang Jie said that she is glad to have read these children stories, because they taught her to be consider to other people and not smash others on her way to success ''"I secretly congratulate myself and say that if I have one iota of human feeling, if I do not move up in the world by stepping on other people, do not use others to gain advantage, it is in large part due to the influence of the humanism in classical Western literature.” beijingscene.com''

'''1956'''
She wanted so badly to be a writer but end up studying economics ''"The government, however decided that because of her excellent school record she should study economics” Dillard pag 65.'' Zhang Jie cried about this but went anyways. Zhang Jie was admitted in RENMIN University of China.

'''1960'''
Zhang Jie, graduated and took a job in the Mechanics Engineer Industry that would allowed her a lot of information in this field to later write her Mao Dun Award winning book 'Heavy Wings (Leaden Wings)'. She worked in this industry for eight years.

'''1963'''
She married a colleague and had a daughter called 'Tang Di'

'''1964'''
Mao wanted the writers like Zhang Jie to experience equality with the rural or less fortunate people, and get rid off any funny ideas of possible superiority they might have ''"In addition to the Socialist Education Movement in the countryside, Mao repeatedly urged the literature and arts circles, as well as the various propaganda arms, to reform their areas.” marxists.org.''

'''1969'''
At the age of 32 Zhang Jie was sent to a farm for four years to be reform to Jiangxi, located southwest if China. Even when they have lost all money and connection of her royal family, because of her royal lineage, she was considered of a privilege class, so according to the teachings of Mao Tseng Tang she needed to be reform and experience the workers life. ''"Because she was the daughter of a right winger, she was forced to participate in re-educational measures at a special school from 1969 to 1972.” culture.base.net.'' During these times, it must have been very hard to be separated of her daughter and mother.

'''1978'''
Zhang Jie published her first children story right after the Culture Revolution called 'Music of the Forests', and won China national award ''"It was at this time that she also began to write. Only after the Cultural Revolution (1966–67) did she publish her first story" 'Die Musik der Wälder' culturebase.net.'' Russian children literature really was her inspiration to begin writing. Also, she was one of the first Modern writers to write about women and love. 'Love must not be forgotten' was her first novel about these issues of love.

'''1979'''
Zhang Jie joined the Chinese Writers Association. Zhang Jie’s work was popular.

'''1980'''
Her acclaim novella 'Heavy Wings' was published and very well received. She had waited for a long time and because of the changes and relatively freedoms that China was experiencing this was the right moment to do it. Also, Zhang Jie joined the Chinese Communist Party.

'''1982'''
She becomes a member of the PEN International. Zhang Jie would travel outside of China for the first time ever to attend a conference in Los Angeles, at UCLA, where she would meet American writer and journalist 'Harrison Salisbury'. Dillard, pag 63. Zhang Jie must have been very happy that she can finally write all she wanted.

'''1985'''
She was awarded the Mao Dun Literature Prize for ''Leaden Wings = Heavy Wings''.''"This novel is one of the three which jointly won the 1985 Mao Dun Literary Prize, the most prestigious award for novels in China" jstor.org''

'''2005'''
Zhang Jie was awarded for the second time the Mao Dun Literature Prize for 'Without a Word'. She is the only author to have won this prize twice.

[[File:Zhang-jie-0719L.jpg|500px|thumb|right|In 1985, Zhang Jie won the Mao Dun Prize Click [http://images2.chinatraveldepot.com/Images/Destination/Zhang-jie-0719L.jpg here] for original source ]]

== Two Faces of Chinese Literature ==
I think it is helpful and important to distinguish 2 faces in Chinese Literature, and which one Zhang Jie belongs too, this way we can comprehend even better the Chinese Literature evolution and what group accompany the author. Together with Zhang Jie, these authors and their writings will be the ones in charge to lead China into a new direction.

The first face was in the 1920s.- It started with the fall of the Empire and the disintegration of the Old Traditional Literacy. The beginning of the ‘Chinese Literature Modern Classics was born’, the unforgettable Lu Xun, Lao She, Cao Yu, Mao Deng, Ba Jin and others, ''"At that moment the canonical list of modern classics of Chinese literature came out: Lu Xun, Lao She, Cao Yu, Mao Dun, Ba Jin” www.upf.edu.''

The Second face during the 1980s.- A period of relative relaxation begins that allowed the ‘emerge of new climate of cultural creativity’. The distinction of what it was ‘Revolutionary Literature between – Modern Literature’ was well noticed. "The young writers that had to remain silent had been waken (Good morning Zhang Jie!)." In this face: we found Zhang Jie, Wang Meng, Liu Xiabo, Wang Shuo, Hao Shaogong and many more.

== Fun Facts about Zhang Jie ==
[[File:Cute.jpg|250px|thumb|left|Zhang Jie, loves cats and was seeing playing with one at UCLA conference. Click [http://www.thedibb.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=662542] for original source ]]
Zhang Jie loves to giggle and to read books. She has a way of looking at you with sarcasm. Zhang Jie also likes Siamese cats a lot. During the UCLA conference, she got a hold of somebody's cat and would not let go of it. People reported that she was holding on to the cat the wrong way, the cat’s behind was facing people in front of her, while the face of the cat was facing Zhang Jie’s back, funny way to hold a kitty, and she did it for a while too, ''"Zhang Jie and innovative and controversial young writer, is carrying my Siamese cat around the house. She holds it by the armpit, so it faces the couch.” Dillard, pag 61.''
She also loves to speak softly and her work is regularly under fire. I guess people like to criticize her'' "Zhang Jie , whose own work is regularly under fire, had to defend the Party line.” Dillard, pag 68.''

== Zhang Jie Goals as a writer ==
In September of 1982, Zhang Jie spoke at the UCLA, at the US-Chinese writers conference organized by Cousins, on her thoughts in Literature.''"Life should become what humans beings wish it to be"''. When she talks about human beings and what we wish for, it is clear to me that in order to become anything, we must have freedom of choice,''"Pure literature as our purpose cannot exist, because the writer’s feeling will have an impact on the material world." Dillard, pag 64.'' Zhang Jie then wants freedom to become, but with the understanding that as writers they have a responsibility to impact the people for a better world.

== Her work ==
[[File:ZHangJieHenryMiller.png|400px|thumb|right|Zhang Jie and American writer 'Henry Miller'in 1984 Click [http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C507t-K16jQ/TguQwhGSIiI/AAAAAAAABF0/FI09ZHvkDT4/s320/ZHangJieHenryMiller.gif here]for original source ]]
Zhang Jie was raised by her mother, her parents were divorced. Probably at a young age witnessed and experienced the discrimination and abuse to the fact that she had no father. In those times it did not look good to be a single mother, you can be discriminated greatly. These facts had to have inspired Zhang Jie into her writings and allowed her to rule when she talks about what women went through during those times, since she had witnessed it herself. A good example of this in her book 'Heavy Wings' ''pag 107, "He darted a warning glance at Zheng. To him divorcees ranked with prostitutes.”''

'''Why Zhang Jie calls it "Heavy wings"'''
Zhang Jie is a smart writer, strong and brave representative of the new Modern generation. This generation is like a newborn or a new bird representing the Republic of China. Zhang Jie and writers like her are the ones that are responsible to help others break out of the shell, and show them how to fly high. But can they do it? Or, Are the wings of this nation 'too heavy to take off' and begin to fly completely free? You decide.

'''Zhang Jie way of writing'''
''By taking us inside the story, Zhang Jie show us how the people of China lives, how they struggle silently hoping for a change that is too slow in the process of happening, like a pregnant mother that is in contractions now, this mother or nation that has been evolving month by month, decade by decade, and is in growing pains of the changes that are taking place, for a new baby, a new nation that is pushing to come out, and by coming out is creating changes in the way of thinking of China, a China that wants to breath loud, that wants to take off flying freely, and wants to reach the stars without having the government teased her and tide her down like a kite. Erica Bazalar-Oaks.''

In this novella, Zhang Jie is brilliant! She takes us inside the society of China in a very personal way. She describes the personalities so well and body movements, their rooms, houses and buildings where they live, and through her words make us feel as spectators that we can be seating right there on a chair, or on the table near by ear dropping on the conversation the characters are having. Zhang Jie shows as a writer her brilliance and experience, when the story just flows. She goes from one story to another in such a subtle way, that you as the reader are not a bit distracted, but pleasingly surprise making you feel like a light feather traveling gently from one side to another. On her words, she also uses European phrases that are well known and demonstrates her past influences in readings, ''pag 95 "Not all high officials rested in their laurels.”'' Also Zhang Jie demonstrates something I found interesting, her unique and personal style of writing when she mixes in one situation, two elements from different backgrounds. She can convey and interesting way of thinking that she cleanly and successfully displays in her novella. A good example is when the character of Zheng was in the car letting the breeze to ruffle his hair, Zheng though to himself, ''pag 102, "Would this speech he had just made, like previous ones, vanish without a trace like a snowflake in the dessert?”'' Here, she uses the snowflake that happens on winter season, and combines it with the element of the dessert that portraits a hot weather, two different types of times to explain the feelings of the character of Zheng. I enjoyed that.

[[File:Zhang-jie.png|400px|thumb|left|Zhang Jie very young in her twenties Click [http://digital.library.upenn.edu/women/_gallery/zhang-jie.gif here] for original source ]]

== Analysis of the Book 'Heavy Wings' ==

'''Heavy Wings also call Leaden Wings'''
Was published in 1980. Zhang Jie tells us what is happening today in Modern China after the Cultural Revolution, and where they stand in progress in their society and the world. One important thing that she writes about is 'marriage' in a country that is full of traditions, marriage can be one thing that is controversial to discuss. In Heavy Wings, the characters, women and men of different economical classes equally show their struggles in marriage, and fears of the society criticism if they would ever were to get divorce. Zhang Jie has been accused before of being immoral or too westernized, also to work against the party. Zhang Jie herself is divorced; in her work she stands for true love versus tradition. But, 'This also could mean that the author is suggesting that women and men can and should take their time experiencing falling in love! Before they go into rehearse marriage'. Also, this novella centers in the modernization of the Chinese industry and how the citizens are all for modern and bringing outside investments, especially interesting since Chinese people has not favored or trust outside companies. Heavy Wings give us as well an interesting inside of the social classes China has. We have the working classes that work in the industry very hard and barely get by, the middle class with the managers in charge that want to make a difference for their people and the ministers that are the ones that are way involve with the party, make the money and can do good or bad.

'''Modernization of China'''
When she talks about the modernization of China industry, she can give an excellent inside of thoughts about the progress in this organization, since she worked in this field for many years in the past. That means that she probably also witnessed the corruption that goes on; the good people that want to modernize and make a difference in their sector for the better, but encounter corruption with the bad people that only wants to hold on tied to communism rules, so they can benefit themselves and not the workers, that work hard and that need to make more money, to at least better their living conditions, ''pag 86 "To boost production in China you have to improve living conditions.”''

'''Divorce in the Chinese society'''
Heavy wings shows how people therefore might not be in love but because it would look bad on them, they have to put up with it, ''pag 34,"He seldom had free Sunday and they slept in different rooms.”''If they would divorce, for the men in their careers, they could lose their social status and be consider unstable losers, and for the women is far worst, if they became divorcees they can be look down as prostitutes, ''pag 107, "He darted a warning glance at Zheng. To him divorcees ranked with prostitutes.”'' One call only imagine how much Zheng Jie suffered when she was little looking at her mother been mistreated since her mother was divorced, and after loosing all position in society and money, Zheng Jie’s mother had to find a job, protect her daughter and put up with a society that did not protect her but made their lives worst. We can definitely tell that this part in Zhang Jie’s life influenced this writer a lot when she learnt this type of discrimination against her mother, against women in her society.

'''Tender moments'''
There are also great moments of tenderness in this story from Chinese men and women, that will give a better understanding of their deep hearts. ''Pag 79, "Everyone present was watching him in silence. The sight gave him fresh strength. Old Lü’s bearded chin beneath his bleary eyes was quivering. Chen put the dumpling into the old fellow’s mouth. ‘I let you down, Old Lü, he said.”''

[[File:ZhangJieHarrison.png|400px|thumb|right|Zhang Jie, at 45 (First time out of China) with writer Harrison Salisbury
In 1982, at the UCLA, US-Chinese writers conference Click [http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--m26XHdk0so/TguRGQWGs5I/AAAAAAAABF8/lzPMfkPY4Yw/s320/ZhangJieHarrison.gif here] for original source ]]
'''The way Chinese people live'''
We see the working Chinese people struggling to meet ends, with low salaries or enough to get by, and small and/or poor housing, if you can call some of these places mentioned in the story housing. Also there is not much money left, but to only go out for a meal, this is the way of entertainment. They really cannot get out of this type of social class. ''Pag 62, "China really gets its intellectuals on the cheap, Zheng though. Then, remembering the technicians in his ministry and the workers in factories, he reflected, he reflected that China got all its common people on the cheap”'', and the youth has no way of diversion or entertainment but to go out and eat. They could not go out to dance or have money to travel. ''Pag 62, "Zheng glanced round. ‘Apart from the two of us, everybody here’s young. Can’t blame. Eating out is their only diversion. What else can they do!”''

'''The careers that Chinese society forces on their people'''
Zhang show us how Chinese people’s education are not well rounded but are tailor to get jobs that will advance them in society. This situation does not make them happy but it is the way that it has been working for a long time, ''Pag 59, "Looking at his eyes Zheng Ziyun felt a stab of envy. In his young days he had wanted to study anthropology, literature or history, but fate had made him an official.”'' Chinese people dream to experience careers their society does not allow them to have, ''pag 85, "Keeping his eyes on the dark road, Chen said slowly, ‘In middle school I was mad on the violin, thought music the highest form of art. And I wanted to get a PHD in physics. But I’ve ended up a factory manager!” He laughed rather bitterly.''

'''Class struggles, history and beliefs do not let Chinese move forward'''
Zhang Jie let us know that the Chinese people mentality has to change or there will be no progress at all. ''Pag 42, "What they were up against now were deeply ingrained beliefs. These beliefs were like net in which all were caught. History was bound to condemn and eliminate them.”''

'''The Past of the Cultural Revolution = Communism will be remember'''
Zhang Jie made it clear that these abuses and crimes, did happened in China, that her thoughts in this book are not exaggerated or made up, but they come from 'real life events' that mark the Chinese people and their lives. - These events are vital to understand them and what they are fighting for -. During the Cultural Revolution with Mao, all that opposed the Communist party or look like they did, were kill, could be incarcerated, nearly kill to death, brutally bit up, abuse or persecuted. They could also be send to do 'restitution to these rural places' so they can be reform, ''pag 45, "The Cultural Revolution brought her fearful anxiety and distress: he was nearly beaten to death. When he came back after several months of confinement in a damp room he could hardly walk for arthritis.”''

'''Zhang Jie calls for a change in the government and the society of China'''.
This is a very provocative book and it calls for the Chinese people to change mentally too, to leave once and for all 'old habits or traditions' that hold them back, and open themselves to progress in their personal lives as well as resources or markets they use to do business with. ''pag 101, "For some years we studied chairman Mao’s works regardless of the political results. We competed to see who could write the most copious notes or parrot the most quotations. The effectiveness of political work should be judge by the new wealth created. We must run our economy according to economic laws and give up our old egalitarian way of all eating from one big pot. That stifles initiative.”''

== Zhang Jie Goals as a writer ==
In September of 1982, Zhang Jie spoke at the UCLA, at the US-Chinese writers conference organized by Norman Cousins about her thoughts in Literature.''"Life should become what humans beings wish it to be"''. When she talks about us, as human beings and what we wish for, it is clear to me that in order to become anything, we must have freedom of choice. Zhang Jie also expressed her feelings of responsibility that she feels the writers have to the world,''"Pure literature as our purpose cannot exist, because the writer’s feeling will have an impact on the material world." Dillard, pag 64.'' Zhang Jie then wants freedom to become, but with the understanding that as writers they have a responsibility to impact the people for a better world.

== Powerpoint Slide ==
[[File:FINAL_DE_Zhang_Jie.pptx|thumb]]

== Disclosure ==
It has been a pleasure to have done this class with Mr Woesler. I have translated reference #1 and #6. I have been a translator for over 25 years. I had worked hard in my wiki and have done my very best to use the resources available to me in a respectful manner. In doing so, it is my hope that this work can help others 'strengthen the appreciation and knowledge of the Republic of China and their wonderful People'. Erica Bazalar-Oaks. www.bazalar.com.

== References ==
1. About Zhang Jie
http://www.miscelaneaeditores.com

2. Biography:
http://www.beijingscene.com/cissue/feature.html

3. http://www.marxists.org/history/erol/ncm-7/cwp-cr/part-3.htm

4. http://www.culturebase.net/artist.php?3577

5. Her novel:
http://www.jstor.org/discover/10.2307/2158675?uid=3739928&uid=2129&uid=2&uid=70&uid=4&uid=3739256&sid=21101404588403jstor.org

6. Faces of Chinese Literature:
http://www.upf.edu

7. http://www.iu.edu/~easc/outreach/educators/literature/workshops/doc/Perry_2005.pdf 11/16/2012

8. http://www.pen-international.org/

9. http://www.literaturfestival.com/participants/authors/2003/zhang-jie

10. http://contemporary_chinese_culture.academic.ru/952/Zhang_Jie

11. Book # 1
Encounters With Chinese Writers By Annie Dillard. Published by University Press of New England,1984.ISBN 0-8195-5130-9

12. Book # 2
The Australian Journal of Chinese Affairs. Published by The University of Chicago Press,1979.ISBN 01567365

13. Book # 3
Leaden Wings, Zhang Jie. Published by VIRAGO PRESS Limited 1987. ISBN 0-86068-759-7

Zhang Jie (born 1937)

2012-12-06T18:22:26Z

Ericaangie: /* Zhang Jie Goals as a writer */

[[File:Arch002021286b.jpg|400px|thumb|right|Zhang Jie, an artistic photo by Buso. Click [http://www.martabuso.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/5e06319eda06f020e43594a9c230972d/a/r/arch002021286b.jpg here] for original source ]]
== About Zhang Jie ==
A one of a kind and brilliant Chinese Literature writer. She successfully took on socialism and turned it into a novella. She clearly show us what the people in China of all ranks had to suffer and went through during and after the times of communism, how did they deal with it, what was left to be entrusted with, to rebuild upon for a new generation in China. Zhang Jie began to write after the access of power began for Deng Xioping (Deputy Minister), the dead of Mao Tseng Tang occurred in 1976 and the fall of the Gang of Four occurred; this gang included Mao’s cruel wife, Jiang Qing, mastermind and political figure that together with Mao authored millions of crimes during the Cultural Revolution,''"She published her first novel 'Love must not be forgotten' in 1978, two years later after the death of the dictator Mao."'' www.miscelaneaeditores.com

It was after these events that Zhang Jie began to write. China finally began to experience a relatively more freedom for writers to create, and works of other foreign writers began to make their way into China. China started to get energized catching on the humanistic and artistic works of the world. It was beginning to exit the 10 years confinement of literature and oppression that had suffered during the Cultural Revolution. The extreme ideals of communism lost attention and writers could now use other themes in their stories, other than the working classes or soldiers. Zhang Jie was now 39 years old. She was finally able and experienced to establish her brilliant place in the Chinese Literature.

[[File:Brigitte_lin_book_fair_hk.jpg|400px|thumb|left|Zhang Jie, at a Hong Kong Book fair. They announced her book
'Without Words' will be go to the big screen. Click [http://wiki.vm.rub.de/uvu/images/5/59/Brigitte_lin_book_fair_hk.jpg here] for original source ]]

== Biography ==
'''1937'''
Zhang Jie was born in Beijing in 1937, her mother taught elementary school, she grew up poor even when she was a Manchu Royalty decedent. She had to escape the Japanese army that wanted to kill them. ''"Her mother, Manchurian royalty by birth but reduced to poverty by China's perpetual war and revolt, was a primary school teacher before the Japanese invasion." beijingscene.com.'' A guide that they meet introduced Zhang Jie to western children stories. The stories she read were from The Grimm brothers, Hans Christian Andersen and the fables of Krylov were among her favorites. Although people like to critic her because about this, Zhang Jie said that she is glad to have read these children stories, because they taught her to be consider to other people and not smash others on her way to success ''"I secretly congratulate myself and say that if I have one iota of human feeling, if I do not move up in the world by stepping on other people, do not use others to gain advantage, it is in large part due to the influence of the humanism in classical Western literature.” beijingscene.com''

'''1956'''
She wanted so badly to be a writer but end up studying economics ''"The government, however decided that because of her excellent school record she should study economics” Dillard pag 65.'' Zhang Jie cried about this but went anyways. Zhang Jie was admitted in RENMIN University of China.

'''1960'''
Zhang Jie, graduated and took a job in the Mechanics Engineer Industry that would allowed her a lot of information in this field to later write her Mao Dun Award winning book 'Heavy Wings (Leaden Wings)'. She worked in this industry for eight years.

'''1963'''
She married a colleague and had a daughter called 'Tang Di'

'''1964'''
Mao wanted the writers like Zhang Jie to experience equality with the rural or less fortunate people, and get rid off any funny ideas of possible superiority they might have ''"In addition to the Socialist Education Movement in the countryside, Mao repeatedly urged the literature and arts circles, as well as the various propaganda arms, to reform their areas.” marxists.org.''

'''1969'''
At the age of 32 Zhang Jie was sent to a farm for four years to be reform to Jiangxi, located southwest if China. Even when they have lost all money and connection of her royal family, because of her royal lineage, she was considered of a privilege class, so according to the teachings of Mao Tseng Tang she needed to be reform and experience the workers life. ''"Because she was the daughter of a right winger, she was forced to participate in re-educational measures at a special school from 1969 to 1972.” culture.base.net.'' During these times, it must have been very hard to be separated of her daughter and mother.

'''1978'''
Zhang Jie published her first children story right after the Culture Revolution called 'Music of the Forests', and won China national award ''"It was at this time that she also began to write. Only after the Cultural Revolution (1966–67) did she publish her first story" 'Die Musik der Wälder' culturebase.net.'' Russian children literature really was her inspiration to begin writing. Also, she was one of the first Modern writers to write about women and love. 'Love must not be forgotten' was her first novel about these issues of love.

'''1979'''
Zhang Jie joined the Chinese Writers Association. Zhang Jie’s work was popular.

'''1980'''
Her acclaim novella 'Heavy Wings' was published and very well received. She had waited for a long time and because of the changes and relatively freedoms that China was experiencing this was the right moment to do it. Also, Zhang Jie joined the Chinese Communist Party.

'''1982'''
She becomes a member of the PEN International. Zhang Jie would travel outside of China for the first time ever to attend a conference in Los Angeles, at UCLA, where she would meet American writer and journalist 'Harrison Salisbury'. Dillard, pag 63. Zhang Jie must have been very happy that she can finally write all she wanted.

'''1985'''
She was awarded the Mao Dun Literature Prize for ''Leaden Wings = Heavy Wings''.''"This novel is one of the three which jointly won the 1985 Mao Dun Literary Prize, the most prestigious award for novels in China" jstor.org''

'''2005'''
Zhang Jie was awarded for the second time the Mao Dun Literature Prize for 'Without a Word'. She is the only author to have won this prize twice.

[[File:Zhang-jie-0719L.jpg|500px|thumb|right|In 1985, Zhang Jie won the Mao Dun Prize Click [http://images2.chinatraveldepot.com/Images/Destination/Zhang-jie-0719L.jpg here] for original source ]]

== Two Faces of Chinese Literature ==
I think it is helpful and important to distinguish 2 faces in Chinese Literature, and which one Zhang Jie belongs too, this way we can comprehend even better the Chinese Literature evolution and what group accompany the author. Together with Zhang Jie, these authors and their writings will be the ones in charge to lead China into a new direction.

The first face was in the 1920s.- It started with the fall of the Empire and the disintegration of the Old Traditional Literacy. The beginning of the ‘Chinese Literature Modern Classics was born’, the unforgettable Lu Xun, Lao She, Cao Yu, Mao Deng, Ba Jin and others, ''"At that moment the canonical list of modern classics of Chinese literature came out: Lu Xun, Lao She, Cao Yu, Mao Dun, Ba Jin” www.upf.edu.''

The Second face during the 1980s.- A period of relative relaxation begins that allowed the ‘emerge of new climate of cultural creativity’. The distinction of what it was ‘Revolutionary Literature between – Modern Literature’ was well noticed. "The young writers that had to remain silent had been waken (Good morning Zhang Jie!)." In this face: we found Zhang Jie, Wang Meng, Liu Xiabo, Wang Shuo, Hao Shaogong and many more.

== Fun Facts about Zhang Jie ==
[[File:Cute.jpg|250px|thumb|left|Zhang Jie, loves cats and was seeing playing with one at UCLA conference. Click [http://www.thedibb.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=662542] for original source ]]
Zhang Jie loves to giggle and to read books. She has a way of looking at you with sarcasm. Zhang Jie also likes Siamese cats a lot. During the UCLA conference, she got a hold of somebody's cat and would not let go of it. People reported that she was holding on to the cat the wrong way, the cat’s behind was facing people in front of her, while the face of the cat was facing Zhang Jie’s back, funny way to hold a kitty, and she did it for a while too, ''"Zhang Jie and innovative and controversial young writer, is carrying my Siamese cat around the house. She holds it by the armpit, so it faces the couch.” Dillard, pag 61.''
She also loves to speak softly and her work is regularly under fire. I guess people like to criticize her'' "Zhang Jie , whose own work is regularly under fire, had to defend the Party line.” Dillard, pag 68.''

== Zhang Jie Goals as a writer ==
In September of 1982, Zhang Jie spoke at the UCLA, at the US-Chinese writers conference organized by Cousins about her thoughts in Literature.''"Life should become what humans beings wish it to be"''. When she talks about us, as human beings and what we wish for, it is clear to me that in order to become anything, we must have freedom of choice,''"Pure literature as our purpose cannot exist, because the writer’s feeling will have an impact on the material world." Dillard, pag 64.'' Zhang Jie then wants freedom to become, but with the understanding that as writers they have a responsibility to impact the people for a better world.

== Her work ==
[[File:ZHangJieHenryMiller.png|400px|thumb|right|Zhang Jie and American writer 'Henry Miller'in 1984 Click [http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C507t-K16jQ/TguQwhGSIiI/AAAAAAAABF0/FI09ZHvkDT4/s320/ZHangJieHenryMiller.gif here]for original source ]]
Zhang Jie was raised by her mother, her parents were divorced. Probably at a young age witnessed and experienced the discrimination and abuse to the fact that she had no father. In those times it did not look good to be a single mother, you can be discriminated greatly. These facts had to have inspired Zhang Jie into her writings and allowed her to rule when she talks about what women went through during those times, since she had witnessed it herself. A good example of this in her book 'Heavy Wings' ''pag 107, "He darted a warning glance at Zheng. To him divorcees ranked with prostitutes.”''

'''Why Zhang Jie calls it "Heavy wings"'''
Zhang Jie is a smart writer, strong and brave representative of the new Modern generation. This generation is like a newborn or a new bird representing the Republic of China. Zhang Jie and writers like her are the ones that are responsible to help others break out of the shell, and show them how to fly high. But can they do it? Or, Are the wings of this nation 'too heavy to take off' and begin to fly completely free? You decide.

'''Zhang Jie way of writing'''
''By taking us inside the story, Zhang Jie show us how the people of China lives, how they struggle silently hoping for a change that is too slow in the process of happening, like a pregnant mother that is in contractions now, this mother or nation that has been evolving month by month, decade by decade, and is in growing pains of the changes that are taking place, for a new baby, a new nation that is pushing to come out, and by coming out is creating changes in the way of thinking of China, a China that wants to breath loud, that wants to take off flying freely, and wants to reach the stars without having the government teased her and tide her down like a kite. Erica Bazalar-Oaks.''

In this novella, Zhang Jie is brilliant! She takes us inside the society of China in a very personal way. She describes the personalities so well and body movements, their rooms, houses and buildings where they live, and through her words make us feel as spectators that we can be seating right there on a chair, or on the table near by ear dropping on the conversation the characters are having. Zhang Jie shows as a writer her brilliance and experience, when the story just flows. She goes from one story to another in such a subtle way, that you as the reader are not a bit distracted, but pleasingly surprise making you feel like a light feather traveling gently from one side to another. On her words, she also uses European phrases that are well known and demonstrates her past influences in readings, ''pag 95 "Not all high officials rested in their laurels.”'' Also Zhang Jie demonstrates something I found interesting, her unique and personal style of writing when she mixes in one situation, two elements from different backgrounds. She can convey and interesting way of thinking that she cleanly and successfully displays in her novella. A good example is when the character of Zheng was in the car letting the breeze to ruffle his hair, Zheng though to himself, ''pag 102, "Would this speech he had just made, like previous ones, vanish without a trace like a snowflake in the dessert?”'' Here, she uses the snowflake that happens on winter season, and combines it with the element of the dessert that portraits a hot weather, two different types of times to explain the feelings of the character of Zheng. I enjoyed that.

[[File:Zhang-jie.png|400px|thumb|left|Zhang Jie very young in her twenties Click [http://digital.library.upenn.edu/women/_gallery/zhang-jie.gif here] for original source ]]

== Analysis of the Book 'Heavy Wings' ==

'''Heavy Wings also call Leaden Wings'''
Was published in 1980. Zhang Jie tells us what is happening today in Modern China after the Cultural Revolution, and where they stand in progress in their society and the world. One important thing that she writes about is 'marriage' in a country that is full of traditions, marriage can be one thing that is controversial to discuss. In Heavy Wings, the characters, women and men of different economical classes equally show their struggles in marriage, and fears of the society criticism if they would ever were to get divorce. Zhang Jie has been accused before of being immoral or too westernized, also to work against the party. Zhang Jie herself is divorced; in her work she stands for true love versus tradition. But, 'This also could mean that the author is suggesting that women and men can and should take their time experiencing falling in love! Before they go into rehearse marriage'. Also, this novella centers in the modernization of the Chinese industry and how the citizens are all for modern and bringing outside investments, especially interesting since Chinese people has not favored or trust outside companies. Heavy Wings give us as well an interesting inside of the social classes China has. We have the working classes that work in the industry very hard and barely get by, the middle class with the managers in charge that want to make a difference for their people and the ministers that are the ones that are way involve with the party, make the money and can do good or bad.

'''Modernization of China'''
When she talks about the modernization of China industry, she can give an excellent inside of thoughts about the progress in this organization, since she worked in this field for many years in the past. That means that she probably also witnessed the corruption that goes on; the good people that want to modernize and make a difference in their sector for the better, but encounter corruption with the bad people that only wants to hold on tied to communism rules, so they can benefit themselves and not the workers, that work hard and that need to make more money, to at least better their living conditions, ''pag 86 "To boost production in China you have to improve living conditions.”''

'''Divorce in the Chinese society'''
Heavy wings shows how people therefore might not be in love but because it would look bad on them, they have to put up with it, ''pag 34,"He seldom had free Sunday and they slept in different rooms.”''If they would divorce, for the men in their careers, they could lose their social status and be consider unstable losers, and for the women is far worst, if they became divorcees they can be look down as prostitutes, ''pag 107, "He darted a warning glance at Zheng. To him divorcees ranked with prostitutes.”'' One call only imagine how much Zheng Jie suffered when she was little looking at her mother been mistreated since her mother was divorced, and after loosing all position in society and money, Zheng Jie’s mother had to find a job, protect her daughter and put up with a society that did not protect her but made their lives worst. We can definitely tell that this part in Zhang Jie’s life influenced this writer a lot when she learnt this type of discrimination against her mother, against women in her society.

'''Tender moments'''
There are also great moments of tenderness in this story from Chinese men and women, that will give a better understanding of their deep hearts. ''Pag 79, "Everyone present was watching him in silence. The sight gave him fresh strength. Old Lü’s bearded chin beneath his bleary eyes was quivering. Chen put the dumpling into the old fellow’s mouth. ‘I let you down, Old Lü, he said.”''

[[File:ZhangJieHarrison.png|400px|thumb|right|Zhang Jie, at 45 (First time out of China) with writer Harrison Salisbury
In 1982, at the UCLA, US-Chinese writers conference Click [http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--m26XHdk0so/TguRGQWGs5I/AAAAAAAABF8/lzPMfkPY4Yw/s320/ZhangJieHarrison.gif here] for original source ]]
'''The way Chinese people live'''
We see the working Chinese people struggling to meet ends, with low salaries or enough to get by, and small and/or poor housing, if you can call some of these places mentioned in the story housing. Also there is not much money left, but to only go out for a meal, this is the way of entertainment. They really cannot get out of this type of social class. ''Pag 62, "China really gets its intellectuals on the cheap, Zheng though. Then, remembering the technicians in his ministry and the workers in factories, he reflected, he reflected that China got all its common people on the cheap”'', and the youth has no way of diversion or entertainment but to go out and eat. They could not go out to dance or have money to travel. ''Pag 62, "Zheng glanced round. ‘Apart from the two of us, everybody here’s young. Can’t blame. Eating out is their only diversion. What else can they do!”''

'''The careers that Chinese society forces on their people'''
Zhang show us how Chinese people’s education are not well rounded but are tailor to get jobs that will advance them in society. This situation does not make them happy but it is the way that it has been working for a long time, ''Pag 59, "Looking at his eyes Zheng Ziyun felt a stab of envy. In his young days he had wanted to study anthropology, literature or history, but fate had made him an official.”'' Chinese people dream to experience careers their society does not allow them to have, ''pag 85, "Keeping his eyes on the dark road, Chen said slowly, ‘In middle school I was mad on the violin, thought music the highest form of art. And I wanted to get a PHD in physics. But I’ve ended up a factory manager!” He laughed rather bitterly.''

'''Class struggles, history and beliefs do not let Chinese move forward'''
Zhang Jie let us know that the Chinese people mentality has to change or there will be no progress at all. ''Pag 42, "What they were up against now were deeply ingrained beliefs. These beliefs were like net in which all were caught. History was bound to condemn and eliminate them.”''

'''The Past of the Cultural Revolution = Communism will be remember'''
Zhang Jie made it clear that these abuses and crimes, did happened in China, that her thoughts in this book are not exaggerated or made up, but they come from 'real life events' that mark the Chinese people and their lives. - These events are vital to understand them and what they are fighting for -. During the Cultural Revolution with Mao, all that opposed the Communist party or look like they did, were kill, could be incarcerated, nearly kill to death, brutally bit up, abuse or persecuted. They could also be send to do 'restitution to these rural places' so they can be reform, ''pag 45, "The Cultural Revolution brought her fearful anxiety and distress: he was nearly beaten to death. When he came back after several months of confinement in a damp room he could hardly walk for arthritis.”''

'''Zhang Jie calls for a change in the government and the society of China'''.
This is a very provocative book and it calls for the Chinese people to change mentally too, to leave once and for all 'old habits or traditions' that hold them back, and open themselves to progress in their personal lives as well as resources or markets they use to do business with. ''pag 101, "For some years we studied chairman Mao’s works regardless of the political results. We competed to see who could write the most copious notes or parrot the most quotations. The effectiveness of political work should be judge by the new wealth created. We must run our economy according to economic laws and give up our old egalitarian way of all eating from one big pot. That stifles initiative.”''

== Zhang Jie Goals as a writer ==
In September of 1982, Zhang Jie spoke at the UCLA, at the US-Chinese writers conference organized by Norman Cousins about her thoughts in Literature.''"Life should become what humans beings wish it to be"''. When she talks about us, as human beings and what we wish for, it is clear to me that in order to become anything, we must have freedom of choice. Zhang Jie also expressed her feelings of responsibility that she feels the writers have to the world,''"Pure literature as our purpose cannot exist, because the writer’s feeling will have an impact on the material world." Dillard, pag 64.'' Zhang Jie then wants freedom to become, but with the understanding that as writers they have a responsibility to impact the people for a better world.

== Powerpoint Slide ==
[[File:FINAL_DE_Zhang_Jie.pptx|thumb]]

== Disclosure ==
It has been a pleasure to have done this class with Mr Woesler. I have translated reference #1 and #6. I have been a translator for over 25 years. I had worked hard in my wiki and have done my very best to use the resources available to me in a respectful manner. In doing so, it is my hope that this work can help others 'strengthen the appreciation and knowledge of the Republic of China and their wonderful People'. Erica Bazalar-Oaks. www.bazalar.com.

== References ==
1. About Zhang Jie
http://www.miscelaneaeditores.com

2. Biography:
http://www.beijingscene.com/cissue/feature.html

3. http://www.marxists.org/history/erol/ncm-7/cwp-cr/part-3.htm

4. http://www.culturebase.net/artist.php?3577

5. Her novel:
http://www.jstor.org/discover/10.2307/2158675?uid=3739928&uid=2129&uid=2&uid=70&uid=4&uid=3739256&sid=21101404588403jstor.org

6. Faces of Chinese Literature:
http://www.upf.edu

7. http://www.iu.edu/~easc/outreach/educators/literature/workshops/doc/Perry_2005.pdf 11/16/2012

8. http://www.pen-international.org/

9. http://www.literaturfestival.com/participants/authors/2003/zhang-jie

10. http://contemporary_chinese_culture.academic.ru/952/Zhang_Jie

11. Book # 1
Encounters With Chinese Writers By Annie Dillard. Published by University Press of New England,1984.ISBN 0-8195-5130-9

12. Book # 2
The Australian Journal of Chinese Affairs. Published by The University of Chicago Press,1979.ISBN 01567365

13. Book # 3
Leaden Wings, Zhang Jie. Published by VIRAGO PRESS Limited 1987. ISBN 0-86068-759-7

Zhang Jie (born 1937)

2012-12-06T18:21:50Z

Ericaangie: /* Zhang Jie Goals as a writer */

[[File:Arch002021286b.jpg|400px|thumb|right|Zhang Jie, an artistic photo by Buso. Click [http://www.martabuso.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/5e06319eda06f020e43594a9c230972d/a/r/arch002021286b.jpg here] for original source ]]
== About Zhang Jie ==
A one of a kind and brilliant Chinese Literature writer. She successfully took on socialism and turned it into a novella. She clearly show us what the people in China of all ranks had to suffer and went through during and after the times of communism, how did they deal with it, what was left to be entrusted with, to rebuild upon for a new generation in China. Zhang Jie began to write after the access of power began for Deng Xioping (Deputy Minister), the dead of Mao Tseng Tang occurred in 1976 and the fall of the Gang of Four occurred; this gang included Mao’s cruel wife, Jiang Qing, mastermind and political figure that together with Mao authored millions of crimes during the Cultural Revolution,''"She published her first novel 'Love must not be forgotten' in 1978, two years later after the death of the dictator Mao."'' www.miscelaneaeditores.com

It was after these events that Zhang Jie began to write. China finally began to experience a relatively more freedom for writers to create, and works of other foreign writers began to make their way into China. China started to get energized catching on the humanistic and artistic works of the world. It was beginning to exit the 10 years confinement of literature and oppression that had suffered during the Cultural Revolution. The extreme ideals of communism lost attention and writers could now use other themes in their stories, other than the working classes or soldiers. Zhang Jie was now 39 years old. She was finally able and experienced to establish her brilliant place in the Chinese Literature.

[[File:Brigitte_lin_book_fair_hk.jpg|400px|thumb|left|Zhang Jie, at a Hong Kong Book fair. They announced her book
'Without Words' will be go to the big screen. Click [http://wiki.vm.rub.de/uvu/images/5/59/Brigitte_lin_book_fair_hk.jpg here] for original source ]]

== Biography ==
'''1937'''
Zhang Jie was born in Beijing in 1937, her mother taught elementary school, she grew up poor even when she was a Manchu Royalty decedent. She had to escape the Japanese army that wanted to kill them. ''"Her mother, Manchurian royalty by birth but reduced to poverty by China's perpetual war and revolt, was a primary school teacher before the Japanese invasion." beijingscene.com.'' A guide that they meet introduced Zhang Jie to western children stories. The stories she read were from The Grimm brothers, Hans Christian Andersen and the fables of Krylov were among her favorites. Although people like to critic her because about this, Zhang Jie said that she is glad to have read these children stories, because they taught her to be consider to other people and not smash others on her way to success ''"I secretly congratulate myself and say that if I have one iota of human feeling, if I do not move up in the world by stepping on other people, do not use others to gain advantage, it is in large part due to the influence of the humanism in classical Western literature.” beijingscene.com''

'''1956'''
She wanted so badly to be a writer but end up studying economics ''"The government, however decided that because of her excellent school record she should study economics” Dillard pag 65.'' Zhang Jie cried about this but went anyways. Zhang Jie was admitted in RENMIN University of China.

'''1960'''
Zhang Jie, graduated and took a job in the Mechanics Engineer Industry that would allowed her a lot of information in this field to later write her Mao Dun Award winning book 'Heavy Wings (Leaden Wings)'. She worked in this industry for eight years.

'''1963'''
She married a colleague and had a daughter called 'Tang Di'

'''1964'''
Mao wanted the writers like Zhang Jie to experience equality with the rural or less fortunate people, and get rid off any funny ideas of possible superiority they might have ''"In addition to the Socialist Education Movement in the countryside, Mao repeatedly urged the literature and arts circles, as well as the various propaganda arms, to reform their areas.” marxists.org.''

'''1969'''
At the age of 32 Zhang Jie was sent to a farm for four years to be reform to Jiangxi, located southwest if China. Even when they have lost all money and connection of her royal family, because of her royal lineage, she was considered of a privilege class, so according to the teachings of Mao Tseng Tang she needed to be reform and experience the workers life. ''"Because she was the daughter of a right winger, she was forced to participate in re-educational measures at a special school from 1969 to 1972.” culture.base.net.'' During these times, it must have been very hard to be separated of her daughter and mother.

'''1978'''
Zhang Jie published her first children story right after the Culture Revolution called 'Music of the Forests', and won China national award ''"It was at this time that she also began to write. Only after the Cultural Revolution (1966–67) did she publish her first story" 'Die Musik der Wälder' culturebase.net.'' Russian children literature really was her inspiration to begin writing. Also, she was one of the first Modern writers to write about women and love. 'Love must not be forgotten' was her first novel about these issues of love.

'''1979'''
Zhang Jie joined the Chinese Writers Association. Zhang Jie’s work was popular.

'''1980'''
Her acclaim novella 'Heavy Wings' was published and very well received. She had waited for a long time and because of the changes and relatively freedoms that China was experiencing this was the right moment to do it. Also, Zhang Jie joined the Chinese Communist Party.

'''1982'''
She becomes a member of the PEN International. Zhang Jie would travel outside of China for the first time ever to attend a conference in Los Angeles, at UCLA, where she would meet American writer and journalist 'Harrison Salisbury'. Dillard, pag 63. Zhang Jie must have been very happy that she can finally write all she wanted.

'''1985'''
She was awarded the Mao Dun Literature Prize for ''Leaden Wings = Heavy Wings''.''"This novel is one of the three which jointly won the 1985 Mao Dun Literary Prize, the most prestigious award for novels in China" jstor.org''

'''2005'''
Zhang Jie was awarded for the second time the Mao Dun Literature Prize for 'Without a Word'. She is the only author to have won this prize twice.

[[File:Zhang-jie-0719L.jpg|500px|thumb|right|In 1985, Zhang Jie won the Mao Dun Prize Click [http://images2.chinatraveldepot.com/Images/Destination/Zhang-jie-0719L.jpg here] for original source ]]

== Two Faces of Chinese Literature ==
I think it is helpful and important to distinguish 2 faces in Chinese Literature, and which one Zhang Jie belongs too, this way we can comprehend even better the Chinese Literature evolution and what group accompany the author. Together with Zhang Jie, these authors and their writings will be the ones in charge to lead China into a new direction.

The first face was in the 1920s.- It started with the fall of the Empire and the disintegration of the Old Traditional Literacy. The beginning of the ‘Chinese Literature Modern Classics was born’, the unforgettable Lu Xun, Lao She, Cao Yu, Mao Deng, Ba Jin and others, ''"At that moment the canonical list of modern classics of Chinese literature came out: Lu Xun, Lao She, Cao Yu, Mao Dun, Ba Jin” www.upf.edu.''

The Second face during the 1980s.- A period of relative relaxation begins that allowed the ‘emerge of new climate of cultural creativity’. The distinction of what it was ‘Revolutionary Literature between – Modern Literature’ was well noticed. "The young writers that had to remain silent had been waken (Good morning Zhang Jie!)." In this face: we found Zhang Jie, Wang Meng, Liu Xiabo, Wang Shuo, Hao Shaogong and many more.

== Fun Facts about Zhang Jie ==
[[File:Cute.jpg|250px|thumb|left|Zhang Jie, loves cats and was seeing playing with one at UCLA conference. Click [http://www.thedibb.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=662542] for original source ]]
Zhang Jie loves to giggle and to read books. She has a way of looking at you with sarcasm. Zhang Jie also likes Siamese cats a lot. During the UCLA conference, she got a hold of somebody's cat and would not let go of it. People reported that she was holding on to the cat the wrong way, the cat’s behind was facing people in front of her, while the face of the cat was facing Zhang Jie’s back, funny way to hold a kitty, and she did it for a while too, ''"Zhang Jie and innovative and controversial young writer, is carrying my Siamese cat around the house. She holds it by the armpit, so it faces the couch.” Dillard, pag 61.''
She also loves to speak softly and her work is regularly under fire. I guess people like to criticize her'' "Zhang Jie , whose own work is regularly under fire, had to defend the Party line.” Dillard, pag 68.''

== Zhang Jie Goals as a writer ==
In September of 1982, Zhang Jie spoke at the UCLA, at the US-Chinese writers conference organized by Norman Cousins about her thoughts in Literature.''"Life should become what humans beings wish it to be"''. When she talks about us, as human beings and what we wish for, it is clear to me that in order to become anything, we must have freedom of choice,''"Pure literature as our purpose cannot exist, because the writer’s feeling will have an impact on the material world." Dillard, pag 64.'' Zhang Jie then wants freedom to become, but with the understanding that as writers they have a responsibility to impact the people for a better world.

== Her work ==
[[File:ZHangJieHenryMiller.png|400px|thumb|right|Zhang Jie and American writer 'Henry Miller'in 1984 Click [http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C507t-K16jQ/TguQwhGSIiI/AAAAAAAABF0/FI09ZHvkDT4/s320/ZHangJieHenryMiller.gif here]for original source ]]
Zhang Jie was raised by her mother, her parents were divorced. Probably at a young age witnessed and experienced the discrimination and abuse to the fact that she had no father. In those times it did not look good to be a single mother, you can be discriminated greatly. These facts had to have inspired Zhang Jie into her writings and allowed her to rule when she talks about what women went through during those times, since she had witnessed it herself. A good example of this in her book 'Heavy Wings' ''pag 107, "He darted a warning glance at Zheng. To him divorcees ranked with prostitutes.”''

'''Why Zhang Jie calls it "Heavy wings"'''
Zhang Jie is a smart writer, strong and brave representative of the new Modern generation. This generation is like a newborn or a new bird representing the Republic of China. Zhang Jie and writers like her are the ones that are responsible to help others break out of the shell, and show them how to fly high. But can they do it? Or, Are the wings of this nation 'too heavy to take off' and begin to fly completely free? You decide.

'''Zhang Jie way of writing'''
''By taking us inside the story, Zhang Jie show us how the people of China lives, how they struggle silently hoping for a change that is too slow in the process of happening, like a pregnant mother that is in contractions now, this mother or nation that has been evolving month by month, decade by decade, and is in growing pains of the changes that are taking place, for a new baby, a new nation that is pushing to come out, and by coming out is creating changes in the way of thinking of China, a China that wants to breath loud, that wants to take off flying freely, and wants to reach the stars without having the government teased her and tide her down like a kite. Erica Bazalar-Oaks.''

In this novella, Zhang Jie is brilliant! She takes us inside the society of China in a very personal way. She describes the personalities so well and body movements, their rooms, houses and buildings where they live, and through her words make us feel as spectators that we can be seating right there on a chair, or on the table near by ear dropping on the conversation the characters are having. Zhang Jie shows as a writer her brilliance and experience, when the story just flows. She goes from one story to another in such a subtle way, that you as the reader are not a bit distracted, but pleasingly surprise making you feel like a light feather traveling gently from one side to another. On her words, she also uses European phrases that are well known and demonstrates her past influences in readings, ''pag 95 "Not all high officials rested in their laurels.”'' Also Zhang Jie demonstrates something I found interesting, her unique and personal style of writing when she mixes in one situation, two elements from different backgrounds. She can convey and interesting way of thinking that she cleanly and successfully displays in her novella. A good example is when the character of Zheng was in the car letting the breeze to ruffle his hair, Zheng though to himself, ''pag 102, "Would this speech he had just made, like previous ones, vanish without a trace like a snowflake in the dessert?”'' Here, she uses the snowflake that happens on winter season, and combines it with the element of the dessert that portraits a hot weather, two different types of times to explain the feelings of the character of Zheng. I enjoyed that.

[[File:Zhang-jie.png|400px|thumb|left|Zhang Jie very young in her twenties Click [http://digital.library.upenn.edu/women/_gallery/zhang-jie.gif here] for original source ]]

== Analysis of the Book 'Heavy Wings' ==

'''Heavy Wings also call Leaden Wings'''
Was published in 1980. Zhang Jie tells us what is happening today in Modern China after the Cultural Revolution, and where they stand in progress in their society and the world. One important thing that she writes about is 'marriage' in a country that is full of traditions, marriage can be one thing that is controversial to discuss. In Heavy Wings, the characters, women and men of different economical classes equally show their struggles in marriage, and fears of the society criticism if they would ever were to get divorce. Zhang Jie has been accused before of being immoral or too westernized, also to work against the party. Zhang Jie herself is divorced; in her work she stands for true love versus tradition. But, 'This also could mean that the author is suggesting that women and men can and should take their time experiencing falling in love! Before they go into rehearse marriage'. Also, this novella centers in the modernization of the Chinese industry and how the citizens are all for modern and bringing outside investments, especially interesting since Chinese people has not favored or trust outside companies. Heavy Wings give us as well an interesting inside of the social classes China has. We have the working classes that work in the industry very hard and barely get by, the middle class with the managers in charge that want to make a difference for their people and the ministers that are the ones that are way involve with the party, make the money and can do good or bad.

'''Modernization of China'''
When she talks about the modernization of China industry, she can give an excellent inside of thoughts about the progress in this organization, since she worked in this field for many years in the past. That means that she probably also witnessed the corruption that goes on; the good people that want to modernize and make a difference in their sector for the better, but encounter corruption with the bad people that only wants to hold on tied to communism rules, so they can benefit themselves and not the workers, that work hard and that need to make more money, to at least better their living conditions, ''pag 86 "To boost production in China you have to improve living conditions.”''

'''Divorce in the Chinese society'''
Heavy wings shows how people therefore might not be in love but because it would look bad on them, they have to put up with it, ''pag 34,"He seldom had free Sunday and they slept in different rooms.”''If they would divorce, for the men in their careers, they could lose their social status and be consider unstable losers, and for the women is far worst, if they became divorcees they can be look down as prostitutes, ''pag 107, "He darted a warning glance at Zheng. To him divorcees ranked with prostitutes.”'' One call only imagine how much Zheng Jie suffered when she was little looking at her mother been mistreated since her mother was divorced, and after loosing all position in society and money, Zheng Jie’s mother had to find a job, protect her daughter and put up with a society that did not protect her but made their lives worst. We can definitely tell that this part in Zhang Jie’s life influenced this writer a lot when she learnt this type of discrimination against her mother, against women in her society.

'''Tender moments'''
There are also great moments of tenderness in this story from Chinese men and women, that will give a better understanding of their deep hearts. ''Pag 79, "Everyone present was watching him in silence. The sight gave him fresh strength. Old Lü’s bearded chin beneath his bleary eyes was quivering. Chen put the dumpling into the old fellow’s mouth. ‘I let you down, Old Lü, he said.”''

[[File:ZhangJieHarrison.png|400px|thumb|right|Zhang Jie, at 45 (First time out of China) with writer Harrison Salisbury
In 1982, at the UCLA, US-Chinese writers conference Click [http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--m26XHdk0so/TguRGQWGs5I/AAAAAAAABF8/lzPMfkPY4Yw/s320/ZhangJieHarrison.gif here] for original source ]]
'''The way Chinese people live'''
We see the working Chinese people struggling to meet ends, with low salaries or enough to get by, and small and/or poor housing, if you can call some of these places mentioned in the story housing. Also there is not much money left, but to only go out for a meal, this is the way of entertainment. They really cannot get out of this type of social class. ''Pag 62, "China really gets its intellectuals on the cheap, Zheng though. Then, remembering the technicians in his ministry and the workers in factories, he reflected, he reflected that China got all its common people on the cheap”'', and the youth has no way of diversion or entertainment but to go out and eat. They could not go out to dance or have money to travel. ''Pag 62, "Zheng glanced round. ‘Apart from the two of us, everybody here’s young. Can’t blame. Eating out is their only diversion. What else can they do!”''

'''The careers that Chinese society forces on their people'''
Zhang show us how Chinese people’s education are not well rounded but are tailor to get jobs that will advance them in society. This situation does not make them happy but it is the way that it has been working for a long time, ''Pag 59, "Looking at his eyes Zheng Ziyun felt a stab of envy. In his young days he had wanted to study anthropology, literature or history, but fate had made him an official.”'' Chinese people dream to experience careers their society does not allow them to have, ''pag 85, "Keeping his eyes on the dark road, Chen said slowly, ‘In middle school I was mad on the violin, thought music the highest form of art. And I wanted to get a PHD in physics. But I’ve ended up a factory manager!” He laughed rather bitterly.''

'''Class struggles, history and beliefs do not let Chinese move forward'''
Zhang Jie let us know that the Chinese people mentality has to change or there will be no progress at all. ''Pag 42, "What they were up against now were deeply ingrained beliefs. These beliefs were like net in which all were caught. History was bound to condemn and eliminate them.”''

'''The Past of the Cultural Revolution = Communism will be remember'''
Zhang Jie made it clear that these abuses and crimes, did happened in China, that her thoughts in this book are not exaggerated or made up, but they come from 'real life events' that mark the Chinese people and their lives. - These events are vital to understand them and what they are fighting for -. During the Cultural Revolution with Mao, all that opposed the Communist party or look like they did, were kill, could be incarcerated, nearly kill to death, brutally bit up, abuse or persecuted. They could also be send to do 'restitution to these rural places' so they can be reform, ''pag 45, "The Cultural Revolution brought her fearful anxiety and distress: he was nearly beaten to death. When he came back after several months of confinement in a damp room he could hardly walk for arthritis.”''

'''Zhang Jie calls for a change in the government and the society of China'''.
This is a very provocative book and it calls for the Chinese people to change mentally too, to leave once and for all 'old habits or traditions' that hold them back, and open themselves to progress in their personal lives as well as resources or markets they use to do business with. ''pag 101, "For some years we studied chairman Mao’s works regardless of the political results. We competed to see who could write the most copious notes or parrot the most quotations. The effectiveness of political work should be judge by the new wealth created. We must run our economy according to economic laws and give up our old egalitarian way of all eating from one big pot. That stifles initiative.”''

== Zhang Jie Goals as a writer ==
In September of 1982, Zhang Jie spoke at the UCLA, at the US-Chinese writers conference organized by Norman Cousins about her thoughts in Literature.''"Life should become what humans beings wish it to be"''. When she talks about us, as human beings and what we wish for, it is clear to me that in order to become anything, we must have freedom of choice. Zhang Jie also expressed her feelings of responsibility that she feels the writers have to the world,''"Pure literature as our purpose cannot exist, because the writer’s feeling will have an impact on the material world." Dillard, pag 64.'' Zhang Jie then wants freedom to become, but with the understanding that as writers they have a responsibility to impact the people for a better world.

== Powerpoint Slide ==
[[File:FINAL_DE_Zhang_Jie.pptx|thumb]]

== Disclosure ==
It has been a pleasure to have done this class with Mr Woesler. I have translated reference #1 and #6. I have been a translator for over 25 years. I had worked hard in my wiki and have done my very best to use the resources available to me in a respectful manner. In doing so, it is my hope that this work can help others 'strengthen the appreciation and knowledge of the Republic of China and their wonderful People'. Erica Bazalar-Oaks. www.bazalar.com.

== References ==
1. About Zhang Jie
http://www.miscelaneaeditores.com

2. Biography:
http://www.beijingscene.com/cissue/feature.html

3. http://www.marxists.org/history/erol/ncm-7/cwp-cr/part-3.htm

4. http://www.culturebase.net/artist.php?3577

5. Her novel:
http://www.jstor.org/discover/10.2307/2158675?uid=3739928&uid=2129&uid=2&uid=70&uid=4&uid=3739256&sid=21101404588403jstor.org

6. Faces of Chinese Literature:
http://www.upf.edu

7. http://www.iu.edu/~easc/outreach/educators/literature/workshops/doc/Perry_2005.pdf 11/16/2012

8. http://www.pen-international.org/

9. http://www.literaturfestival.com/participants/authors/2003/zhang-jie

10. http://contemporary_chinese_culture.academic.ru/952/Zhang_Jie

11. Book # 1
Encounters With Chinese Writers By Annie Dillard. Published by University Press of New England,1984.ISBN 0-8195-5130-9

12. Book # 2
The Australian Journal of Chinese Affairs. Published by The University of Chicago Press,1979.ISBN 01567365

13. Book # 3
Leaden Wings, Zhang Jie. Published by VIRAGO PRESS Limited 1987. ISBN 0-86068-759-7

Zhang Jie (born 1937)

2012-12-06T18:20:31Z

Ericaangie: /* Her work */

[[File:Arch002021286b.jpg|400px|thumb|right|Zhang Jie, an artistic photo by Buso. Click [http://www.martabuso.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/5e06319eda06f020e43594a9c230972d/a/r/arch002021286b.jpg here] for original source ]]
== About Zhang Jie ==
A one of a kind and brilliant Chinese Literature writer. She successfully took on socialism and turned it into a novella. She clearly show us what the people in China of all ranks had to suffer and went through during and after the times of communism, how did they deal with it, what was left to be entrusted with, to rebuild upon for a new generation in China. Zhang Jie began to write after the access of power began for Deng Xioping (Deputy Minister), the dead of Mao Tseng Tang occurred in 1976 and the fall of the Gang of Four occurred; this gang included Mao’s cruel wife, Jiang Qing, mastermind and political figure that together with Mao authored millions of crimes during the Cultural Revolution,''"She published her first novel 'Love must not be forgotten' in 1978, two years later after the death of the dictator Mao."'' www.miscelaneaeditores.com

It was after these events that Zhang Jie began to write. China finally began to experience a relatively more freedom for writers to create, and works of other foreign writers began to make their way into China. China started to get energized catching on the humanistic and artistic works of the world. It was beginning to exit the 10 years confinement of literature and oppression that had suffered during the Cultural Revolution. The extreme ideals of communism lost attention and writers could now use other themes in their stories, other than the working classes or soldiers. Zhang Jie was now 39 years old. She was finally able and experienced to establish her brilliant place in the Chinese Literature.

[[File:Brigitte_lin_book_fair_hk.jpg|400px|thumb|left|Zhang Jie, at a Hong Kong Book fair. They announced her book
'Without Words' will be go to the big screen. Click [http://wiki.vm.rub.de/uvu/images/5/59/Brigitte_lin_book_fair_hk.jpg here] for original source ]]

== Biography ==
'''1937'''
Zhang Jie was born in Beijing in 1937, her mother taught elementary school, she grew up poor even when she was a Manchu Royalty decedent. She had to escape the Japanese army that wanted to kill them. ''"Her mother, Manchurian royalty by birth but reduced to poverty by China's perpetual war and revolt, was a primary school teacher before the Japanese invasion." beijingscene.com.'' A guide that they meet introduced Zhang Jie to western children stories. The stories she read were from The Grimm brothers, Hans Christian Andersen and the fables of Krylov were among her favorites. Although people like to critic her because about this, Zhang Jie said that she is glad to have read these children stories, because they taught her to be consider to other people and not smash others on her way to success ''"I secretly congratulate myself and say that if I have one iota of human feeling, if I do not move up in the world by stepping on other people, do not use others to gain advantage, it is in large part due to the influence of the humanism in classical Western literature.” beijingscene.com''

'''1956'''
She wanted so badly to be a writer but end up studying economics ''"The government, however decided that because of her excellent school record she should study economics” Dillard pag 65.'' Zhang Jie cried about this but went anyways. Zhang Jie was admitted in RENMIN University of China.

'''1960'''
Zhang Jie, graduated and took a job in the Mechanics Engineer Industry that would allowed her a lot of information in this field to later write her Mao Dun Award winning book 'Heavy Wings (Leaden Wings)'. She worked in this industry for eight years.

'''1963'''
She married a colleague and had a daughter called 'Tang Di'

'''1964'''
Mao wanted the writers like Zhang Jie to experience equality with the rural or less fortunate people, and get rid off any funny ideas of possible superiority they might have ''"In addition to the Socialist Education Movement in the countryside, Mao repeatedly urged the literature and arts circles, as well as the various propaganda arms, to reform their areas.” marxists.org.''

'''1969'''
At the age of 32 Zhang Jie was sent to a farm for four years to be reform to Jiangxi, located southwest if China. Even when they have lost all money and connection of her royal family, because of her royal lineage, she was considered of a privilege class, so according to the teachings of Mao Tseng Tang she needed to be reform and experience the workers life. ''"Because she was the daughter of a right winger, she was forced to participate in re-educational measures at a special school from 1969 to 1972.” culture.base.net.'' During these times, it must have been very hard to be separated of her daughter and mother.

'''1978'''
Zhang Jie published her first children story right after the Culture Revolution called 'Music of the Forests', and won China national award ''"It was at this time that she also began to write. Only after the Cultural Revolution (1966–67) did she publish her first story" 'Die Musik der Wälder' culturebase.net.'' Russian children literature really was her inspiration to begin writing. Also, she was one of the first Modern writers to write about women and love. 'Love must not be forgotten' was her first novel about these issues of love.

'''1979'''
Zhang Jie joined the Chinese Writers Association. Zhang Jie’s work was popular.

'''1980'''
Her acclaim novella 'Heavy Wings' was published and very well received. She had waited for a long time and because of the changes and relatively freedoms that China was experiencing this was the right moment to do it. Also, Zhang Jie joined the Chinese Communist Party.

'''1982'''
She becomes a member of the PEN International. Zhang Jie would travel outside of China for the first time ever to attend a conference in Los Angeles, at UCLA, where she would meet American writer and journalist 'Harrison Salisbury'. Dillard, pag 63. Zhang Jie must have been very happy that she can finally write all she wanted.

'''1985'''
She was awarded the Mao Dun Literature Prize for ''Leaden Wings = Heavy Wings''.''"This novel is one of the three which jointly won the 1985 Mao Dun Literary Prize, the most prestigious award for novels in China" jstor.org''

'''2005'''
Zhang Jie was awarded for the second time the Mao Dun Literature Prize for 'Without a Word'. She is the only author to have won this prize twice.

[[File:Zhang-jie-0719L.jpg|500px|thumb|right|In 1985, Zhang Jie won the Mao Dun Prize Click [http://images2.chinatraveldepot.com/Images/Destination/Zhang-jie-0719L.jpg here] for original source ]]

== Two Faces of Chinese Literature ==
I think it is helpful and important to distinguish 2 faces in Chinese Literature, and which one Zhang Jie belongs too, this way we can comprehend even better the Chinese Literature evolution and what group accompany the author. Together with Zhang Jie, these authors and their writings will be the ones in charge to lead China into a new direction.

The first face was in the 1920s.- It started with the fall of the Empire and the disintegration of the Old Traditional Literacy. The beginning of the ‘Chinese Literature Modern Classics was born’, the unforgettable Lu Xun, Lao She, Cao Yu, Mao Deng, Ba Jin and others, ''"At that moment the canonical list of modern classics of Chinese literature came out: Lu Xun, Lao She, Cao Yu, Mao Dun, Ba Jin” www.upf.edu.''

The Second face during the 1980s.- A period of relative relaxation begins that allowed the ‘emerge of new climate of cultural creativity’. The distinction of what it was ‘Revolutionary Literature between – Modern Literature’ was well noticed. "The young writers that had to remain silent had been waken (Good morning Zhang Jie!)." In this face: we found Zhang Jie, Wang Meng, Liu Xiabo, Wang Shuo, Hao Shaogong and many more.

== Fun Facts about Zhang Jie ==
[[File:Cute.jpg|250px|thumb|left|Zhang Jie, loves cats and was seeing playing with one at UCLA conference. Click [http://www.thedibb.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=662542] for original source ]]
Zhang Jie loves to giggle and to read books. She has a way of looking at you with sarcasm. Zhang Jie also likes Siamese cats a lot. During the UCLA conference, she got a hold of somebody's cat and would not let go of it. People reported that she was holding on to the cat the wrong way, the cat’s behind was facing people in front of her, while the face of the cat was facing Zhang Jie’s back, funny way to hold a kitty, and she did it for a while too, ''"Zhang Jie and innovative and controversial young writer, is carrying my Siamese cat around the house. She holds it by the armpit, so it faces the couch.” Dillard, pag 61.''
She also loves to speak softly and her work is regularly under fire. I guess people like to criticize her'' "Zhang Jie , whose own work is regularly under fire, had to defend the Party line.” Dillard, pag 68.''

== Zhang Jie Goals as a writer ==
In September of 1982, Zhang Jie spoke at the UCLA, at the US-Chinese writers conference organized by Norman Cousins about her thoughts in Literature.''"Life should become what humans beings wish it to be"''. When she talks about us, as human beings and what we wish for, it is clear to me that in order to become anything, we must have freedom of choice. Zhang Jie also expressed her feelings of responsibility that she feels the writers have to the world,''"Pure literature as our purpose cannot exist, because the writer’s feeling will have an impact on the material world." Dillard, pag 64.'' Zhang Jie then wants freedom to become, but with the understanding that as writers they have a responsibility to impact the people for a better world.

== Her work ==
[[File:ZHangJieHenryMiller.png|400px|thumb|right|Zhang Jie and American writer 'Henry Miller'in 1984 Click [http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C507t-K16jQ/TguQwhGSIiI/AAAAAAAABF0/FI09ZHvkDT4/s320/ZHangJieHenryMiller.gif here]for original source ]]
Zhang Jie was raised by her mother, her parents were divorced. Probably at a young age witnessed and experienced the discrimination and abuse to the fact that she had no father. In those times it did not look good to be a single mother, you can be discriminated greatly. These facts had to have inspired Zhang Jie into her writings and allowed her to rule when she talks about what women went through during those times, since she had witnessed it herself. A good example of this in her book 'Heavy Wings' ''pag 107, "He darted a warning glance at Zheng. To him divorcees ranked with prostitutes.”''

'''Why Zhang Jie calls it "Heavy wings"'''
Zhang Jie is a smart writer, strong and brave representative of the new Modern generation. This generation is like a newborn or a new bird representing the Republic of China. Zhang Jie and writers like her are the ones that are responsible to help others break out of the shell, and show them how to fly high. But can they do it? Or, Are the wings of this nation 'too heavy to take off' and begin to fly completely free? You decide.

'''Zhang Jie way of writing'''
''By taking us inside the story, Zhang Jie show us how the people of China lives, how they struggle silently hoping for a change that is too slow in the process of happening, like a pregnant mother that is in contractions now, this mother or nation that has been evolving month by month, decade by decade, and is in growing pains of the changes that are taking place, for a new baby, a new nation that is pushing to come out, and by coming out is creating changes in the way of thinking of China, a China that wants to breath loud, that wants to take off flying freely, and wants to reach the stars without having the government teased her and tide her down like a kite. Erica Bazalar-Oaks.''

In this novella, Zhang Jie is brilliant! She takes us inside the society of China in a very personal way. She describes the personalities so well and body movements, their rooms, houses and buildings where they live, and through her words make us feel as spectators that we can be seating right there on a chair, or on the table near by ear dropping on the conversation the characters are having. Zhang Jie shows as a writer her brilliance and experience, when the story just flows. She goes from one story to another in such a subtle way, that you as the reader are not a bit distracted, but pleasingly surprise making you feel like a light feather traveling gently from one side to another. On her words, she also uses European phrases that are well known and demonstrates her past influences in readings, ''pag 95 "Not all high officials rested in their laurels.”'' Also Zhang Jie demonstrates something I found interesting, her unique and personal style of writing when she mixes in one situation, two elements from different backgrounds. She can convey and interesting way of thinking that she cleanly and successfully displays in her novella. A good example is when the character of Zheng was in the car letting the breeze to ruffle his hair, Zheng though to himself, ''pag 102, "Would this speech he had just made, like previous ones, vanish without a trace like a snowflake in the dessert?”'' Here, she uses the snowflake that happens on winter season, and combines it with the element of the dessert that portraits a hot weather, two different types of times to explain the feelings of the character of Zheng. I enjoyed that.

[[File:Zhang-jie.png|400px|thumb|left|Zhang Jie very young in her twenties Click [http://digital.library.upenn.edu/women/_gallery/zhang-jie.gif here] for original source ]]

== Analysis of the Book 'Heavy Wings' ==

'''Heavy Wings also call Leaden Wings'''
Was published in 1980. Zhang Jie tells us what is happening today in Modern China after the Cultural Revolution, and where they stand in progress in their society and the world. One important thing that she writes about is 'marriage' in a country that is full of traditions, marriage can be one thing that is controversial to discuss. In Heavy Wings, the characters, women and men of different economical classes equally show their struggles in marriage, and fears of the society criticism if they would ever were to get divorce. Zhang Jie has been accused before of being immoral or too westernized, also to work against the party. Zhang Jie herself is divorced; in her work she stands for true love versus tradition. But, 'This also could mean that the author is suggesting that women and men can and should take their time experiencing falling in love! Before they go into rehearse marriage'. Also, this novella centers in the modernization of the Chinese industry and how the citizens are all for modern and bringing outside investments, especially interesting since Chinese people has not favored or trust outside companies. Heavy Wings give us as well an interesting inside of the social classes China has. We have the working classes that work in the industry very hard and barely get by, the middle class with the managers in charge that want to make a difference for their people and the ministers that are the ones that are way involve with the party, make the money and can do good or bad.

'''Modernization of China'''
When she talks about the modernization of China industry, she can give an excellent inside of thoughts about the progress in this organization, since she worked in this field for many years in the past. That means that she probably also witnessed the corruption that goes on; the good people that want to modernize and make a difference in their sector for the better, but encounter corruption with the bad people that only wants to hold on tied to communism rules, so they can benefit themselves and not the workers, that work hard and that need to make more money, to at least better their living conditions, ''pag 86 "To boost production in China you have to improve living conditions.”''

'''Divorce in the Chinese society'''
Heavy wings shows how people therefore might not be in love but because it would look bad on them, they have to put up with it, ''pag 34,"He seldom had free Sunday and they slept in different rooms.”''If they would divorce, for the men in their careers, they could lose their social status and be consider unstable losers, and for the women is far worst, if they became divorcees they can be look down as prostitutes, ''pag 107, "He darted a warning glance at Zheng. To him divorcees ranked with prostitutes.”'' One call only imagine how much Zheng Jie suffered when she was little looking at her mother been mistreated since her mother was divorced, and after loosing all position in society and money, Zheng Jie’s mother had to find a job, protect her daughter and put up with a society that did not protect her but made their lives worst. We can definitely tell that this part in Zhang Jie’s life influenced this writer a lot when she learnt this type of discrimination against her mother, against women in her society.

'''Tender moments'''
There are also great moments of tenderness in this story from Chinese men and women, that will give a better understanding of their deep hearts. ''Pag 79, "Everyone present was watching him in silence. The sight gave him fresh strength. Old Lü’s bearded chin beneath his bleary eyes was quivering. Chen put the dumpling into the old fellow’s mouth. ‘I let you down, Old Lü, he said.”''

[[File:ZhangJieHarrison.png|400px|thumb|right|Zhang Jie, at 45 (First time out of China) with writer Harrison Salisbury
In 1982, at the UCLA, US-Chinese writers conference Click [http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--m26XHdk0so/TguRGQWGs5I/AAAAAAAABF8/lzPMfkPY4Yw/s320/ZhangJieHarrison.gif here] for original source ]]
'''The way Chinese people live'''
We see the working Chinese people struggling to meet ends, with low salaries or enough to get by, and small and/or poor housing, if you can call some of these places mentioned in the story housing. Also there is not much money left, but to only go out for a meal, this is the way of entertainment. They really cannot get out of this type of social class. ''Pag 62, "China really gets its intellectuals on the cheap, Zheng though. Then, remembering the technicians in his ministry and the workers in factories, he reflected, he reflected that China got all its common people on the cheap”'', and the youth has no way of diversion or entertainment but to go out and eat. They could not go out to dance or have money to travel. ''Pag 62, "Zheng glanced round. ‘Apart from the two of us, everybody here’s young. Can’t blame. Eating out is their only diversion. What else can they do!”''

'''The careers that Chinese society forces on their people'''
Zhang show us how Chinese people’s education are not well rounded but are tailor to get jobs that will advance them in society. This situation does not make them happy but it is the way that it has been working for a long time, ''Pag 59, "Looking at his eyes Zheng Ziyun felt a stab of envy. In his young days he had wanted to study anthropology, literature or history, but fate had made him an official.”'' Chinese people dream to experience careers their society does not allow them to have, ''pag 85, "Keeping his eyes on the dark road, Chen said slowly, ‘In middle school I was mad on the violin, thought music the highest form of art. And I wanted to get a PHD in physics. But I’ve ended up a factory manager!” He laughed rather bitterly.''

'''Class struggles, history and beliefs do not let Chinese move forward'''
Zhang Jie let us know that the Chinese people mentality has to change or there will be no progress at all. ''Pag 42, "What they were up against now were deeply ingrained beliefs. These beliefs were like net in which all were caught. History was bound to condemn and eliminate them.”''

'''The Past of the Cultural Revolution = Communism will be remember'''
Zhang Jie made it clear that these abuses and crimes, did happened in China, that her thoughts in this book are not exaggerated or made up, but they come from 'real life events' that mark the Chinese people and their lives. - These events are vital to understand them and what they are fighting for -. During the Cultural Revolution with Mao, all that opposed the Communist party or look like they did, were kill, could be incarcerated, nearly kill to death, brutally bit up, abuse or persecuted. They could also be send to do 'restitution to these rural places' so they can be reform, ''pag 45, "The Cultural Revolution brought her fearful anxiety and distress: he was nearly beaten to death. When he came back after several months of confinement in a damp room he could hardly walk for arthritis.”''

'''Zhang Jie calls for a change in the government and the society of China'''.
This is a very provocative book and it calls for the Chinese people to change mentally too, to leave once and for all 'old habits or traditions' that hold them back, and open themselves to progress in their personal lives as well as resources or markets they use to do business with. ''pag 101, "For some years we studied chairman Mao’s works regardless of the political results. We competed to see who could write the most copious notes or parrot the most quotations. The effectiveness of political work should be judge by the new wealth created. We must run our economy according to economic laws and give up our old egalitarian way of all eating from one big pot. That stifles initiative.”''

== Zhang Jie Goals as a writer ==
In September of 1982, Zhang Jie spoke at the UCLA, at the US-Chinese writers conference organized by Norman Cousins about her thoughts in Literature.''"Life should become what humans beings wish it to be"''. When she talks about us, as human beings and what we wish for, it is clear to me that in order to become anything, we must have freedom of choice. Zhang Jie also expressed her feelings of responsibility that she feels the writers have to the world,''"Pure literature as our purpose cannot exist, because the writer’s feeling will have an impact on the material world." Dillard, pag 64.'' Zhang Jie then wants freedom to become, but with the understanding that as writers they have a responsibility to impact the people for a better world.

== Powerpoint Slide ==
[[File:FINAL_DE_Zhang_Jie.pptx|thumb]]

== Disclosure ==
It has been a pleasure to have done this class with Mr Woesler. I have translated reference #1 and #6. I have been a translator for over 25 years. I had worked hard in my wiki and have done my very best to use the resources available to me in a respectful manner. In doing so, it is my hope that this work can help others 'strengthen the appreciation and knowledge of the Republic of China and their wonderful People'. Erica Bazalar-Oaks. www.bazalar.com.

== References ==
1. About Zhang Jie
http://www.miscelaneaeditores.com

2. Biography:
http://www.beijingscene.com/cissue/feature.html

3. http://www.marxists.org/history/erol/ncm-7/cwp-cr/part-3.htm

4. http://www.culturebase.net/artist.php?3577

5. Her novel:
http://www.jstor.org/discover/10.2307/2158675?uid=3739928&uid=2129&uid=2&uid=70&uid=4&uid=3739256&sid=21101404588403jstor.org

6. Faces of Chinese Literature:
http://www.upf.edu

7. http://www.iu.edu/~easc/outreach/educators/literature/workshops/doc/Perry_2005.pdf 11/16/2012

8. http://www.pen-international.org/

9. http://www.literaturfestival.com/participants/authors/2003/zhang-jie

10. http://contemporary_chinese_culture.academic.ru/952/Zhang_Jie

11. Book # 1
Encounters With Chinese Writers By Annie Dillard. Published by University Press of New England,1984.ISBN 0-8195-5130-9

12. Book # 2
The Australian Journal of Chinese Affairs. Published by The University of Chicago Press,1979.ISBN 01567365

13. Book # 3
Leaden Wings, Zhang Jie. Published by VIRAGO PRESS Limited 1987. ISBN 0-86068-759-7

Zhang Jie (born 1937)

2012-12-06T18:18:46Z

Ericaangie: /* Analysis of the Book 'Heavy Wings' */

[[File:Arch002021286b.jpg|400px|thumb|right|Zhang Jie, an artistic photo by Buso. Click [http://www.martabuso.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/5e06319eda06f020e43594a9c230972d/a/r/arch002021286b.jpg here] for original source ]]
== About Zhang Jie ==
A one of a kind and brilliant Chinese Literature writer. She successfully took on socialism and turned it into a novella. She clearly show us what the people in China of all ranks had to suffer and went through during and after the times of communism, how did they deal with it, what was left to be entrusted with, to rebuild upon for a new generation in China. Zhang Jie began to write after the access of power began for Deng Xioping (Deputy Minister), the dead of Mao Tseng Tang occurred in 1976 and the fall of the Gang of Four occurred; this gang included Mao’s cruel wife, Jiang Qing, mastermind and political figure that together with Mao authored millions of crimes during the Cultural Revolution,''"She published her first novel 'Love must not be forgotten' in 1978, two years later after the death of the dictator Mao."'' www.miscelaneaeditores.com

It was after these events that Zhang Jie began to write. China finally began to experience a relatively more freedom for writers to create, and works of other foreign writers began to make their way into China. China started to get energized catching on the humanistic and artistic works of the world. It was beginning to exit the 10 years confinement of literature and oppression that had suffered during the Cultural Revolution. The extreme ideals of communism lost attention and writers could now use other themes in their stories, other than the working classes or soldiers. Zhang Jie was now 39 years old. She was finally able and experienced to establish her brilliant place in the Chinese Literature.

[[File:Brigitte_lin_book_fair_hk.jpg|400px|thumb|left|Zhang Jie, at a Hong Kong Book fair. They announced her book
'Without Words' will be go to the big screen. Click [http://wiki.vm.rub.de/uvu/images/5/59/Brigitte_lin_book_fair_hk.jpg here] for original source ]]

== Biography ==
'''1937'''
Zhang Jie was born in Beijing in 1937, her mother taught elementary school, she grew up poor even when she was a Manchu Royalty decedent. She had to escape the Japanese army that wanted to kill them. ''"Her mother, Manchurian royalty by birth but reduced to poverty by China's perpetual war and revolt, was a primary school teacher before the Japanese invasion." beijingscene.com.'' A guide that they meet introduced Zhang Jie to western children stories. The stories she read were from The Grimm brothers, Hans Christian Andersen and the fables of Krylov were among her favorites. Although people like to critic her because about this, Zhang Jie said that she is glad to have read these children stories, because they taught her to be consider to other people and not smash others on her way to success ''"I secretly congratulate myself and say that if I have one iota of human feeling, if I do not move up in the world by stepping on other people, do not use others to gain advantage, it is in large part due to the influence of the humanism in classical Western literature.” beijingscene.com''

'''1956'''
She wanted so badly to be a writer but end up studying economics ''"The government, however decided that because of her excellent school record she should study economics” Dillard pag 65.'' Zhang Jie cried about this but went anyways. Zhang Jie was admitted in RENMIN University of China.

'''1960'''
Zhang Jie, graduated and took a job in the Mechanics Engineer Industry that would allowed her a lot of information in this field to later write her Mao Dun Award winning book 'Heavy Wings (Leaden Wings)'. She worked in this industry for eight years.

'''1963'''
She married a colleague and had a daughter called 'Tang Di'

'''1964'''
Mao wanted the writers like Zhang Jie to experience equality with the rural or less fortunate people, and get rid off any funny ideas of possible superiority they might have ''"In addition to the Socialist Education Movement in the countryside, Mao repeatedly urged the literature and arts circles, as well as the various propaganda arms, to reform their areas.” marxists.org.''

'''1969'''
At the age of 32 Zhang Jie was sent to a farm for four years to be reform to Jiangxi, located southwest if China. Even when they have lost all money and connection of her royal family, because of her royal lineage, she was considered of a privilege class, so according to the teachings of Mao Tseng Tang she needed to be reform and experience the workers life. ''"Because she was the daughter of a right winger, she was forced to participate in re-educational measures at a special school from 1969 to 1972.” culture.base.net.'' During these times, it must have been very hard to be separated of her daughter and mother.

'''1978'''
Zhang Jie published her first children story right after the Culture Revolution called 'Music of the Forests', and won China national award ''"It was at this time that she also began to write. Only after the Cultural Revolution (1966–67) did she publish her first story" 'Die Musik der Wälder' culturebase.net.'' Russian children literature really was her inspiration to begin writing. Also, she was one of the first Modern writers to write about women and love. 'Love must not be forgotten' was her first novel about these issues of love.

'''1979'''
Zhang Jie joined the Chinese Writers Association. Zhang Jie’s work was popular.

'''1980'''
Her acclaim novella 'Heavy Wings' was published and very well received. She had waited for a long time and because of the changes and relatively freedoms that China was experiencing this was the right moment to do it. Also, Zhang Jie joined the Chinese Communist Party.

'''1982'''
She becomes a member of the PEN International. Zhang Jie would travel outside of China for the first time ever to attend a conference in Los Angeles, at UCLA, where she would meet American writer and journalist 'Harrison Salisbury'. Dillard, pag 63. Zhang Jie must have been very happy that she can finally write all she wanted.

'''1985'''
She was awarded the Mao Dun Literature Prize for ''Leaden Wings = Heavy Wings''.''"This novel is one of the three which jointly won the 1985 Mao Dun Literary Prize, the most prestigious award for novels in China" jstor.org''

'''2005'''
Zhang Jie was awarded for the second time the Mao Dun Literature Prize for 'Without a Word'. She is the only author to have won this prize twice.

[[File:Zhang-jie-0719L.jpg|500px|thumb|right|In 1985, Zhang Jie won the Mao Dun Prize Click [http://images2.chinatraveldepot.com/Images/Destination/Zhang-jie-0719L.jpg here] for original source ]]

== Two Faces of Chinese Literature ==
I think it is helpful and important to distinguish 2 faces in Chinese Literature, and which one Zhang Jie belongs too, this way we can comprehend even better the Chinese Literature evolution and what group accompany the author. Together with Zhang Jie, these authors and their writings will be the ones in charge to lead China into a new direction.

The first face was in the 1920s.- It started with the fall of the Empire and the disintegration of the Old Traditional Literacy. The beginning of the ‘Chinese Literature Modern Classics was born’, the unforgettable Lu Xun, Lao She, Cao Yu, Mao Deng, Ba Jin and others, ''"At that moment the canonical list of modern classics of Chinese literature came out: Lu Xun, Lao She, Cao Yu, Mao Dun, Ba Jin” www.upf.edu.''

The Second face during the 1980s.- A period of relative relaxation begins that allowed the ‘emerge of new climate of cultural creativity’. The distinction of what it was ‘Revolutionary Literature between – Modern Literature’ was well noticed. "The young writers that had to remain silent had been waken (Good morning Zhang Jie!)." In this face: we found Zhang Jie, Wang Meng, Liu Xiabo, Wang Shuo, Hao Shaogong and many more.

== Fun Facts about Zhang Jie ==
[[File:Cute.jpg|250px|thumb|left|Zhang Jie, loves cats and was seeing playing with one at UCLA conference. Click [http://www.thedibb.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=662542] for original source ]]
Zhang Jie loves to giggle and to read books. She has a way of looking at you with sarcasm. Zhang Jie also likes Siamese cats a lot. During the UCLA conference, she got a hold of somebody's cat and would not let go of it. People reported that she was holding on to the cat the wrong way, the cat’s behind was facing people in front of her, while the face of the cat was facing Zhang Jie’s back, funny way to hold a kitty, and she did it for a while too, ''"Zhang Jie and innovative and controversial young writer, is carrying my Siamese cat around the house. She holds it by the armpit, so it faces the couch.” Dillard, pag 61.''
She also loves to speak softly and her work is regularly under fire. I guess people like to criticize her'' "Zhang Jie , whose own work is regularly under fire, had to defend the Party line.” Dillard, pag 68.''

== Her work ==
[[File:ZHangJieHenryMiller.png|400px|thumb|right|Zhang Jie and American writer 'Henry Miller'in 1984 Click [http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C507t-K16jQ/TguQwhGSIiI/AAAAAAAABF0/FI09ZHvkDT4/s320/ZHangJieHenryMiller.gif here]for original source ]]
Zhang Jie was raised by her mother, her parents were divorced. Probably at a young age witnessed and experienced the discrimination and abuse to the fact that she had no father. In those times it did not look good to be a single mother, you can be discriminated greatly. These facts had to have inspired Zhang Jie into her writings and allowed her to rule when she talks about what women went through during those times, since she had witnessed it herself. A good example of this in her book 'Heavy Wings' ''pag 107, "He darted a warning glance at Zheng. To him divorcees ranked with prostitutes.”''

'''Why Zhang Jie calls it "Heavy wings"'''
Zhang Jie is a smart writer, strong and brave representative of the new Modern generation. This generation is like a newborn or a new bird representing the Republic of China. Zhang Jie and writers like her are the ones that are responsible to help others break out of the shell, and show them how to fly high. But can they do it? Or, Are the wings of this nation 'too heavy to take off' and begin to fly completely free? You decide.

'''Zhang Jie way of writing'''
''By taking us inside the story, Zhang Jie show us how the people of China lives, how they struggle silently hoping for a change that is too slow in the process of happening, like a pregnant mother that is in contractions now, this mother or nation that has been evolving month by month, decade by decade, and is in growing pains of the changes that are taking place, for a new baby, a new nation that is pushing to come out, and by coming out is creating changes in the way of thinking of China, a China that wants to breath loud, that wants to take off flying freely, and wants to reach the stars without having the government teased her and tide her down like a kite. Erica Bazalar-Oaks.''

In this novella, Zhang Jie is brilliant! She takes us inside the society of China in a very personal way. She describes the personalities so well and body movements, their rooms, houses and buildings where they live, and through her words make us feel as spectators that we can be seating right there on a chair, or on the table near by ear dropping on the conversation the characters are having. Zhang Jie shows as a writer her brilliance and experience, when the story just flows. She goes from one story to another in such a subtle way, that you as the reader are not a bit distracted, but pleasingly surprise making you feel like a light feather traveling gently from one side to another. On her words, she also uses European phrases that are well known and demonstrates her past influences in readings, ''pag 95 "Not all high officials rested in their laurels.”'' Also Zhang Jie demonstrates something I found interesting, her unique and personal style of writing when she mixes in one situation, two elements from different backgrounds. She can convey and interesting way of thinking that she cleanly and successfully displays in her novella. A good example is when the character of Zheng was in the car letting the breeze to ruffle his hair, Zheng though to himself, ''pag 102, "Would this speech he had just made, like previous ones, vanish without a trace like a snowflake in the dessert?”'' Here, she uses the snowflake that happens on winter season, and combines it with the element of the dessert that portraits a hot weather, two different types of times to explain the feelings of the character of Zheng. I enjoyed that.

[[File:Zhang-jie.png|400px|thumb|left|Zhang Jie very young in her twenties Click [http://digital.library.upenn.edu/women/_gallery/zhang-jie.gif here] for original source ]]

== Analysis of the Book 'Heavy Wings' ==

'''Heavy Wings also call Leaden Wings'''
Was published in 1980. Zhang Jie tells us what is happening today in Modern China after the Cultural Revolution, and where they stand in progress in their society and the world. One important thing that she writes about is 'marriage' in a country that is full of traditions, marriage can be one thing that is controversial to discuss. In Heavy Wings, the characters, women and men of different economical classes equally show their struggles in marriage, and fears of the society criticism if they would ever were to get divorce. Zhang Jie has been accused before of being immoral or too westernized, also to work against the party. Zhang Jie herself is divorced; in her work she stands for true love versus tradition. But, 'This also could mean that the author is suggesting that women and men can and should take their time experiencing falling in love! Before they go into rehearse marriage'. Also, this novella centers in the modernization of the Chinese industry and how the citizens are all for modern and bringing outside investments, especially interesting since Chinese people has not favored or trust outside companies. Heavy Wings give us as well an interesting inside of the social classes China has. We have the working classes that work in the industry very hard and barely get by, the middle class with the managers in charge that want to make a difference for their people and the ministers that are the ones that are way involve with the party, make the money and can do good or bad.

'''Modernization of China'''
When she talks about the modernization of China industry, she can give an excellent inside of thoughts about the progress in this organization, since she worked in this field for many years in the past. That means that she probably also witnessed the corruption that goes on; the good people that want to modernize and make a difference in their sector for the better, but encounter corruption with the bad people that only wants to hold on tied to communism rules, so they can benefit themselves and not the workers, that work hard and that need to make more money, to at least better their living conditions, ''pag 86 "To boost production in China you have to improve living conditions.”''

'''Divorce in the Chinese society'''
Heavy wings shows how people therefore might not be in love but because it would look bad on them, they have to put up with it, ''pag 34,"He seldom had free Sunday and they slept in different rooms.”''If they would divorce, for the men in their careers, they could lose their social status and be consider unstable losers, and for the women is far worst, if they became divorcees they can be look down as prostitutes, ''pag 107, "He darted a warning glance at Zheng. To him divorcees ranked with prostitutes.”'' One call only imagine how much Zheng Jie suffered when she was little looking at her mother been mistreated since her mother was divorced, and after loosing all position in society and money, Zheng Jie’s mother had to find a job, protect her daughter and put up with a society that did not protect her but made their lives worst. We can definitely tell that this part in Zhang Jie’s life influenced this writer a lot when she learnt this type of discrimination against her mother, against women in her society.

'''Tender moments'''
There are also great moments of tenderness in this story from Chinese men and women, that will give a better understanding of their deep hearts. ''Pag 79, "Everyone present was watching him in silence. The sight gave him fresh strength. Old Lü’s bearded chin beneath his bleary eyes was quivering. Chen put the dumpling into the old fellow’s mouth. ‘I let you down, Old Lü, he said.”''

[[File:ZhangJieHarrison.png|400px|thumb|right|Zhang Jie, at 45 (First time out of China) with writer Harrison Salisbury
In 1982, at the UCLA, US-Chinese writers conference Click [http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--m26XHdk0so/TguRGQWGs5I/AAAAAAAABF8/lzPMfkPY4Yw/s320/ZhangJieHarrison.gif here] for original source ]]
'''The way Chinese people live'''
We see the working Chinese people struggling to meet ends, with low salaries or enough to get by, and small and/or poor housing, if you can call some of these places mentioned in the story housing. Also there is not much money left, but to only go out for a meal, this is the way of entertainment. They really cannot get out of this type of social class. ''Pag 62, "China really gets its intellectuals on the cheap, Zheng though. Then, remembering the technicians in his ministry and the workers in factories, he reflected, he reflected that China got all its common people on the cheap”'', and the youth has no way of diversion or entertainment but to go out and eat. They could not go out to dance or have money to travel. ''Pag 62, "Zheng glanced round. ‘Apart from the two of us, everybody here’s young. Can’t blame. Eating out is their only diversion. What else can they do!”''

'''The careers that Chinese society forces on their people'''
Zhang show us how Chinese people’s education are not well rounded but are tailor to get jobs that will advance them in society. This situation does not make them happy but it is the way that it has been working for a long time, ''Pag 59, "Looking at his eyes Zheng Ziyun felt a stab of envy. In his young days he had wanted to study anthropology, literature or history, but fate had made him an official.”'' Chinese people dream to experience careers their society does not allow them to have, ''pag 85, "Keeping his eyes on the dark road, Chen said slowly, ‘In middle school I was mad on the violin, thought music the highest form of art. And I wanted to get a PHD in physics. But I’ve ended up a factory manager!” He laughed rather bitterly.''

'''Class struggles, history and beliefs do not let Chinese move forward'''
Zhang Jie let us know that the Chinese people mentality has to change or there will be no progress at all. ''Pag 42, "What they were up against now were deeply ingrained beliefs. These beliefs were like net in which all were caught. History was bound to condemn and eliminate them.”''

'''The Past of the Cultural Revolution = Communism will be remember'''
Zhang Jie made it clear that these abuses and crimes, did happened in China, that her thoughts in this book are not exaggerated or made up, but they come from 'real life events' that mark the Chinese people and their lives. - These events are vital to understand them and what they are fighting for -. During the Cultural Revolution with Mao, all that opposed the Communist party or look like they did, were kill, could be incarcerated, nearly kill to death, brutally bit up, abuse or persecuted. They could also be send to do 'restitution to these rural places' so they can be reform, ''pag 45, "The Cultural Revolution brought her fearful anxiety and distress: he was nearly beaten to death. When he came back after several months of confinement in a damp room he could hardly walk for arthritis.”''

'''Zhang Jie calls for a change in the government and the society of China'''.
This is a very provocative book and it calls for the Chinese people to change mentally too, to leave once and for all 'old habits or traditions' that hold them back, and open themselves to progress in their personal lives as well as resources or markets they use to do business with. ''pag 101, "For some years we studied chairman Mao’s works regardless of the political results. We competed to see who could write the most copious notes or parrot the most quotations. The effectiveness of political work should be judge by the new wealth created. We must run our economy according to economic laws and give up our old egalitarian way of all eating from one big pot. That stifles initiative.”''

== Zhang Jie Goals as a writer ==
In September of 1982, Zhang Jie spoke at the UCLA, at the US-Chinese writers conference organized by Norman Cousins about her thoughts in Literature.''"Life should become what humans beings wish it to be"''. When she talks about us, as human beings and what we wish for, it is clear to me that in order to become anything, we must have freedom of choice. Zhang Jie also expressed her feelings of responsibility that she feels the writers have to the world,''"Pure literature as our purpose cannot exist, because the writer’s feeling will have an impact on the material world." Dillard, pag 64.'' Zhang Jie then wants freedom to become, but with the understanding that as writers they have a responsibility to impact the people for a better world.

== Powerpoint Slide ==
[[File:FINAL_DE_Zhang_Jie.pptx|thumb]]

== Disclosure ==
It has been a pleasure to have done this class with Mr Woesler. I have translated reference #1 and #6. I have been a translator for over 25 years. I had worked hard in my wiki and have done my very best to use the resources available to me in a respectful manner. In doing so, it is my hope that this work can help others 'strengthen the appreciation and knowledge of the Republic of China and their wonderful People'. Erica Bazalar-Oaks. www.bazalar.com.

== References ==
1. About Zhang Jie
http://www.miscelaneaeditores.com

2. Biography:
http://www.beijingscene.com/cissue/feature.html

3. http://www.marxists.org/history/erol/ncm-7/cwp-cr/part-3.htm

4. http://www.culturebase.net/artist.php?3577

5. Her novel:
http://www.jstor.org/discover/10.2307/2158675?uid=3739928&uid=2129&uid=2&uid=70&uid=4&uid=3739256&sid=21101404588403jstor.org

6. Faces of Chinese Literature:
http://www.upf.edu

7. http://www.iu.edu/~easc/outreach/educators/literature/workshops/doc/Perry_2005.pdf 11/16/2012

8. http://www.pen-international.org/

9. http://www.literaturfestival.com/participants/authors/2003/zhang-jie

10. http://contemporary_chinese_culture.academic.ru/952/Zhang_Jie

11. Book # 1
Encounters With Chinese Writers By Annie Dillard. Published by University Press of New England,1984.ISBN 0-8195-5130-9

12. Book # 2
The Australian Journal of Chinese Affairs. Published by The University of Chicago Press,1979.ISBN 01567365

13. Book # 3
Leaden Wings, Zhang Jie. Published by VIRAGO PRESS Limited 1987. ISBN 0-86068-759-7

Zhang Jie (born 1937)

2012-12-06T18:17:28Z

Ericaangie: /* Analysis of the Book 'Heavy Wings' */

[[File:Arch002021286b.jpg|400px|thumb|right|Zhang Jie, an artistic photo by Buso. Click [http://www.martabuso.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/5e06319eda06f020e43594a9c230972d/a/r/arch002021286b.jpg here] for original source ]]
== About Zhang Jie ==
A one of a kind and brilliant Chinese Literature writer. She successfully took on socialism and turned it into a novella. She clearly show us what the people in China of all ranks had to suffer and went through during and after the times of communism, how did they deal with it, what was left to be entrusted with, to rebuild upon for a new generation in China. Zhang Jie began to write after the access of power began for Deng Xioping (Deputy Minister), the dead of Mao Tseng Tang occurred in 1976 and the fall of the Gang of Four occurred; this gang included Mao’s cruel wife, Jiang Qing, mastermind and political figure that together with Mao authored millions of crimes during the Cultural Revolution,''"She published her first novel 'Love must not be forgotten' in 1978, two years later after the death of the dictator Mao."'' www.miscelaneaeditores.com

It was after these events that Zhang Jie began to write. China finally began to experience a relatively more freedom for writers to create, and works of other foreign writers began to make their way into China. China started to get energized catching on the humanistic and artistic works of the world. It was beginning to exit the 10 years confinement of literature and oppression that had suffered during the Cultural Revolution. The extreme ideals of communism lost attention and writers could now use other themes in their stories, other than the working classes or soldiers. Zhang Jie was now 39 years old. She was finally able and experienced to establish her brilliant place in the Chinese Literature.

[[File:Brigitte_lin_book_fair_hk.jpg|400px|thumb|left|Zhang Jie, at a Hong Kong Book fair. They announced her book
'Without Words' will be go to the big screen. Click [http://wiki.vm.rub.de/uvu/images/5/59/Brigitte_lin_book_fair_hk.jpg here] for original source ]]

== Biography ==
'''1937'''
Zhang Jie was born in Beijing in 1937, her mother taught elementary school, she grew up poor even when she was a Manchu Royalty decedent. She had to escape the Japanese army that wanted to kill them. ''"Her mother, Manchurian royalty by birth but reduced to poverty by China's perpetual war and revolt, was a primary school teacher before the Japanese invasion." beijingscene.com.'' A guide that they meet introduced Zhang Jie to western children stories. The stories she read were from The Grimm brothers, Hans Christian Andersen and the fables of Krylov were among her favorites. Although people like to critic her because about this, Zhang Jie said that she is glad to have read these children stories, because they taught her to be consider to other people and not smash others on her way to success ''"I secretly congratulate myself and say that if I have one iota of human feeling, if I do not move up in the world by stepping on other people, do not use others to gain advantage, it is in large part due to the influence of the humanism in classical Western literature.” beijingscene.com''

'''1956'''
She wanted so badly to be a writer but end up studying economics ''"The government, however decided that because of her excellent school record she should study economics” Dillard pag 65.'' Zhang Jie cried about this but went anyways. Zhang Jie was admitted in RENMIN University of China.

'''1960'''
Zhang Jie, graduated and took a job in the Mechanics Engineer Industry that would allowed her a lot of information in this field to later write her Mao Dun Award winning book 'Heavy Wings (Leaden Wings)'. She worked in this industry for eight years.

'''1963'''
She married a colleague and had a daughter called 'Tang Di'

'''1964'''
Mao wanted the writers like Zhang Jie to experience equality with the rural or less fortunate people, and get rid off any funny ideas of possible superiority they might have ''"In addition to the Socialist Education Movement in the countryside, Mao repeatedly urged the literature and arts circles, as well as the various propaganda arms, to reform their areas.” marxists.org.''

'''1969'''
At the age of 32 Zhang Jie was sent to a farm for four years to be reform to Jiangxi, located southwest if China. Even when they have lost all money and connection of her royal family, because of her royal lineage, she was considered of a privilege class, so according to the teachings of Mao Tseng Tang she needed to be reform and experience the workers life. ''"Because she was the daughter of a right winger, she was forced to participate in re-educational measures at a special school from 1969 to 1972.” culture.base.net.'' During these times, it must have been very hard to be separated of her daughter and mother.

'''1978'''
Zhang Jie published her first children story right after the Culture Revolution called 'Music of the Forests', and won China national award ''"It was at this time that she also began to write. Only after the Cultural Revolution (1966–67) did she publish her first story" 'Die Musik der Wälder' culturebase.net.'' Russian children literature really was her inspiration to begin writing. Also, she was one of the first Modern writers to write about women and love. 'Love must not be forgotten' was her first novel about these issues of love.

'''1979'''
Zhang Jie joined the Chinese Writers Association. Zhang Jie’s work was popular.

'''1980'''
Her acclaim novella 'Heavy Wings' was published and very well received. She had waited for a long time and because of the changes and relatively freedoms that China was experiencing this was the right moment to do it. Also, Zhang Jie joined the Chinese Communist Party.

'''1982'''
She becomes a member of the PEN International. Zhang Jie would travel outside of China for the first time ever to attend a conference in Los Angeles, at UCLA, where she would meet American writer and journalist 'Harrison Salisbury'. Dillard, pag 63. Zhang Jie must have been very happy that she can finally write all she wanted.

'''1985'''
She was awarded the Mao Dun Literature Prize for ''Leaden Wings = Heavy Wings''.''"This novel is one of the three which jointly won the 1985 Mao Dun Literary Prize, the most prestigious award for novels in China" jstor.org''

'''2005'''
Zhang Jie was awarded for the second time the Mao Dun Literature Prize for 'Without a Word'. She is the only author to have won this prize twice.

[[File:Zhang-jie-0719L.jpg|500px|thumb|right|In 1985, Zhang Jie won the Mao Dun Prize Click [http://images2.chinatraveldepot.com/Images/Destination/Zhang-jie-0719L.jpg here] for original source ]]

== Two Faces of Chinese Literature ==
I think it is helpful and important to distinguish 2 faces in Chinese Literature, and which one Zhang Jie belongs too, this way we can comprehend even better the Chinese Literature evolution and what group accompany the author. Together with Zhang Jie, these authors and their writings will be the ones in charge to lead China into a new direction.

The first face was in the 1920s.- It started with the fall of the Empire and the disintegration of the Old Traditional Literacy. The beginning of the ‘Chinese Literature Modern Classics was born’, the unforgettable Lu Xun, Lao She, Cao Yu, Mao Deng, Ba Jin and others, ''"At that moment the canonical list of modern classics of Chinese literature came out: Lu Xun, Lao She, Cao Yu, Mao Dun, Ba Jin” www.upf.edu.''

The Second face during the 1980s.- A period of relative relaxation begins that allowed the ‘emerge of new climate of cultural creativity’. The distinction of what it was ‘Revolutionary Literature between – Modern Literature’ was well noticed. "The young writers that had to remain silent had been waken (Good morning Zhang Jie!)." In this face: we found Zhang Jie, Wang Meng, Liu Xiabo, Wang Shuo, Hao Shaogong and many more.

== Fun Facts about Zhang Jie ==
[[File:Cute.jpg|250px|thumb|left|Zhang Jie, loves cats and was seeing playing with one at UCLA conference. Click [http://www.thedibb.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=662542] for original source ]]
Zhang Jie loves to giggle and to read books. She has a way of looking at you with sarcasm. Zhang Jie also likes Siamese cats a lot. During the UCLA conference, she got a hold of somebody's cat and would not let go of it. People reported that she was holding on to the cat the wrong way, the cat’s behind was facing people in front of her, while the face of the cat was facing Zhang Jie’s back, funny way to hold a kitty, and she did it for a while too, ''"Zhang Jie and innovative and controversial young writer, is carrying my Siamese cat around the house. She holds it by the armpit, so it faces the couch.” Dillard, pag 61.''
She also loves to speak softly and her work is regularly under fire. I guess people like to criticize her'' "Zhang Jie , whose own work is regularly under fire, had to defend the Party line.” Dillard, pag 68.''

== Her work ==
[[File:ZHangJieHenryMiller.png|400px|thumb|right|Zhang Jie and American writer 'Henry Miller'in 1984 Click [http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C507t-K16jQ/TguQwhGSIiI/AAAAAAAABF0/FI09ZHvkDT4/s320/ZHangJieHenryMiller.gif here]for original source ]]
Zhang Jie was raised by her mother, her parents were divorced. Probably at a young age witnessed and experienced the discrimination and abuse to the fact that she had no father. In those times it did not look good to be a single mother, you can be discriminated greatly. These facts had to have inspired Zhang Jie into her writings and allowed her to rule when she talks about what women went through during those times, since she had witnessed it herself. A good example of this in her book 'Heavy Wings' ''pag 107, "He darted a warning glance at Zheng. To him divorcees ranked with prostitutes.”''

'''Why Zhang Jie calls it "Heavy wings"'''
Zhang Jie is a smart writer, strong and brave representative of the new Modern generation. This generation is like a newborn or a new bird representing the Republic of China. Zhang Jie and writers like her are the ones that are responsible to help others break out of the shell, and show them how to fly high. But can they do it? Or, Are the wings of this nation 'too heavy to take off' and begin to fly completely free? You decide.

'''Zhang Jie way of writing'''
''By taking us inside the story, Zhang Jie show us how the people of China lives, how they struggle silently hoping for a change that is too slow in the process of happening, like a pregnant mother that is in contractions now, this mother or nation that has been evolving month by month, decade by decade, and is in growing pains of the changes that are taking place, for a new baby, a new nation that is pushing to come out, and by coming out is creating changes in the way of thinking of China, a China that wants to breath loud, that wants to take off flying freely, and wants to reach the stars without having the government teased her and tide her down like a kite. Erica Bazalar-Oaks.''

In this novella, Zhang Jie is brilliant! She takes us inside the society of China in a very personal way. She describes the personalities so well and body movements, their rooms, houses and buildings where they live, and through her words make us feel as spectators that we can be seating right there on a chair, or on the table near by ear dropping on the conversation the characters are having. Zhang Jie shows as a writer her brilliance and experience, when the story just flows. She goes from one story to another in such a subtle way, that you as the reader are not a bit distracted, but pleasingly surprise making you feel like a light feather traveling gently from one side to another. On her words, she also uses European phrases that are well known and demonstrates her past influences in readings, ''pag 95 "Not all high officials rested in their laurels.”'' Also Zhang Jie demonstrates something I found interesting, her unique and personal style of writing when she mixes in one situation, two elements from different backgrounds. She can convey and interesting way of thinking that she cleanly and successfully displays in her novella. A good example is when the character of Zheng was in the car letting the breeze to ruffle his hair, Zheng though to himself, ''pag 102, "Would this speech he had just made, like previous ones, vanish without a trace like a snowflake in the dessert?”'' Here, she uses the snowflake that happens on winter season, and combines it with the element of the dessert that portraits a hot weather, two different types of times to explain the feelings of the character of Zheng. I enjoyed that.

[[File:Zhang-jie.png|400px|thumb|left|Zhang Jie very young in her twenties Click [http://digital.library.upenn.edu/women/_gallery/zhang-jie.gif here] for original source ]]

== Analysis of the Book 'Heavy Wings' ==

'''Heavy Wings also call Leaden Wings'''
Was published in 1980. Zhang Jie tells us what is happening today in Modern China after the Cultural Revolution, and where they stand in progress in their society and the world. One important thing that she writes about is 'marriage' in a country that is full of traditions, marriage can be one thing that is controversial to discuss. In Heavy Wings, the characters, women and men of different economical classes equally show their struggles in marriage, and fears of the society criticism if they would ever were to get divorce. Zhang Jie has been accused before of being immoral or too westernized, also to work against the party. Zhang Jie herself is divorced; in her work she stands for true love versus tradition. But, 'This also could mean that the author is suggesting that women and men can and should take their time experiencing falling in love! Before they go into rehearse marriage'. Also, this novella centers in the modernization of the Chinese industry and how the citizens are all for modern and bringing outside investments, especially interesting since Chinese people has not favored or trust outside companies. Heavy Wings give us as well an interesting inside of the social classes China has. We have the working classes that work in the industry very hard and barely get by, the middle class with the managers in charge that want to make a difference for their people and the ministers that are the ones that are way involve with the party, make the money and can do good or bad.

'''Modernization of China'''
When she talks about the modernization of China industry, she can give an excellent inside of thoughts about the progress in this organization, since she worked in this field for many years in the past. That means that she probably also witnessed the corruption that goes on; the good people that want to modernize and make a difference in their sector for the better, but encounter corruption with the bad people that only wants to hold on tied to communism rules, so they can benefit themselves and not the workers, that work hard and that need to make more money, to at least better their living conditions, ''pag 86 "To boost production in China you have to improve living conditions.”''

'''Divorce in the Chinese society'''
Heavy wings shows how people therefore might not be in love but because it would look bad on them, they have to put up with it, ''pag 34,"He seldom had free Sunday and they slept in different rooms.”''If they would divorce, for the men in their careers, they could lose their social status and be consider unstable losers, and for the women is far worst, if they became divorcees they can be look down as prostitutes, ''pag 107, "He darted a warning glance at Zheng. To him divorcees ranked with prostitutes.”'' One call only imagine how much Zheng Jie suffered when she was little looking at her mother been mistreated since her mother was divorced, and after loosing all position in society and money, Zheng Jie’s mother had to find a job, protect her daughter and put up with a society that did not protect her but made their lives worst. We can definitely tell that this part in Zhang Jie’s life influenced this writer a lot when she learnt this type of discrimination against her mother, against women in her society.

'''Tender moments'''
There are also great moments of tenderness in this story from Chinese men and women, that will give a better understanding of their deep hearts. ''Pag 79, "Everyone present was watching him in silence. The sight gave him fresh strength. Old Lü’s bearded chin beneath his bleary eyes was quivering. Chen put the dumpling into the old fellow’s mouth. ‘I let you down, Old Lü, he said.”''

[[File:ZhangJieHarrison.png|400px|thumb|right|Zhang Jie, at 45 (First time out of China) with writer Harrison Salisbury
In 1982, at the UCLA, US-Chinese writers conference Click [http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--m26XHdk0so/TguRGQWGs5I/AAAAAAAABF8/lzPMfkPY4Yw/s320/ZhangJieHarrison.gif here] for original source ]]
'''The way Chinese people live'''
We see the working Chinese people struggling to meet ends, with low salaries or enough to get by, and small and/or poor housing, if you can call some of these places mentioned in the story housing. Also there is not much money left, but to only go out for a meal, this is the way of entertainment. They really cannot get out of this type of social class. ''Pag 62, "China really gets its intellectuals on the cheap, Zheng though. Then, remembering the technicians in his ministry and the workers in factories, he reflected, he reflected that China got all its common people on the cheap”'', and the youth has no way of diversion or entertainment but to go out and eat. They could not go out to dance or have money to travel. ''Pag 62, "Zheng glanced round. ‘Apart from the two of us, everybody here’s young. Can’t blame. Eating out is their only diversion. What else can they do!”''

'''The careers that Chinese society forces on their people'''
Zhang show us how Chinese people’s education are not well rounded but are tailor to get jobs that will advance them in society. This situation does not make them happy but it is the way that it has been working for a long time, ''Pag 59, "Looking at his eyes Zheng Ziyun felt a stab of envy. In his young days he had wanted to study anthropology, literature or history, but fate had made him an official.”'' Chinese people dream to experience careers their society does not allow them to have, ''pag 85, "Keeping his eyes on the dark road, Chen said slowly, ‘In middle school I was mad on the violin, thought music the highest form of art. And I wanted to get a PHD in physics. But I’ve ended up a factory manager!” He laughed rather bitterly.''

'''Class struggles, history and beliefs do not let Chinese move forward'''
Zhang Jie let us know that the Chinese people mentality has to change or there will be no progress at all. ''Pag 42, "What they were up against now were deeply ingrained beliefs. These beliefs were like net in which all were caught. History was bound to condemn and eliminate them.”''

'''The Past of the Cultural Revolution = Communism will be remember'''
Zhang Jie made it clear that these abuses and crimes, did happened in China, that her thoughts in this book are not exaggerated or made up, but they come from 'real life events' that mark the Chinese people and their lives. - These events are vital to understand them and what they are fighting for -. During the Cultural Revolution with Mao, all that opposed the Communist party or look like they did, were kill, could be incarcerated, nearly kill to death, brutally bit up, abuse or persecuted. They could also be send to do 'restitution to these rural places' so they can be reform, ''pag 45, "The Cultural Revolution brought her fearful anxiety and distress: he was nearly beaten to death. When he came back after several months of confinement in a damp room he could hardly walk for arthritis.”''

'''Zhang Jie calls for a change in the government and the society of China'''.
This is a very provocative book and it calls for the Chinese people to change mentally too, to leave once and for all 'old habits or traditions' that hold them back, and open themselves to progress in their personal lives as well as resources or markets they use to do business with. ''pag 101, "For some years we studied chairman Mao’s works regardless of the political results. We competed to see who could write the most copious notes or parrot the most quotations. The effectiveness of political work should be judge by the new wealth created. We must run our economy according to economic laws and give up our old egalitarian way of all eating from one big pot. That stifles initiative.”''

== Powerpoint Slide ==
[[File:FINAL_DE_Zhang_Jie.pptx|thumb]]

== Disclosure ==
It has been a pleasure to have done this class with Mr Woesler. I have translated reference #1 and #6. I have been a translator for over 25 years. I had worked hard in my wiki and have done my very best to use the resources available to me in a respectful manner. In doing so, it is my hope that this work can help others 'strengthen the appreciation and knowledge of the Republic of China and their wonderful People'. Erica Bazalar-Oaks. www.bazalar.com.

== References ==
1. About Zhang Jie
http://www.miscelaneaeditores.com

2. Biography:
http://www.beijingscene.com/cissue/feature.html

3. http://www.marxists.org/history/erol/ncm-7/cwp-cr/part-3.htm

4. http://www.culturebase.net/artist.php?3577

5. Her novel:
http://www.jstor.org/discover/10.2307/2158675?uid=3739928&uid=2129&uid=2&uid=70&uid=4&uid=3739256&sid=21101404588403jstor.org

6. Faces of Chinese Literature:
http://www.upf.edu

7. http://www.iu.edu/~easc/outreach/educators/literature/workshops/doc/Perry_2005.pdf 11/16/2012

8. http://www.pen-international.org/

9. http://www.literaturfestival.com/participants/authors/2003/zhang-jie

10. http://contemporary_chinese_culture.academic.ru/952/Zhang_Jie

11. Book # 1
Encounters With Chinese Writers By Annie Dillard. Published by University Press of New England,1984.ISBN 0-8195-5130-9

12. Book # 2
The Australian Journal of Chinese Affairs. Published by The University of Chicago Press,1979.ISBN 01567365

13. Book # 3
Leaden Wings, Zhang Jie. Published by VIRAGO PRESS Limited 1987. ISBN 0-86068-759-7

Zhang Jie (born 1937)

2012-12-06T18:16:39Z

Ericaangie: /* About Zhang Jie */

[[File:Arch002021286b.jpg|400px|thumb|right|Zhang Jie, an artistic photo by Buso. Click [http://www.martabuso.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/5e06319eda06f020e43594a9c230972d/a/r/arch002021286b.jpg here] for original source ]]
== About Zhang Jie ==
A one of a kind and brilliant Chinese Literature writer. She successfully took on socialism and turned it into a novella. She clearly show us what the people in China of all ranks had to suffer and went through during and after the times of communism, how did they deal with it, what was left to be entrusted with, to rebuild upon for a new generation in China. Zhang Jie began to write after the access of power began for Deng Xioping (Deputy Minister), the dead of Mao Tseng Tang occurred in 1976 and the fall of the Gang of Four occurred; this gang included Mao’s cruel wife, Jiang Qing, mastermind and political figure that together with Mao authored millions of crimes during the Cultural Revolution,''"She published her first novel 'Love must not be forgotten' in 1978, two years later after the death of the dictator Mao."'' www.miscelaneaeditores.com

It was after these events that Zhang Jie began to write. China finally began to experience a relatively more freedom for writers to create, and works of other foreign writers began to make their way into China. China started to get energized catching on the humanistic and artistic works of the world. It was beginning to exit the 10 years confinement of literature and oppression that had suffered during the Cultural Revolution. The extreme ideals of communism lost attention and writers could now use other themes in their stories, other than the working classes or soldiers. Zhang Jie was now 39 years old. She was finally able and experienced to establish her brilliant place in the Chinese Literature.

[[File:Brigitte_lin_book_fair_hk.jpg|400px|thumb|left|Zhang Jie, at a Hong Kong Book fair. They announced her book
'Without Words' will be go to the big screen. Click [http://wiki.vm.rub.de/uvu/images/5/59/Brigitte_lin_book_fair_hk.jpg here] for original source ]]

== Biography ==
'''1937'''
Zhang Jie was born in Beijing in 1937, her mother taught elementary school, she grew up poor even when she was a Manchu Royalty decedent. She had to escape the Japanese army that wanted to kill them. ''"Her mother, Manchurian royalty by birth but reduced to poverty by China's perpetual war and revolt, was a primary school teacher before the Japanese invasion." beijingscene.com.'' A guide that they meet introduced Zhang Jie to western children stories. The stories she read were from The Grimm brothers, Hans Christian Andersen and the fables of Krylov were among her favorites. Although people like to critic her because about this, Zhang Jie said that she is glad to have read these children stories, because they taught her to be consider to other people and not smash others on her way to success ''"I secretly congratulate myself and say that if I have one iota of human feeling, if I do not move up in the world by stepping on other people, do not use others to gain advantage, it is in large part due to the influence of the humanism in classical Western literature.” beijingscene.com''

'''1956'''
She wanted so badly to be a writer but end up studying economics ''"The government, however decided that because of her excellent school record she should study economics” Dillard pag 65.'' Zhang Jie cried about this but went anyways. Zhang Jie was admitted in RENMIN University of China.

'''1960'''
Zhang Jie, graduated and took a job in the Mechanics Engineer Industry that would allowed her a lot of information in this field to later write her Mao Dun Award winning book 'Heavy Wings (Leaden Wings)'. She worked in this industry for eight years.

'''1963'''
She married a colleague and had a daughter called 'Tang Di'

'''1964'''
Mao wanted the writers like Zhang Jie to experience equality with the rural or less fortunate people, and get rid off any funny ideas of possible superiority they might have ''"In addition to the Socialist Education Movement in the countryside, Mao repeatedly urged the literature and arts circles, as well as the various propaganda arms, to reform their areas.” marxists.org.''

'''1969'''
At the age of 32 Zhang Jie was sent to a farm for four years to be reform to Jiangxi, located southwest if China. Even when they have lost all money and connection of her royal family, because of her royal lineage, she was considered of a privilege class, so according to the teachings of Mao Tseng Tang she needed to be reform and experience the workers life. ''"Because she was the daughter of a right winger, she was forced to participate in re-educational measures at a special school from 1969 to 1972.” culture.base.net.'' During these times, it must have been very hard to be separated of her daughter and mother.

'''1978'''
Zhang Jie published her first children story right after the Culture Revolution called 'Music of the Forests', and won China national award ''"It was at this time that she also began to write. Only after the Cultural Revolution (1966–67) did she publish her first story" 'Die Musik der Wälder' culturebase.net.'' Russian children literature really was her inspiration to begin writing. Also, she was one of the first Modern writers to write about women and love. 'Love must not be forgotten' was her first novel about these issues of love.

'''1979'''
Zhang Jie joined the Chinese Writers Association. Zhang Jie’s work was popular.

'''1980'''
Her acclaim novella 'Heavy Wings' was published and very well received. She had waited for a long time and because of the changes and relatively freedoms that China was experiencing this was the right moment to do it. Also, Zhang Jie joined the Chinese Communist Party.

'''1982'''
She becomes a member of the PEN International. Zhang Jie would travel outside of China for the first time ever to attend a conference in Los Angeles, at UCLA, where she would meet American writer and journalist 'Harrison Salisbury'. Dillard, pag 63. Zhang Jie must have been very happy that she can finally write all she wanted.

'''1985'''
She was awarded the Mao Dun Literature Prize for ''Leaden Wings = Heavy Wings''.''"This novel is one of the three which jointly won the 1985 Mao Dun Literary Prize, the most prestigious award for novels in China" jstor.org''

'''2005'''
Zhang Jie was awarded for the second time the Mao Dun Literature Prize for 'Without a Word'. She is the only author to have won this prize twice.

[[File:Zhang-jie-0719L.jpg|500px|thumb|right|In 1985, Zhang Jie won the Mao Dun Prize Click [http://images2.chinatraveldepot.com/Images/Destination/Zhang-jie-0719L.jpg here] for original source ]]

== Two Faces of Chinese Literature ==
I think it is helpful and important to distinguish 2 faces in Chinese Literature, and which one Zhang Jie belongs too, this way we can comprehend even better the Chinese Literature evolution and what group accompany the author. Together with Zhang Jie, these authors and their writings will be the ones in charge to lead China into a new direction.

The first face was in the 1920s.- It started with the fall of the Empire and the disintegration of the Old Traditional Literacy. The beginning of the ‘Chinese Literature Modern Classics was born’, the unforgettable Lu Xun, Lao She, Cao Yu, Mao Deng, Ba Jin and others, ''"At that moment the canonical list of modern classics of Chinese literature came out: Lu Xun, Lao She, Cao Yu, Mao Dun, Ba Jin” www.upf.edu.''

The Second face during the 1980s.- A period of relative relaxation begins that allowed the ‘emerge of new climate of cultural creativity’. The distinction of what it was ‘Revolutionary Literature between – Modern Literature’ was well noticed. "The young writers that had to remain silent had been waken (Good morning Zhang Jie!)." In this face: we found Zhang Jie, Wang Meng, Liu Xiabo, Wang Shuo, Hao Shaogong and many more.

== Fun Facts about Zhang Jie ==
[[File:Cute.jpg|250px|thumb|left|Zhang Jie, loves cats and was seeing playing with one at UCLA conference. Click [http://www.thedibb.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=662542] for original source ]]
Zhang Jie loves to giggle and to read books. She has a way of looking at you with sarcasm. Zhang Jie also likes Siamese cats a lot. During the UCLA conference, she got a hold of somebody's cat and would not let go of it. People reported that she was holding on to the cat the wrong way, the cat’s behind was facing people in front of her, while the face of the cat was facing Zhang Jie’s back, funny way to hold a kitty, and she did it for a while too, ''"Zhang Jie and innovative and controversial young writer, is carrying my Siamese cat around the house. She holds it by the armpit, so it faces the couch.” Dillard, pag 61.''
She also loves to speak softly and her work is regularly under fire. I guess people like to criticize her'' "Zhang Jie , whose own work is regularly under fire, had to defend the Party line.” Dillard, pag 68.''

== Her work ==
[[File:ZHangJieHenryMiller.png|400px|thumb|right|Zhang Jie and American writer 'Henry Miller'in 1984 Click [http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C507t-K16jQ/TguQwhGSIiI/AAAAAAAABF0/FI09ZHvkDT4/s320/ZHangJieHenryMiller.gif here]for original source ]]
Zhang Jie was raised by her mother, her parents were divorced. Probably at a young age witnessed and experienced the discrimination and abuse to the fact that she had no father. In those times it did not look good to be a single mother, you can be discriminated greatly. These facts had to have inspired Zhang Jie into her writings and allowed her to rule when she talks about what women went through during those times, since she had witnessed it herself. A good example of this in her book 'Heavy Wings' ''pag 107, "He darted a warning glance at Zheng. To him divorcees ranked with prostitutes.”''

'''Why Zhang Jie calls it "Heavy wings"'''
Zhang Jie is a smart writer, strong and brave representative of the new Modern generation. This generation is like a newborn or a new bird representing the Republic of China. Zhang Jie and writers like her are the ones that are responsible to help others break out of the shell, and show them how to fly high. But can they do it? Or, Are the wings of this nation 'too heavy to take off' and begin to fly completely free? You decide.

'''Zhang Jie way of writing'''
''By taking us inside the story, Zhang Jie show us how the people of China lives, how they struggle silently hoping for a change that is too slow in the process of happening, like a pregnant mother that is in contractions now, this mother or nation that has been evolving month by month, decade by decade, and is in growing pains of the changes that are taking place, for a new baby, a new nation that is pushing to come out, and by coming out is creating changes in the way of thinking of China, a China that wants to breath loud, that wants to take off flying freely, and wants to reach the stars without having the government teased her and tide her down like a kite. Erica Bazalar-Oaks.''

In this novella, Zhang Jie is brilliant! She takes us inside the society of China in a very personal way. She describes the personalities so well and body movements, their rooms, houses and buildings where they live, and through her words make us feel as spectators that we can be seating right there on a chair, or on the table near by ear dropping on the conversation the characters are having. Zhang Jie shows as a writer her brilliance and experience, when the story just flows. She goes from one story to another in such a subtle way, that you as the reader are not a bit distracted, but pleasingly surprise making you feel like a light feather traveling gently from one side to another. On her words, she also uses European phrases that are well known and demonstrates her past influences in readings, ''pag 95 "Not all high officials rested in their laurels.”'' Also Zhang Jie demonstrates something I found interesting, her unique and personal style of writing when she mixes in one situation, two elements from different backgrounds. She can convey and interesting way of thinking that she cleanly and successfully displays in her novella. A good example is when the character of Zheng was in the car letting the breeze to ruffle his hair, Zheng though to himself, ''pag 102, "Would this speech he had just made, like previous ones, vanish without a trace like a snowflake in the dessert?”'' Here, she uses the snowflake that happens on winter season, and combines it with the element of the dessert that portraits a hot weather, two different types of times to explain the feelings of the character of Zheng. I enjoyed that.

[[File:Zhang-jie.png|400px|thumb|left|Zhang Jie very young in her twenties Click [http://digital.library.upenn.edu/women/_gallery/zhang-jie.gif here] for original source ]]

== Analysis of the Book 'Heavy Wings' ==

'''Heavy Wings also call Leaden Wings'''
Was published in 1980. Zhang Jie tells us what is happening today in Modern China after the Cultural Revolution, and where they stand in progress in their society and the world. One important thing that she writes about is 'marriage' in a country that is full of traditions, marriage can be one thing that is controversial to discuss. In Heavy Wings, the characters, women and men of different economical classes equally show their struggles in marriage, and fears of the society criticism if they would ever were to get divorce. Zhang Jie has been accused before of being immoral or too westernized, also to work against the party. Zhang Jie herself is divorced; in her work she stands for true love versus tradition. But, 'This also could mean that the author is suggesting that women and men can and should take their time experiencing falling in love! Before they go into rehearse marriage'. Also, this novella centers in the modernization of the Chinese industry and how the citizens are all for modern and bringing outside investments, especially interesting since Chinese people has not favored or trust outside companies. Heavy Wings give us as well an interesting inside of the social classes China has. We have the working classes that work in the industry very hard and barely get by, the middle class with the managers in charge that want to make a difference for their people and the ministers that are the ones that are way involve with the party, make the money and can do good or bad.

'''Modernization of China'''
When she talks about the modernization of China industry, she can give an excellent inside of thoughts about the progress in this organization, since she worked in this field for many years in the past. That means that she probably also witnessed the corruption that goes on; the good people that want to modernize and make a difference in their sector for the better, but encounter corruption with the bad people that only wants to hold on tied to communism rules, so they can benefit themselves and not the workers, that work hard and that need to make more money, to at least better their living conditions, ''pag 86 "To boost production in China you have to improve living conditions.”''

'''Divorce in the Chinese society'''
Heavy wings shows how people therefore might not be in love but because it would look bad on them, they have to put up with it, ''pag 34,"He seldom had free Sunday and they slept in different rooms.”''If they would divorce, for the men in their careers, they could lose their social status and be consider unstable losers, and for the women is far worst, if they became divorcees they can be look down as prostitutes, ''pag 107, "He darted a warning glance at Zheng. To him divorcees ranked with prostitutes.”'' One call only imagine how much Zheng Jie suffered when she was little looking at her mother been mistreated since her mother was divorced, and after loosing all position in society and money, Zheng Jie’s mother had to find a job, protect her daughter and put up with a society that did not protect her but made their lives worst. We can definitely tell that this part in Zhang Jie’s life influenced this writer a lot when she learnt this type of discrimination against her mother, against women in her society.

'''Tender moments'''
There are also great moments of tenderness in this story from Chinese men and women, that will give a better understanding of their deep hearts. ''Pag 79, "Everyone present was watching him in silence. The sight gave him fresh strength. Old Lü’s bearded chin beneath his bleary eyes was quivering. Chen put the dumpling into the old fellow’s mouth. ‘I let you down, Old Lü, he said.”''

[[File:ZhangJieHarrison.png|400px|thumb|right|Zhang Jie, at 45 (First time out of China) with writer Harrison Salisbury
In 1982, at the UCLA, US-Chinese writers conference Click [http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--m26XHdk0so/TguRGQWGs5I/AAAAAAAABF8/lzPMfkPY4Yw/s320/ZhangJieHarrison.gif here] for original source ]]
'''The way Chinese people live'''
We see the working Chinese people struggling to meet ends, with low salaries or enough to get by, and small and/or poor housing, if you can call some of these places mentioned in the story housing. Also there is not much money left, but to only go out for a meal, this is the way of entertainment. They really cannot get out of this type of social class. ''Pag 62, "China really gets its intellectuals on the cheap, Zheng though. Then, remembering the technicians in his ministry and the workers in factories, he reflected, he reflected that China got all its common people on the cheap”'', and the youth has no way of diversion or entertainment but to go out and eat. They could not go out to dance or have money to travel. ''Pag 62, "Zheng glanced round. ‘Apart from the two of us, everybody here’s young. Can’t blame. Eating out is their only diversion. What else can they do!”''

'''The careers that Chinese society forces on their people'''
Zhang show us how Chinese people’s education are not well rounded but are tailor to get jobs that will advance them in society. This situation does not make them happy but it is the way that it has been working for a long time, ''Pag 59, "Looking at his eyes Zheng Ziyun felt a stab of envy. In his young days he had wanted to study anthropology, literature or history, but fate had made him an official.”'' Chinese people dream to experience careers their society does not allow them to have, ''pag 85, "Keeping his eyes on the dark road, Chen said slowly, ‘In middle school I was mad on the violin, thought music the highest form of art. And I wanted to get a PHD in physics. But I’ve ended up a factory manager!” He laughed rather bitterly.''

'''Class struggles, history and beliefs do not let Chinese move forward'''
Zhang Jie let us know that the Chinese people mentality has to change or there will be no progress at all. ''Pag 42, "What they were up against now were deeply ingrained beliefs. These beliefs were like net in which all were caught. History was bound to condemn and eliminate them.”''

'''The Past of the Cultural Revolution = Communism will be remember'''
Zhang Jie made it clear that these abuses and crimes, did happened in China, that her thoughts in this book are not exaggerated or made up, but they come from 'real life events' that mark the Chinese people and their lives. - These events are vital to understand them and what they are fighting for -. During the Cultural Revolution with Mao, all that opposed the Communist party or look like they did, were kill, could be incarcerated, nearly kill to death, brutally bit up, abuse or persecuted. They could also be send to do 'restitution to these rural places' so they can be reform, ''pag 45, "The Cultural Revolution brought her fearful anxiety and distress: he was nearly beaten to death. When he came back after several months of confinement in a damp room he could hardly walk for arthritis.”''

'''Zhang Jie calls for a change in the government and the society of China'''.
This is a very provocative book and it calls for the Chinese people to change mentally too, to leave once and for all 'old habits or traditions' that hold them back, and open themselves to progress in their personal lives as well as resources or markets they use to do business with. ''pag 101, "For some years we studied chairman Mao’s works regardless of the political results. We competed to see who could write the most copious notes or parrot the most quotations. The effectiveness of political work should be judge by the new wealth created. We must run our economy according to economic laws and give up our old egalitarian way of all eating from one big pot. That stifles initiative.”''

'''Zhang Jie speaks about her goals as a writer'''
In September of 1982, Zhang Jie spoke at the UCLA, at the US-Chinese writers conference organized by Norman Cousins about her thoughts in Literature.''"Life should become what humans beings wish it to be"''. When she talks about us, as human beings and what we wish for, it is clear to me that in order to become anything, we must have freedom of choice. Zhang Jie also expressed her feelings of responsibility that she feels the writers have to the world,''"Pure literature as our purpose cannot exist, because the writer’s feeling will have an impact on the material world." Dillard, pag 64.'' Zhang Jie then wants freedom to become, but with the understanding that as writers they have a responsibility to impact the people for a better world.

== Powerpoint Slide ==
[[File:FINAL_DE_Zhang_Jie.pptx|thumb]]

== Disclosure ==
It has been a pleasure to have done this class with Mr Woesler. I have translated reference #1 and #6. I have been a translator for over 25 years. I had worked hard in my wiki and have done my very best to use the resources available to me in a respectful manner. In doing so, it is my hope that this work can help others 'strengthen the appreciation and knowledge of the Republic of China and their wonderful People'. Erica Bazalar-Oaks. www.bazalar.com.

== References ==
1. About Zhang Jie
http://www.miscelaneaeditores.com

2. Biography:
http://www.beijingscene.com/cissue/feature.html

3. http://www.marxists.org/history/erol/ncm-7/cwp-cr/part-3.htm

4. http://www.culturebase.net/artist.php?3577

5. Her novel:
http://www.jstor.org/discover/10.2307/2158675?uid=3739928&uid=2129&uid=2&uid=70&uid=4&uid=3739256&sid=21101404588403jstor.org

6. Faces of Chinese Literature:
http://www.upf.edu

7. http://www.iu.edu/~easc/outreach/educators/literature/workshops/doc/Perry_2005.pdf 11/16/2012

8. http://www.pen-international.org/

9. http://www.literaturfestival.com/participants/authors/2003/zhang-jie

10. http://contemporary_chinese_culture.academic.ru/952/Zhang_Jie

11. Book # 1
Encounters With Chinese Writers By Annie Dillard. Published by University Press of New England,1984.ISBN 0-8195-5130-9

12. Book # 2
The Australian Journal of Chinese Affairs. Published by The University of Chicago Press,1979.ISBN 01567365

13. Book # 3
Leaden Wings, Zhang Jie. Published by VIRAGO PRESS Limited 1987. ISBN 0-86068-759-7

Zhang Jie (born 1937)

2012-12-06T18:13:12Z

Ericaangie: /* Analysis. Book 'Heavy Wings' */

[[File:Arch002021286b.jpg|400px|thumb|right|Zhang Jie, an artistic photo by Buso. Click [http://www.martabuso.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/5e06319eda06f020e43594a9c230972d/a/r/arch002021286b.jpg here] for original source ]]
== About Zhang Jie ==
A one of a kind and brilliant Chinese Literature writer. She successfully took on socialism and turned it into a novella. She clearly show us what the people in China of all ranks had to suffer and went through during and after those times of communism, how did they deal with it, what was left to be entrusted with, to rebuild upon for a new generation in China. Zhang Jie began to write after the access of power began for Deng Xioping (Deputy Minister), the dead of Mao Tseng Tang occurred in 1976 and the fall of the Gang of Four occurred; this gang included Mao’s cruel wife, Jiang Qing, mastermind and political figure that together with Mao authored millions of crimes during the Cultural Revolution,''"She published her first novel 'Love must not be forgotten' in 1978, two years later after the death of the dictator Mao."'' www.miscelaneaeditores.com

It was after these events that Zhang Jie began to write. China finally began to experience a relatively more freedom for writers to create, and works of other foreign writers began to make their way into China. China started to get energized catching on the humanistic and artistic works of the world. It was beginning to exit the 10 years confinement of literature and oppression that had suffered during the Cultural Revolution. The extreme ideals of communism lost attention and writers could now use other themes in their stories, other than the working classes or soldiers. Zhang Jie was now 39 years old. She was finally able and experienced to establish her brilliant place in the Chinese Literature.

[[File:Brigitte_lin_book_fair_hk.jpg|400px|thumb|left|Zhang Jie, at a Hong Kong Book fair. They announced her book
'Without Words' will be go to the big screen. Click [http://wiki.vm.rub.de/uvu/images/5/59/Brigitte_lin_book_fair_hk.jpg here] for original source ]]

== Biography ==
'''1937'''
Zhang Jie was born in Beijing in 1937, her mother taught elementary school, she grew up poor even when she was a Manchu Royalty decedent. She had to escape the Japanese army that wanted to kill them. ''"Her mother, Manchurian royalty by birth but reduced to poverty by China's perpetual war and revolt, was a primary school teacher before the Japanese invasion." beijingscene.com.'' A guide that they meet introduced Zhang Jie to western children stories. The stories she read were from The Grimm brothers, Hans Christian Andersen and the fables of Krylov were among her favorites. Although people like to critic her because about this, Zhang Jie said that she is glad to have read these children stories, because they taught her to be consider to other people and not smash others on her way to success ''"I secretly congratulate myself and say that if I have one iota of human feeling, if I do not move up in the world by stepping on other people, do not use others to gain advantage, it is in large part due to the influence of the humanism in classical Western literature.” beijingscene.com''

'''1956'''
She wanted so badly to be a writer but end up studying economics ''"The government, however decided that because of her excellent school record she should study economics” Dillard pag 65.'' Zhang Jie cried about this but went anyways. Zhang Jie was admitted in RENMIN University of China.

'''1960'''
Zhang Jie, graduated and took a job in the Mechanics Engineer Industry that would allowed her a lot of information in this field to later write her Mao Dun Award winning book 'Heavy Wings (Leaden Wings)'. She worked in this industry for eight years.

'''1963'''
She married a colleague and had a daughter called 'Tang Di'

'''1964'''
Mao wanted the writers like Zhang Jie to experience equality with the rural or less fortunate people, and get rid off any funny ideas of possible superiority they might have ''"In addition to the Socialist Education Movement in the countryside, Mao repeatedly urged the literature and arts circles, as well as the various propaganda arms, to reform their areas.” marxists.org.''

'''1969'''
At the age of 32 Zhang Jie was sent to a farm for four years to be reform to Jiangxi, located southwest if China. Even when they have lost all money and connection of her royal family, because of her royal lineage, she was considered of a privilege class, so according to the teachings of Mao Tseng Tang she needed to be reform and experience the workers life. ''"Because she was the daughter of a right winger, she was forced to participate in re-educational measures at a special school from 1969 to 1972.” culture.base.net.'' During these times, it must have been very hard to be separated of her daughter and mother.

'''1978'''
Zhang Jie published her first children story right after the Culture Revolution called 'Music of the Forests', and won China national award ''"It was at this time that she also began to write. Only after the Cultural Revolution (1966–67) did she publish her first story" 'Die Musik der Wälder' culturebase.net.'' Russian children literature really was her inspiration to begin writing. Also, she was one of the first Modern writers to write about women and love. 'Love must not be forgotten' was her first novel about these issues of love.

'''1979'''
Zhang Jie joined the Chinese Writers Association. Zhang Jie’s work was popular.

'''1980'''
Her acclaim novella 'Heavy Wings' was published and very well received. She had waited for a long time and because of the changes and relatively freedoms that China was experiencing this was the right moment to do it. Also, Zhang Jie joined the Chinese Communist Party.

'''1982'''
She becomes a member of the PEN International. Zhang Jie would travel outside of China for the first time ever to attend a conference in Los Angeles, at UCLA, where she would meet American writer and journalist 'Harrison Salisbury'. Dillard, pag 63. Zhang Jie must have been very happy that she can finally write all she wanted.

'''1985'''
She was awarded the Mao Dun Literature Prize for ''Leaden Wings = Heavy Wings''.''"This novel is one of the three which jointly won the 1985 Mao Dun Literary Prize, the most prestigious award for novels in China" jstor.org''

'''2005'''
Zhang Jie was awarded for the second time the Mao Dun Literature Prize for 'Without a Word'. She is the only author to have won this prize twice.

[[File:Zhang-jie-0719L.jpg|500px|thumb|right|In 1985, Zhang Jie won the Mao Dun Prize Click [http://images2.chinatraveldepot.com/Images/Destination/Zhang-jie-0719L.jpg here] for original source ]]

== Two Faces of Chinese Literature ==
I think it is helpful and important to distinguish 2 faces in Chinese Literature, and which one Zhang Jie belongs too, this way we can comprehend even better the Chinese Literature evolution and what group accompany the author. Together with Zhang Jie, these authors and their writings will be the ones in charge to lead China into a new direction.

The first face was in the 1920s.- It started with the fall of the Empire and the disintegration of the Old Traditional Literacy. The beginning of the ‘Chinese Literature Modern Classics was born’, the unforgettable Lu Xun, Lao She, Cao Yu, Mao Deng, Ba Jin and others, ''"At that moment the canonical list of modern classics of Chinese literature came out: Lu Xun, Lao She, Cao Yu, Mao Dun, Ba Jin” www.upf.edu.''

The Second face during the 1980s.- A period of relative relaxation begins that allowed the ‘emerge of new climate of cultural creativity’. The distinction of what it was ‘Revolutionary Literature between – Modern Literature’ was well noticed. "The young writers that had to remain silent had been waken (Good morning Zhang Jie!)." In this face: we found Zhang Jie, Wang Meng, Liu Xiabo, Wang Shuo, Hao Shaogong and many more.

== Fun Facts about Zhang Jie ==
[[File:Cute.jpg|250px|thumb|left|Zhang Jie, loves cats and was seeing playing with one at UCLA conference. Click [http://www.thedibb.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=662542] for original source ]]
Zhang Jie loves to giggle and to read books. She has a way of looking at you with sarcasm. Zhang Jie also likes Siamese cats a lot. During the UCLA conference, she got a hold of somebody's cat and would not let go of it. People reported that she was holding on to the cat the wrong way, the cat’s behind was facing people in front of her, while the face of the cat was facing Zhang Jie’s back, funny way to hold a kitty, and she did it for a while too, ''"Zhang Jie and innovative and controversial young writer, is carrying my Siamese cat around the house. She holds it by the armpit, so it faces the couch.” Dillard, pag 61.''
She also loves to speak softly and her work is regularly under fire. I guess people like to criticize her'' "Zhang Jie , whose own work is regularly under fire, had to defend the Party line.” Dillard, pag 68.''

== Her work ==
[[File:ZHangJieHenryMiller.png|400px|thumb|right|Zhang Jie and American writer 'Henry Miller'in 1984 Click [http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C507t-K16jQ/TguQwhGSIiI/AAAAAAAABF0/FI09ZHvkDT4/s320/ZHangJieHenryMiller.gif here]for original source ]]
Zhang Jie was raised by her mother, her parents were divorced. Probably at a young age witnessed and experienced the discrimination and abuse to the fact that she had no father. In those times it did not look good to be a single mother, you can be discriminated greatly. These facts had to have inspired Zhang Jie into her writings and allowed her to rule when she talks about what women went through during those times, since she had witnessed it herself. A good example of this in her book 'Heavy Wings' ''pag 107, "He darted a warning glance at Zheng. To him divorcees ranked with prostitutes.”''

'''Why Zhang Jie calls it "Heavy wings"'''
Zhang Jie is a smart writer, strong and brave representative of the new Modern generation. This generation is like a newborn or a new bird representing the Republic of China. Zhang Jie and writers like her are the ones that are responsible to help others break out of the shell, and show them how to fly high. But can they do it? Or, Are the wings of this nation 'too heavy to take off' and begin to fly completely free? You decide.

'''Zhang Jie way of writing'''
''By taking us inside the story, Zhang Jie show us how the people of China lives, how they struggle silently hoping for a change that is too slow in the process of happening, like a pregnant mother that is in contractions now, this mother or nation that has been evolving month by month, decade by decade, and is in growing pains of the changes that are taking place, for a new baby, a new nation that is pushing to come out, and by coming out is creating changes in the way of thinking of China, a China that wants to breath loud, that wants to take off flying freely, and wants to reach the stars without having the government teased her and tide her down like a kite. Erica Bazalar-Oaks.''

In this novella, Zhang Jie is brilliant! She takes us inside the society of China in a very personal way. She describes the personalities so well and body movements, their rooms, houses and buildings where they live, and through her words make us feel as spectators that we can be seating right there on a chair, or on the table near by ear dropping on the conversation the characters are having. Zhang Jie shows as a writer her brilliance and experience, when the story just flows. She goes from one story to another in such a subtle way, that you as the reader are not a bit distracted, but pleasingly surprise making you feel like a light feather traveling gently from one side to another. On her words, she also uses European phrases that are well known and demonstrates her past influences in readings, ''pag 95 "Not all high officials rested in their laurels.”'' Also Zhang Jie demonstrates something I found interesting, her unique and personal style of writing when she mixes in one situation, two elements from different backgrounds. She can convey and interesting way of thinking that she cleanly and successfully displays in her novella. A good example is when the character of Zheng was in the car letting the breeze to ruffle his hair, Zheng though to himself, ''pag 102, "Would this speech he had just made, like previous ones, vanish without a trace like a snowflake in the dessert?”'' Here, she uses the snowflake that happens on winter season, and combines it with the element of the dessert that portraits a hot weather, two different types of times to explain the feelings of the character of Zheng. I enjoyed that.

[[File:Zhang-jie.png|400px|thumb|left|Zhang Jie very young in her twenties Click [http://digital.library.upenn.edu/women/_gallery/zhang-jie.gif here] for original source ]]

== Analysis of the Book 'Heavy Wings' ==

'''Heavy Wings also call Leaden Wings'''
Was published in 1980. Zhang Jie tells us what is happening today in Modern China after the Cultural Revolution, and where they stand in progress in their society and the world. One important thing that she writes about is 'marriage' in a country that is full of traditions, marriage can be one thing that is controversial to discuss. In Heavy Wings, the characters, women and men of different economical classes equally show their struggles in marriage, and fears of the society criticism if they would ever were to get divorce. Zhang Jie has been accused before of being immoral or too westernized, also to work against the party. Zhang Jie herself is divorced; in her work she stands for true love versus tradition. But, 'This also could mean that the author is suggesting that women and men can and should take their time experiencing falling in love! Before they go into rehearse marriage'. Also, this novella centers in the modernization of the Chinese industry and how the citizens are all for modern and bringing outside investments, especially interesting since Chinese people has not favored or trust outside companies. Heavy Wings give us as well an interesting inside of the social classes China has. We have the working classes that work in the industry very hard and barely get by, the middle class with the managers in charge that want to make a difference for their people and the ministers that are the ones that are way involve with the party, make the money and can do good or bad.

'''Modernization of China'''
When she talks about the modernization of China industry, she can give an excellent inside of thoughts about the progress in this organization, since she worked in this field for many years in the past. That means that she probably also witnessed the corruption that goes on; the good people that want to modernize and make a difference in their sector for the better, but encounter corruption with the bad people that only wants to hold on tied to communism rules, so they can benefit themselves and not the workers, that work hard and that need to make more money, to at least better their living conditions, ''pag 86 "To boost production in China you have to improve living conditions.”''

'''Divorce in the Chinese society'''
Heavy wings shows how people therefore might not be in love but because it would look bad on them, they have to put up with it, ''pag 34,"He seldom had free Sunday and they slept in different rooms.”''If they would divorce, for the men in their careers, they could lose their social status and be consider unstable losers, and for the women is far worst, if they became divorcees they can be look down as prostitutes, ''pag 107, "He darted a warning glance at Zheng. To him divorcees ranked with prostitutes.”'' One call only imagine how much Zheng Jie suffered when she was little looking at her mother been mistreated since her mother was divorced, and after loosing all position in society and money, Zheng Jie’s mother had to find a job, protect her daughter and put up with a society that did not protect her but made their lives worst. We can definitely tell that this part in Zhang Jie’s life influenced this writer a lot when she learnt this type of discrimination against her mother, against women in her society.

'''Tender moments'''
There are also great moments of tenderness in this story from Chinese men and women, that will give a better understanding of their deep hearts. ''Pag 79, "Everyone present was watching him in silence. The sight gave him fresh strength. Old Lü’s bearded chin beneath his bleary eyes was quivering. Chen put the dumpling into the old fellow’s mouth. ‘I let you down, Old Lü, he said.”''

[[File:ZhangJieHarrison.png|400px|thumb|right|Zhang Jie, at 45 (First time out of China) with writer Harrison Salisbury
In 1982, at the UCLA, US-Chinese writers conference Click [http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--m26XHdk0so/TguRGQWGs5I/AAAAAAAABF8/lzPMfkPY4Yw/s320/ZhangJieHarrison.gif here] for original source ]]
'''The way Chinese people live'''
We see the working Chinese people struggling to meet ends, with low salaries or enough to get by, and small and/or poor housing, if you can call some of these places mentioned in the story housing. Also there is not much money left, but to only go out for a meal, this is the way of entertainment. They really cannot get out of this type of social class. ''Pag 62, "China really gets its intellectuals on the cheap, Zheng though. Then, remembering the technicians in his ministry and the workers in factories, he reflected, he reflected that China got all its common people on the cheap”'', and the youth has no way of diversion or entertainment but to go out and eat. They could not go out to dance or have money to travel. ''Pag 62, "Zheng glanced round. ‘Apart from the two of us, everybody here’s young. Can’t blame. Eating out is their only diversion. What else can they do!”''

'''The careers that Chinese society forces on their people'''
Zhang show us how Chinese people’s education are not well rounded but are tailor to get jobs that will advance them in society. This situation does not make them happy but it is the way that it has been working for a long time, ''Pag 59, "Looking at his eyes Zheng Ziyun felt a stab of envy. In his young days he had wanted to study anthropology, literature or history, but fate had made him an official.”'' Chinese people dream to experience careers their society does not allow them to have, ''pag 85, "Keeping his eyes on the dark road, Chen said slowly, ‘In middle school I was mad on the violin, thought music the highest form of art. And I wanted to get a PHD in physics. But I’ve ended up a factory manager!” He laughed rather bitterly.''

'''Class struggles, history and beliefs do not let Chinese move forward'''
Zhang Jie let us know that the Chinese people mentality has to change or there will be no progress at all. ''Pag 42, "What they were up against now were deeply ingrained beliefs. These beliefs were like net in which all were caught. History was bound to condemn and eliminate them.”''

'''The Past of the Cultural Revolution = Communism will be remember'''
Zhang Jie made it clear that these abuses and crimes, did happened in China, that her thoughts in this book are not exaggerated or made up, but they come from 'real life events' that mark the Chinese people and their lives. - These events are vital to understand them and what they are fighting for -. During the Cultural Revolution with Mao, all that opposed the Communist party or look like they did, were kill, could be incarcerated, nearly kill to death, brutally bit up, abuse or persecuted. They could also be send to do 'restitution to these rural places' so they can be reform, ''pag 45, "The Cultural Revolution brought her fearful anxiety and distress: he was nearly beaten to death. When he came back after several months of confinement in a damp room he could hardly walk for arthritis.”''

'''Zhang Jie calls for a change in the government and the society of China'''.
This is a very provocative book and it calls for the Chinese people to change mentally too, to leave once and for all 'old habits or traditions' that hold them back, and open themselves to progress in their personal lives as well as resources or markets they use to do business with. ''pag 101, "For some years we studied chairman Mao’s works regardless of the political results. We competed to see who could write the most copious notes or parrot the most quotations. The effectiveness of political work should be judge by the new wealth created. We must run our economy according to economic laws and give up our old egalitarian way of all eating from one big pot. That stifles initiative.”''

'''Zhang Jie speaks about her goals as a writer'''
In September of 1982, Zhang Jie spoke at the UCLA, at the US-Chinese writers conference organized by Norman Cousins about her thoughts in Literature.''"Life should become what humans beings wish it to be"''. When she talks about us, as human beings and what we wish for, it is clear to me that in order to become anything, we must have freedom of choice. Zhang Jie also expressed her feelings of responsibility that she feels the writers have to the world,''"Pure literature as our purpose cannot exist, because the writer’s feeling will have an impact on the material world." Dillard, pag 64.'' Zhang Jie then wants freedom to become, but with the understanding that as writers they have a responsibility to impact the people for a better world.

== Powerpoint Slide ==
[[File:FINAL_DE_Zhang_Jie.pptx|thumb]]

== Disclosure ==
It has been a pleasure to have done this class with Mr Woesler. I have translated reference #1 and #6. I have been a translator for over 25 years. I had worked hard in my wiki and have done my very best to use the resources available to me in a respectful manner. In doing so, it is my hope that this work can help others 'strengthen the appreciation and knowledge of the Republic of China and their wonderful People'. Erica Bazalar-Oaks. www.bazalar.com.

== References ==
1. About Zhang Jie
http://www.miscelaneaeditores.com

2. Biography:
http://www.beijingscene.com/cissue/feature.html

3. http://www.marxists.org/history/erol/ncm-7/cwp-cr/part-3.htm

4. http://www.culturebase.net/artist.php?3577

5. Her novel:
http://www.jstor.org/discover/10.2307/2158675?uid=3739928&uid=2129&uid=2&uid=70&uid=4&uid=3739256&sid=21101404588403jstor.org

6. Faces of Chinese Literature:
http://www.upf.edu

7. http://www.iu.edu/~easc/outreach/educators/literature/workshops/doc/Perry_2005.pdf 11/16/2012

8. http://www.pen-international.org/

9. http://www.literaturfestival.com/participants/authors/2003/zhang-jie

10. http://contemporary_chinese_culture.academic.ru/952/Zhang_Jie

11. Book # 1
Encounters With Chinese Writers By Annie Dillard. Published by University Press of New England,1984.ISBN 0-8195-5130-9

12. Book # 2
The Australian Journal of Chinese Affairs. Published by The University of Chicago Press,1979.ISBN 01567365

13. Book # 3
Leaden Wings, Zhang Jie. Published by VIRAGO PRESS Limited 1987. ISBN 0-86068-759-7

Zhang Jie (born 1937)

2012-12-06T18:12:42Z

Ericaangie: /* Analysis of the book Heavy Wings */

[[File:Arch002021286b.jpg|400px|thumb|right|Zhang Jie, an artistic photo by Buso. Click [http://www.martabuso.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/5e06319eda06f020e43594a9c230972d/a/r/arch002021286b.jpg here] for original source ]]
== About Zhang Jie ==
A one of a kind and brilliant Chinese Literature writer. She successfully took on socialism and turned it into a novella. She clearly show us what the people in China of all ranks had to suffer and went through during and after those times of communism, how did they deal with it, what was left to be entrusted with, to rebuild upon for a new generation in China. Zhang Jie began to write after the access of power began for Deng Xioping (Deputy Minister), the dead of Mao Tseng Tang occurred in 1976 and the fall of the Gang of Four occurred; this gang included Mao’s cruel wife, Jiang Qing, mastermind and political figure that together with Mao authored millions of crimes during the Cultural Revolution,''"She published her first novel 'Love must not be forgotten' in 1978, two years later after the death of the dictator Mao."'' www.miscelaneaeditores.com

It was after these events that Zhang Jie began to write. China finally began to experience a relatively more freedom for writers to create, and works of other foreign writers began to make their way into China. China started to get energized catching on the humanistic and artistic works of the world. It was beginning to exit the 10 years confinement of literature and oppression that had suffered during the Cultural Revolution. The extreme ideals of communism lost attention and writers could now use other themes in their stories, other than the working classes or soldiers. Zhang Jie was now 39 years old. She was finally able and experienced to establish her brilliant place in the Chinese Literature.

[[File:Brigitte_lin_book_fair_hk.jpg|400px|thumb|left|Zhang Jie, at a Hong Kong Book fair. They announced her book
'Without Words' will be go to the big screen. Click [http://wiki.vm.rub.de/uvu/images/5/59/Brigitte_lin_book_fair_hk.jpg here] for original source ]]

== Biography ==
'''1937'''
Zhang Jie was born in Beijing in 1937, her mother taught elementary school, she grew up poor even when she was a Manchu Royalty decedent. She had to escape the Japanese army that wanted to kill them. ''"Her mother, Manchurian royalty by birth but reduced to poverty by China's perpetual war and revolt, was a primary school teacher before the Japanese invasion." beijingscene.com.'' A guide that they meet introduced Zhang Jie to western children stories. The stories she read were from The Grimm brothers, Hans Christian Andersen and the fables of Krylov were among her favorites. Although people like to critic her because about this, Zhang Jie said that she is glad to have read these children stories, because they taught her to be consider to other people and not smash others on her way to success ''"I secretly congratulate myself and say that if I have one iota of human feeling, if I do not move up in the world by stepping on other people, do not use others to gain advantage, it is in large part due to the influence of the humanism in classical Western literature.” beijingscene.com''

'''1956'''
She wanted so badly to be a writer but end up studying economics ''"The government, however decided that because of her excellent school record she should study economics” Dillard pag 65.'' Zhang Jie cried about this but went anyways. Zhang Jie was admitted in RENMIN University of China.

'''1960'''
Zhang Jie, graduated and took a job in the Mechanics Engineer Industry that would allowed her a lot of information in this field to later write her Mao Dun Award winning book 'Heavy Wings (Leaden Wings)'. She worked in this industry for eight years.

'''1963'''
She married a colleague and had a daughter called 'Tang Di'

'''1964'''
Mao wanted the writers like Zhang Jie to experience equality with the rural or less fortunate people, and get rid off any funny ideas of possible superiority they might have ''"In addition to the Socialist Education Movement in the countryside, Mao repeatedly urged the literature and arts circles, as well as the various propaganda arms, to reform their areas.” marxists.org.''

'''1969'''
At the age of 32 Zhang Jie was sent to a farm for four years to be reform to Jiangxi, located southwest if China. Even when they have lost all money and connection of her royal family, because of her royal lineage, she was considered of a privilege class, so according to the teachings of Mao Tseng Tang she needed to be reform and experience the workers life. ''"Because she was the daughter of a right winger, she was forced to participate in re-educational measures at a special school from 1969 to 1972.” culture.base.net.'' During these times, it must have been very hard to be separated of her daughter and mother.

'''1978'''
Zhang Jie published her first children story right after the Culture Revolution called 'Music of the Forests', and won China national award ''"It was at this time that she also began to write. Only after the Cultural Revolution (1966–67) did she publish her first story" 'Die Musik der Wälder' culturebase.net.'' Russian children literature really was her inspiration to begin writing. Also, she was one of the first Modern writers to write about women and love. 'Love must not be forgotten' was her first novel about these issues of love.

'''1979'''
Zhang Jie joined the Chinese Writers Association. Zhang Jie’s work was popular.

'''1980'''
Her acclaim novella 'Heavy Wings' was published and very well received. She had waited for a long time and because of the changes and relatively freedoms that China was experiencing this was the right moment to do it. Also, Zhang Jie joined the Chinese Communist Party.

'''1982'''
She becomes a member of the PEN International. Zhang Jie would travel outside of China for the first time ever to attend a conference in Los Angeles, at UCLA, where she would meet American writer and journalist 'Harrison Salisbury'. Dillard, pag 63. Zhang Jie must have been very happy that she can finally write all she wanted.

'''1985'''
She was awarded the Mao Dun Literature Prize for ''Leaden Wings = Heavy Wings''.''"This novel is one of the three which jointly won the 1985 Mao Dun Literary Prize, the most prestigious award for novels in China" jstor.org''

'''2005'''
Zhang Jie was awarded for the second time the Mao Dun Literature Prize for 'Without a Word'. She is the only author to have won this prize twice.

[[File:Zhang-jie-0719L.jpg|500px|thumb|right|In 1985, Zhang Jie won the Mao Dun Prize Click [http://images2.chinatraveldepot.com/Images/Destination/Zhang-jie-0719L.jpg here] for original source ]]

== Two Faces of Chinese Literature ==
I think it is helpful and important to distinguish 2 faces in Chinese Literature, and which one Zhang Jie belongs too, this way we can comprehend even better the Chinese Literature evolution and what group accompany the author. Together with Zhang Jie, these authors and their writings will be the ones in charge to lead China into a new direction.

The first face was in the 1920s.- It started with the fall of the Empire and the disintegration of the Old Traditional Literacy. The beginning of the ‘Chinese Literature Modern Classics was born’, the unforgettable Lu Xun, Lao She, Cao Yu, Mao Deng, Ba Jin and others, ''"At that moment the canonical list of modern classics of Chinese literature came out: Lu Xun, Lao She, Cao Yu, Mao Dun, Ba Jin” www.upf.edu.''

The Second face during the 1980s.- A period of relative relaxation begins that allowed the ‘emerge of new climate of cultural creativity’. The distinction of what it was ‘Revolutionary Literature between – Modern Literature’ was well noticed. "The young writers that had to remain silent had been waken (Good morning Zhang Jie!)." In this face: we found Zhang Jie, Wang Meng, Liu Xiabo, Wang Shuo, Hao Shaogong and many more.

== Fun Facts about Zhang Jie ==
[[File:Cute.jpg|250px|thumb|left|Zhang Jie, loves cats and was seeing playing with one at UCLA conference. Click [http://www.thedibb.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=662542] for original source ]]
Zhang Jie loves to giggle and to read books. She has a way of looking at you with sarcasm. Zhang Jie also likes Siamese cats a lot. During the UCLA conference, she got a hold of somebody's cat and would not let go of it. People reported that she was holding on to the cat the wrong way, the cat’s behind was facing people in front of her, while the face of the cat was facing Zhang Jie’s back, funny way to hold a kitty, and she did it for a while too, ''"Zhang Jie and innovative and controversial young writer, is carrying my Siamese cat around the house. She holds it by the armpit, so it faces the couch.” Dillard, pag 61.''
She also loves to speak softly and her work is regularly under fire. I guess people like to criticize her'' "Zhang Jie , whose own work is regularly under fire, had to defend the Party line.” Dillard, pag 68.''

== Her work ==
[[File:ZHangJieHenryMiller.png|400px|thumb|right|Zhang Jie and American writer 'Henry Miller'in 1984 Click [http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C507t-K16jQ/TguQwhGSIiI/AAAAAAAABF0/FI09ZHvkDT4/s320/ZHangJieHenryMiller.gif here]for original source ]]
Zhang Jie was raised by her mother, her parents were divorced. Probably at a young age witnessed and experienced the discrimination and abuse to the fact that she had no father. In those times it did not look good to be a single mother, you can be discriminated greatly. These facts had to have inspired Zhang Jie into her writings and allowed her to rule when she talks about what women went through during those times, since she had witnessed it herself. A good example of this in her book 'Heavy Wings' ''pag 107, "He darted a warning glance at Zheng. To him divorcees ranked with prostitutes.”''

'''Why Zhang Jie calls it "Heavy wings"'''
Zhang Jie is a smart writer, strong and brave representative of the new Modern generation. This generation is like a newborn or a new bird representing the Republic of China. Zhang Jie and writers like her are the ones that are responsible to help others break out of the shell, and show them how to fly high. But can they do it? Or, Are the wings of this nation 'too heavy to take off' and begin to fly completely free? You decide.

'''Zhang Jie way of writing'''
''By taking us inside the story, Zhang Jie show us how the people of China lives, how they struggle silently hoping for a change that is too slow in the process of happening, like a pregnant mother that is in contractions now, this mother or nation that has been evolving month by month, decade by decade, and is in growing pains of the changes that are taking place, for a new baby, a new nation that is pushing to come out, and by coming out is creating changes in the way of thinking of China, a China that wants to breath loud, that wants to take off flying freely, and wants to reach the stars without having the government teased her and tide her down like a kite. Erica Bazalar-Oaks.''

In this novella, Zhang Jie is brilliant! She takes us inside the society of China in a very personal way. She describes the personalities so well and body movements, their rooms, houses and buildings where they live, and through her words make us feel as spectators that we can be seating right there on a chair, or on the table near by ear dropping on the conversation the characters are having. Zhang Jie shows as a writer her brilliance and experience, when the story just flows. She goes from one story to another in such a subtle way, that you as the reader are not a bit distracted, but pleasingly surprise making you feel like a light feather traveling gently from one side to another. On her words, she also uses European phrases that are well known and demonstrates her past influences in readings, ''pag 95 "Not all high officials rested in their laurels.”'' Also Zhang Jie demonstrates something I found interesting, her unique and personal style of writing when she mixes in one situation, two elements from different backgrounds. She can convey and interesting way of thinking that she cleanly and successfully displays in her novella. A good example is when the character of Zheng was in the car letting the breeze to ruffle his hair, Zheng though to himself, ''pag 102, "Would this speech he had just made, like previous ones, vanish without a trace like a snowflake in the dessert?”'' Here, she uses the snowflake that happens on winter season, and combines it with the element of the dessert that portraits a hot weather, two different types of times to explain the feelings of the character of Zheng. I enjoyed that.

[[File:Zhang-jie.png|400px|thumb|left|Zhang Jie very young in her twenties Click [http://digital.library.upenn.edu/women/_gallery/zhang-jie.gif here] for original source ]]

== Analysis. Book 'Heavy Wings' ==

'''Heavy Wings also call Leaden Wings'''
Was published in 1980. Zhang Jie tells us what is happening today in Modern China after the Cultural Revolution, and where they stand in progress in their society and the world. One important thing that she writes about is 'marriage' in a country that is full of traditions, marriage can be one thing that is controversial to discuss. In Heavy Wings, the characters, women and men of different economical classes equally show their struggles in marriage, and fears of the society criticism if they would ever were to get divorce. Zhang Jie has been accused before of being immoral or too westernized, also to work against the party. Zhang Jie herself is divorced; in her work she stands for true love versus tradition. But, 'This also could mean that the author is suggesting that women and men can and should take their time experiencing falling in love! Before they go into rehearse marriage'. Also, this novella centers in the modernization of the Chinese industry and how the citizens are all for modern and bringing outside investments, especially interesting since Chinese people has not favored or trust outside companies. Heavy Wings give us as well an interesting inside of the social classes China has. We have the working classes that work in the industry very hard and barely get by, the middle class with the managers in charge that want to make a difference for their people and the ministers that are the ones that are way involve with the party, make the money and can do good or bad.

'''Modernization of China'''
When she talks about the modernization of China industry, she can give an excellent inside of thoughts about the progress in this organization, since she worked in this field for many years in the past. That means that she probably also witnessed the corruption that goes on; the good people that want to modernize and make a difference in their sector for the better, but encounter corruption with the bad people that only wants to hold on tied to communism rules, so they can benefit themselves and not the workers, that work hard and that need to make more money, to at least better their living conditions, ''pag 86 "To boost production in China you have to improve living conditions.”''

'''Divorce in the Chinese society'''
Heavy wings shows how people therefore might not be in love but because it would look bad on them, they have to put up with it, ''pag 34,"He seldom had free Sunday and they slept in different rooms.”''If they would divorce, for the men in their careers, they could lose their social status and be consider unstable losers, and for the women is far worst, if they became divorcees they can be look down as prostitutes, ''pag 107, "He darted a warning glance at Zheng. To him divorcees ranked with prostitutes.”'' One call only imagine how much Zheng Jie suffered when she was little looking at her mother been mistreated since her mother was divorced, and after loosing all position in society and money, Zheng Jie’s mother had to find a job, protect her daughter and put up with a society that did not protect her but made their lives worst. We can definitely tell that this part in Zhang Jie’s life influenced this writer a lot when she learnt this type of discrimination against her mother, against women in her society.

'''Tender moments'''
There are also great moments of tenderness in this story from Chinese men and women, that will give a better understanding of their deep hearts. ''Pag 79, "Everyone present was watching him in silence. The sight gave him fresh strength. Old Lü’s bearded chin beneath his bleary eyes was quivering. Chen put the dumpling into the old fellow’s mouth. ‘I let you down, Old Lü, he said.”''

[[File:ZhangJieHarrison.png|400px|thumb|right|Zhang Jie, at 45 (First time out of China) with writer Harrison Salisbury
In 1982, at the UCLA, US-Chinese writers conference Click [http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--m26XHdk0so/TguRGQWGs5I/AAAAAAAABF8/lzPMfkPY4Yw/s320/ZhangJieHarrison.gif here] for original source ]]
'''The way Chinese people live'''
We see the working Chinese people struggling to meet ends, with low salaries or enough to get by, and small and/or poor housing, if you can call some of these places mentioned in the story housing. Also there is not much money left, but to only go out for a meal, this is the way of entertainment. They really cannot get out of this type of social class. ''Pag 62, "China really gets its intellectuals on the cheap, Zheng though. Then, remembering the technicians in his ministry and the workers in factories, he reflected, he reflected that China got all its common people on the cheap”'', and the youth has no way of diversion or entertainment but to go out and eat. They could not go out to dance or have money to travel. ''Pag 62, "Zheng glanced round. ‘Apart from the two of us, everybody here’s young. Can’t blame. Eating out is their only diversion. What else can they do!”''

'''The careers that Chinese society forces on their people'''
Zhang show us how Chinese people’s education are not well rounded but are tailor to get jobs that will advance them in society. This situation does not make them happy but it is the way that it has been working for a long time, ''Pag 59, "Looking at his eyes Zheng Ziyun felt a stab of envy. In his young days he had wanted to study anthropology, literature or history, but fate had made him an official.”'' Chinese people dream to experience careers their society does not allow them to have, ''pag 85, "Keeping his eyes on the dark road, Chen said slowly, ‘In middle school I was mad on the violin, thought music the highest form of art. And I wanted to get a PHD in physics. But I’ve ended up a factory manager!” He laughed rather bitterly.''

'''Class struggles, history and beliefs do not let Chinese move forward'''
Zhang Jie let us know that the Chinese people mentality has to change or there will be no progress at all. ''Pag 42, "What they were up against now were deeply ingrained beliefs. These beliefs were like net in which all were caught. History was bound to condemn and eliminate them.”''

'''The Past of the Cultural Revolution = Communism will be remember'''
Zhang Jie made it clear that these abuses and crimes, did happened in China, that her thoughts in this book are not exaggerated or made up, but they come from 'real life events' that mark the Chinese people and their lives. - These events are vital to understand them and what they are fighting for -. During the Cultural Revolution with Mao, all that opposed the Communist party or look like they did, were kill, could be incarcerated, nearly kill to death, brutally bit up, abuse or persecuted. They could also be send to do 'restitution to these rural places' so they can be reform, ''pag 45, "The Cultural Revolution brought her fearful anxiety and distress: he was nearly beaten to death. When he came back after several months of confinement in a damp room he could hardly walk for arthritis.”''

'''Zhang Jie calls for a change in the government and the society of China'''.
This is a very provocative book and it calls for the Chinese people to change mentally too, to leave once and for all 'old habits or traditions' that hold them back, and open themselves to progress in their personal lives as well as resources or markets they use to do business with. ''pag 101, "For some years we studied chairman Mao’s works regardless of the political results. We competed to see who could write the most copious notes or parrot the most quotations. The effectiveness of political work should be judge by the new wealth created. We must run our economy according to economic laws and give up our old egalitarian way of all eating from one big pot. That stifles initiative.”''

'''Zhang Jie speaks about her goals as a writer'''
In September of 1982, Zhang Jie spoke at the UCLA, at the US-Chinese writers conference organized by Norman Cousins about her thoughts in Literature.''"Life should become what humans beings wish it to be"''. When she talks about us, as human beings and what we wish for, it is clear to me that in order to become anything, we must have freedom of choice. Zhang Jie also expressed her feelings of responsibility that she feels the writers have to the world,''"Pure literature as our purpose cannot exist, because the writer’s feeling will have an impact on the material world." Dillard, pag 64.'' Zhang Jie then wants freedom to become, but with the understanding that as writers they have a responsibility to impact the people for a better world.

== Powerpoint Slide ==
[[File:FINAL_DE_Zhang_Jie.pptx|thumb]]

== Disclosure ==
It has been a pleasure to have done this class with Mr Woesler. I have translated reference #1 and #6. I have been a translator for over 25 years. I had worked hard in my wiki and have done my very best to use the resources available to me in a respectful manner. In doing so, it is my hope that this work can help others 'strengthen the appreciation and knowledge of the Republic of China and their wonderful People'. Erica Bazalar-Oaks. www.bazalar.com.

== References ==
1. About Zhang Jie
http://www.miscelaneaeditores.com

2. Biography:
http://www.beijingscene.com/cissue/feature.html

3. http://www.marxists.org/history/erol/ncm-7/cwp-cr/part-3.htm

4. http://www.culturebase.net/artist.php?3577

5. Her novel:
http://www.jstor.org/discover/10.2307/2158675?uid=3739928&uid=2129&uid=2&uid=70&uid=4&uid=3739256&sid=21101404588403jstor.org

6. Faces of Chinese Literature:
http://www.upf.edu

7. http://www.iu.edu/~easc/outreach/educators/literature/workshops/doc/Perry_2005.pdf 11/16/2012

8. http://www.pen-international.org/

9. http://www.literaturfestival.com/participants/authors/2003/zhang-jie

10. http://contemporary_chinese_culture.academic.ru/952/Zhang_Jie

11. Book # 1
Encounters With Chinese Writers By Annie Dillard. Published by University Press of New England,1984.ISBN 0-8195-5130-9

12. Book # 2
The Australian Journal of Chinese Affairs. Published by The University of Chicago Press,1979.ISBN 01567365

13. Book # 3
Leaden Wings, Zhang Jie. Published by VIRAGO PRESS Limited 1987. ISBN 0-86068-759-7

Zhang Jie (born 1937)

2012-12-06T18:11:23Z

Ericaangie: /* Analysis of the Book Heavy Wings */

[[File:Arch002021286b.jpg|400px|thumb|right|Zhang Jie, an artistic photo by Buso. Click [http://www.martabuso.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/5e06319eda06f020e43594a9c230972d/a/r/arch002021286b.jpg here] for original source ]]
== About Zhang Jie ==
A one of a kind and brilliant Chinese Literature writer. She successfully took on socialism and turned it into a novella. She clearly show us what the people in China of all ranks had to suffer and went through during and after those times of communism, how did they deal with it, what was left to be entrusted with, to rebuild upon for a new generation in China. Zhang Jie began to write after the access of power began for Deng Xioping (Deputy Minister), the dead of Mao Tseng Tang occurred in 1976 and the fall of the Gang of Four occurred; this gang included Mao’s cruel wife, Jiang Qing, mastermind and political figure that together with Mao authored millions of crimes during the Cultural Revolution,''"She published her first novel 'Love must not be forgotten' in 1978, two years later after the death of the dictator Mao."'' www.miscelaneaeditores.com

It was after these events that Zhang Jie began to write. China finally began to experience a relatively more freedom for writers to create, and works of other foreign writers began to make their way into China. China started to get energized catching on the humanistic and artistic works of the world. It was beginning to exit the 10 years confinement of literature and oppression that had suffered during the Cultural Revolution. The extreme ideals of communism lost attention and writers could now use other themes in their stories, other than the working classes or soldiers. Zhang Jie was now 39 years old. She was finally able and experienced to establish her brilliant place in the Chinese Literature.

[[File:Brigitte_lin_book_fair_hk.jpg|400px|thumb|left|Zhang Jie, at a Hong Kong Book fair. They announced her book
'Without Words' will be go to the big screen. Click [http://wiki.vm.rub.de/uvu/images/5/59/Brigitte_lin_book_fair_hk.jpg here] for original source ]]

== Biography ==
'''1937'''
Zhang Jie was born in Beijing in 1937, her mother taught elementary school, she grew up poor even when she was a Manchu Royalty decedent. She had to escape the Japanese army that wanted to kill them. ''"Her mother, Manchurian royalty by birth but reduced to poverty by China's perpetual war and revolt, was a primary school teacher before the Japanese invasion." beijingscene.com.'' A guide that they meet introduced Zhang Jie to western children stories. The stories she read were from The Grimm brothers, Hans Christian Andersen and the fables of Krylov were among her favorites. Although people like to critic her because about this, Zhang Jie said that she is glad to have read these children stories, because they taught her to be consider to other people and not smash others on her way to success ''"I secretly congratulate myself and say that if I have one iota of human feeling, if I do not move up in the world by stepping on other people, do not use others to gain advantage, it is in large part due to the influence of the humanism in classical Western literature.” beijingscene.com''

'''1956'''
She wanted so badly to be a writer but end up studying economics ''"The government, however decided that because of her excellent school record she should study economics” Dillard pag 65.'' Zhang Jie cried about this but went anyways. Zhang Jie was admitted in RENMIN University of China.

'''1960'''
Zhang Jie, graduated and took a job in the Mechanics Engineer Industry that would allowed her a lot of information in this field to later write her Mao Dun Award winning book 'Heavy Wings (Leaden Wings)'. She worked in this industry for eight years.

'''1963'''
She married a colleague and had a daughter called 'Tang Di'

'''1964'''
Mao wanted the writers like Zhang Jie to experience equality with the rural or less fortunate people, and get rid off any funny ideas of possible superiority they might have ''"In addition to the Socialist Education Movement in the countryside, Mao repeatedly urged the literature and arts circles, as well as the various propaganda arms, to reform their areas.” marxists.org.''

'''1969'''
At the age of 32 Zhang Jie was sent to a farm for four years to be reform to Jiangxi, located southwest if China. Even when they have lost all money and connection of her royal family, because of her royal lineage, she was considered of a privilege class, so according to the teachings of Mao Tseng Tang she needed to be reform and experience the workers life. ''"Because she was the daughter of a right winger, she was forced to participate in re-educational measures at a special school from 1969 to 1972.” culture.base.net.'' During these times, it must have been very hard to be separated of her daughter and mother.

'''1978'''
Zhang Jie published her first children story right after the Culture Revolution called 'Music of the Forests', and won China national award ''"It was at this time that she also began to write. Only after the Cultural Revolution (1966–67) did she publish her first story" 'Die Musik der Wälder' culturebase.net.'' Russian children literature really was her inspiration to begin writing. Also, she was one of the first Modern writers to write about women and love. 'Love must not be forgotten' was her first novel about these issues of love.

'''1979'''
Zhang Jie joined the Chinese Writers Association. Zhang Jie’s work was popular.

'''1980'''
Her acclaim novella 'Heavy Wings' was published and very well received. She had waited for a long time and because of the changes and relatively freedoms that China was experiencing this was the right moment to do it. Also, Zhang Jie joined the Chinese Communist Party.

'''1982'''
She becomes a member of the PEN International. Zhang Jie would travel outside of China for the first time ever to attend a conference in Los Angeles, at UCLA, where she would meet American writer and journalist 'Harrison Salisbury'. Dillard, pag 63. Zhang Jie must have been very happy that she can finally write all she wanted.

'''1985'''
She was awarded the Mao Dun Literature Prize for ''Leaden Wings = Heavy Wings''.''"This novel is one of the three which jointly won the 1985 Mao Dun Literary Prize, the most prestigious award for novels in China" jstor.org''

'''2005'''
Zhang Jie was awarded for the second time the Mao Dun Literature Prize for 'Without a Word'. She is the only author to have won this prize twice.

[[File:Zhang-jie-0719L.jpg|500px|thumb|right|In 1985, Zhang Jie won the Mao Dun Prize Click [http://images2.chinatraveldepot.com/Images/Destination/Zhang-jie-0719L.jpg here] for original source ]]

== Two Faces of Chinese Literature ==
I think it is helpful and important to distinguish 2 faces in Chinese Literature, and which one Zhang Jie belongs too, this way we can comprehend even better the Chinese Literature evolution and what group accompany the author. Together with Zhang Jie, these authors and their writings will be the ones in charge to lead China into a new direction.

The first face was in the 1920s.- It started with the fall of the Empire and the disintegration of the Old Traditional Literacy. The beginning of the ‘Chinese Literature Modern Classics was born’, the unforgettable Lu Xun, Lao She, Cao Yu, Mao Deng, Ba Jin and others, ''"At that moment the canonical list of modern classics of Chinese literature came out: Lu Xun, Lao She, Cao Yu, Mao Dun, Ba Jin” www.upf.edu.''

The Second face during the 1980s.- A period of relative relaxation begins that allowed the ‘emerge of new climate of cultural creativity’. The distinction of what it was ‘Revolutionary Literature between – Modern Literature’ was well noticed. "The young writers that had to remain silent had been waken (Good morning Zhang Jie!)." In this face: we found Zhang Jie, Wang Meng, Liu Xiabo, Wang Shuo, Hao Shaogong and many more.

== Fun Facts about Zhang Jie ==
[[File:Cute.jpg|250px|thumb|left|Zhang Jie, loves cats and was seeing playing with one at UCLA conference. Click [http://www.thedibb.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=662542] for original source ]]
Zhang Jie loves to giggle and to read books. She has a way of looking at you with sarcasm. Zhang Jie also likes Siamese cats a lot. During the UCLA conference, she got a hold of somebody's cat and would not let go of it. People reported that she was holding on to the cat the wrong way, the cat’s behind was facing people in front of her, while the face of the cat was facing Zhang Jie’s back, funny way to hold a kitty, and she did it for a while too, ''"Zhang Jie and innovative and controversial young writer, is carrying my Siamese cat around the house. She holds it by the armpit, so it faces the couch.” Dillard, pag 61.''
She also loves to speak softly and her work is regularly under fire. I guess people like to criticize her'' "Zhang Jie , whose own work is regularly under fire, had to defend the Party line.” Dillard, pag 68.''

== Her work ==
[[File:ZHangJieHenryMiller.png|400px|thumb|right|Zhang Jie and American writer 'Henry Miller'in 1984 Click [http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C507t-K16jQ/TguQwhGSIiI/AAAAAAAABF0/FI09ZHvkDT4/s320/ZHangJieHenryMiller.gif here]for original source ]]
Zhang Jie was raised by her mother, her parents were divorced. Probably at a young age witnessed and experienced the discrimination and abuse to the fact that she had no father. In those times it did not look good to be a single mother, you can be discriminated greatly. These facts had to have inspired Zhang Jie into her writings and allowed her to rule when she talks about what women went through during those times, since she had witnessed it herself. A good example of this in her book 'Heavy Wings' ''pag 107, "He darted a warning glance at Zheng. To him divorcees ranked with prostitutes.”''

'''Why Zhang Jie calls it "Heavy wings"'''
Zhang Jie is a smart writer, strong and brave representative of the new Modern generation. This generation is like a newborn or a new bird representing the Republic of China. Zhang Jie and writers like her are the ones that are responsible to help others break out of the shell, and show them how to fly high. But can they do it? Or, Are the wings of this nation 'too heavy to take off' and begin to fly completely free? You decide.

'''Zhang Jie way of writing'''
''By taking us inside the story, Zhang Jie show us how the people of China lives, how they struggle silently hoping for a change that is too slow in the process of happening, like a pregnant mother that is in contractions now, this mother or nation that has been evolving month by month, decade by decade, and is in growing pains of the changes that are taking place, for a new baby, a new nation that is pushing to come out, and by coming out is creating changes in the way of thinking of China, a China that wants to breath loud, that wants to take off flying freely, and wants to reach the stars without having the government teased her and tide her down like a kite. Erica Bazalar-Oaks.''

In this novella, Zhang Jie is brilliant! She takes us inside the society of China in a very personal way. She describes the personalities so well and body movements, their rooms, houses and buildings where they live, and through her words make us feel as spectators that we can be seating right there on a chair, or on the table near by ear dropping on the conversation the characters are having. Zhang Jie shows as a writer her brilliance and experience, when the story just flows. She goes from one story to another in such a subtle way, that you as the reader are not a bit distracted, but pleasingly surprise making you feel like a light feather traveling gently from one side to another. On her words, she also uses European phrases that are well known and demonstrates her past influences in readings, ''pag 95 "Not all high officials rested in their laurels.”'' Also Zhang Jie demonstrates something I found interesting, her unique and personal style of writing when she mixes in one situation, two elements from different backgrounds. She can convey and interesting way of thinking that she cleanly and successfully displays in her novella. A good example is when the character of Zheng was in the car letting the breeze to ruffle his hair, Zheng though to himself, ''pag 102, "Would this speech he had just made, like previous ones, vanish without a trace like a snowflake in the dessert?”'' Here, she uses the snowflake that happens on winter season, and combines it with the element of the dessert that portraits a hot weather, two different types of times to explain the feelings of the character of Zheng. I enjoyed that.

[[File:Zhang-jie.png|400px|thumb|left|Zhang Jie very young in her twenties Click [http://digital.library.upenn.edu/women/_gallery/zhang-jie.gif here] for original source ]]

== Analysis of the book Heavy Wings ==

'''Heavy Wings also call Leaden Wings'''
Was published in 1980. Zhang Jie tells us what is happening today in Modern China after the Cultural Revolution, and where they stand in progress in their society and the world. One important thing that she writes about is 'marriage' in a country that is full of traditions, marriage can be one thing that is controversial to discuss. In Heavy Wings, the characters, women and men of different economical classes equally show their struggles in marriage, and fears of the society criticism if they would ever were to get divorce. Zhang Jie has been accused before of being immoral or too westernized, also to work against the party. Zhang Jie herself is divorced; in her work she stands for true love versus tradition. But, 'This also could mean that the author is suggesting that women and men can and should take their time experiencing falling in love! Before they go into rehearse marriage'. Also, this novella centers in the modernization of the Chinese industry and how the citizens are all for modern and bringing outside investments, especially interesting since Chinese people has not favored or trust outside companies. Heavy Wings give us as well an interesting inside of the social classes China has. We have the working classes that work in the industry very hard and barely get by, the middle class with the managers in charge that want to make a difference for their people and the ministers that are the ones that are way involve with the party, make the money and can do good or bad.

'''Modernization of China'''
When she talks about the modernization of China industry, she can give an excellent inside of thoughts about the progress in this organization, since she worked in this field for many years in the past. That means that she probably also witnessed the corruption that goes on; the good people that want to modernize and make a difference in their sector for the better, but encounter corruption with the bad people that only wants to hold on tied to communism rules, so they can benefit themselves and not the workers, that work hard and that need to make more money, to at least better their living conditions, ''pag 86 "To boost production in China you have to improve living conditions.”''

'''Divorce in the Chinese society'''
Heavy wings shows how people therefore might not be in love but because it would look bad on them, they have to put up with it, ''pag 34,"He seldom had free Sunday and they slept in different rooms.”''If they would divorce, for the men in their careers, they could lose their social status and be consider unstable losers, and for the women is far worst, if they became divorcees they can be look down as prostitutes, ''pag 107, "He darted a warning glance at Zheng. To him divorcees ranked with prostitutes.”'' One call only imagine how much Zheng Jie suffered when she was little looking at her mother been mistreated since her mother was divorced, and after loosing all position in society and money, Zheng Jie’s mother had to find a job, protect her daughter and put up with a society that did not protect her but made their lives worst. We can definitely tell that this part in Zhang Jie’s life influenced this writer a lot when she learnt this type of discrimination against her mother, against women in her society.

'''Tender moments'''
There are also great moments of tenderness in this story from Chinese men and women, that will give a better understanding of their deep hearts. ''Pag 79, "Everyone present was watching him in silence. The sight gave him fresh strength. Old Lü’s bearded chin beneath his bleary eyes was quivering. Chen put the dumpling into the old fellow’s mouth. ‘I let you down, Old Lü, he said.”''

[[File:ZhangJieHarrison.png|400px|thumb|right|Zhang Jie, at 45 (First time out of China) with writer Harrison Salisbury
In 1982, at the UCLA, US-Chinese writers conference Click [http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--m26XHdk0so/TguRGQWGs5I/AAAAAAAABF8/lzPMfkPY4Yw/s320/ZhangJieHarrison.gif here] for original source ]]
'''The way Chinese people live'''
We see the working Chinese people struggling to meet ends, with low salaries or enough to get by, and small and/or poor housing, if you can call some of these places mentioned in the story housing. Also there is not much money left, but to only go out for a meal, this is the way of entertainment. They really cannot get out of this type of social class. ''Pag 62, "China really gets its intellectuals on the cheap, Zheng though. Then, remembering the technicians in his ministry and the workers in factories, he reflected, he reflected that China got all its common people on the cheap”'', and the youth has no way of diversion or entertainment but to go out and eat. They could not go out to dance or have money to travel. ''Pag 62, "Zheng glanced round. ‘Apart from the two of us, everybody here’s young. Can’t blame. Eating out is their only diversion. What else can they do!”''

'''The careers that Chinese society forces on their people'''
Zhang show us how Chinese people’s education are not well rounded but are tailor to get jobs that will advance them in society. This situation does not make them happy but it is the way that it has been working for a long time, ''Pag 59, "Looking at his eyes Zheng Ziyun felt a stab of envy. In his young days he had wanted to study anthropology, literature or history, but fate had made him an official.”'' Chinese people dream to experience careers their society does not allow them to have, ''pag 85, "Keeping his eyes on the dark road, Chen said slowly, ‘In middle school I was mad on the violin, thought music the highest form of art. And I wanted to get a PHD in physics. But I’ve ended up a factory manager!” He laughed rather bitterly.''

'''Class struggles, history and beliefs do not let Chinese move forward'''
Zhang Jie let us know that the Chinese people mentality has to change or there will be no progress at all. ''Pag 42, "What they were up against now were deeply ingrained beliefs. These beliefs were like net in which all were caught. History was bound to condemn and eliminate them.”''

'''The Past of the Cultural Revolution = Communism will be remember'''
Zhang Jie made it clear that these abuses and crimes, did happened in China, that her thoughts in this book are not exaggerated or made up, but they come from 'real life events' that mark the Chinese people and their lives. - These events are vital to understand them and what they are fighting for -. During the Cultural Revolution with Mao, all that opposed the Communist party or look like they did, were kill, could be incarcerated, nearly kill to death, brutally bit up, abuse or persecuted. They could also be send to do 'restitution to these rural places' so they can be reform, ''pag 45, "The Cultural Revolution brought her fearful anxiety and distress: he was nearly beaten to death. When he came back after several months of confinement in a damp room he could hardly walk for arthritis.”''

'''Zhang Jie calls for a change in the government and the society of China'''.
This is a very provocative book and it calls for the Chinese people to change mentally too, to leave once and for all 'old habits or traditions' that hold them back, and open themselves to progress in their personal lives as well as resources or markets they use to do business with. ''pag 101, "For some years we studied chairman Mao’s works regardless of the political results. We competed to see who could write the most copious notes or parrot the most quotations. The effectiveness of political work should be judge by the new wealth created. We must run our economy according to economic laws and give up our old egalitarian way of all eating from one big pot. That stifles initiative.”''

'''Zhang Jie speaks about her goals as a writer'''
In September of 1982, Zhang Jie spoke at the UCLA, at the US-Chinese writers conference organized by Norman Cousins about her thoughts in Literature.''"Life should become what humans beings wish it to be"''. When she talks about us, as human beings and what we wish for, it is clear to me that in order to become anything, we must have freedom of choice. Zhang Jie also expressed her feelings of responsibility that she feels the writers have to the world,''"Pure literature as our purpose cannot exist, because the writer’s feeling will have an impact on the material world." Dillard, pag 64.'' Zhang Jie then wants freedom to become, but with the understanding that as writers they have a responsibility to impact the people for a better world.

== Powerpoint Slide ==
[[File:FINAL_DE_Zhang_Jie.pptx|thumb]]

== Disclosure ==
It has been a pleasure to have done this class with Mr Woesler. I have translated reference #1 and #6. I have been a translator for over 25 years. I had worked hard in my wiki and have done my very best to use the resources available to me in a respectful manner. In doing so, it is my hope that this work can help others 'strengthen the appreciation and knowledge of the Republic of China and their wonderful People'. Erica Bazalar-Oaks. www.bazalar.com.

== References ==
1. About Zhang Jie
http://www.miscelaneaeditores.com

2. Biography:
http://www.beijingscene.com/cissue/feature.html

3. http://www.marxists.org/history/erol/ncm-7/cwp-cr/part-3.htm

4. http://www.culturebase.net/artist.php?3577

5. Her novel:
http://www.jstor.org/discover/10.2307/2158675?uid=3739928&uid=2129&uid=2&uid=70&uid=4&uid=3739256&sid=21101404588403jstor.org

6. Faces of Chinese Literature:
http://www.upf.edu

7. http://www.iu.edu/~easc/outreach/educators/literature/workshops/doc/Perry_2005.pdf 11/16/2012

8. http://www.pen-international.org/

9. http://www.literaturfestival.com/participants/authors/2003/zhang-jie

10. http://contemporary_chinese_culture.academic.ru/952/Zhang_Jie

11. Book # 1
Encounters With Chinese Writers By Annie Dillard. Published by University Press of New England,1984.ISBN 0-8195-5130-9

12. Book # 2
The Australian Journal of Chinese Affairs. Published by The University of Chicago Press,1979.ISBN 01567365

13. Book # 3
Leaden Wings, Zhang Jie. Published by VIRAGO PRESS Limited 1987. ISBN 0-86068-759-7

Zhang Jie (born 1937)

2012-12-06T18:10:38Z

Ericaangie: /* About Zhang Jie */

[[File:Arch002021286b.jpg|400px|thumb|right|Zhang Jie, an artistic photo by Buso. Click [http://www.martabuso.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/5e06319eda06f020e43594a9c230972d/a/r/arch002021286b.jpg here] for original source ]]
== About Zhang Jie ==
A one of a kind and brilliant Chinese Literature writer. She successfully took on socialism and turned it into a novella. She clearly show us what the people in China of all ranks had to suffer and went through during and after those times of communism, how did they deal with it, what was left to be entrusted with, to rebuild upon for a new generation in China. Zhang Jie began to write after the access of power began for Deng Xioping (Deputy Minister), the dead of Mao Tseng Tang occurred in 1976 and the fall of the Gang of Four occurred; this gang included Mao’s cruel wife, Jiang Qing, mastermind and political figure that together with Mao authored millions of crimes during the Cultural Revolution,''"She published her first novel 'Love must not be forgotten' in 1978, two years later after the death of the dictator Mao."'' www.miscelaneaeditores.com

It was after these events that Zhang Jie began to write. China finally began to experience a relatively more freedom for writers to create, and works of other foreign writers began to make their way into China. China started to get energized catching on the humanistic and artistic works of the world. It was beginning to exit the 10 years confinement of literature and oppression that had suffered during the Cultural Revolution. The extreme ideals of communism lost attention and writers could now use other themes in their stories, other than the working classes or soldiers. Zhang Jie was now 39 years old. She was finally able and experienced to establish her brilliant place in the Chinese Literature.

[[File:Brigitte_lin_book_fair_hk.jpg|400px|thumb|left|Zhang Jie, at a Hong Kong Book fair. They announced her book
'Without Words' will be go to the big screen. Click [http://wiki.vm.rub.de/uvu/images/5/59/Brigitte_lin_book_fair_hk.jpg here] for original source ]]

== Biography ==
'''1937'''
Zhang Jie was born in Beijing in 1937, her mother taught elementary school, she grew up poor even when she was a Manchu Royalty decedent. She had to escape the Japanese army that wanted to kill them. ''"Her mother, Manchurian royalty by birth but reduced to poverty by China's perpetual war and revolt, was a primary school teacher before the Japanese invasion." beijingscene.com.'' A guide that they meet introduced Zhang Jie to western children stories. The stories she read were from The Grimm brothers, Hans Christian Andersen and the fables of Krylov were among her favorites. Although people like to critic her because about this, Zhang Jie said that she is glad to have read these children stories, because they taught her to be consider to other people and not smash others on her way to success ''"I secretly congratulate myself and say that if I have one iota of human feeling, if I do not move up in the world by stepping on other people, do not use others to gain advantage, it is in large part due to the influence of the humanism in classical Western literature.” beijingscene.com''

'''1956'''
She wanted so badly to be a writer but end up studying economics ''"The government, however decided that because of her excellent school record she should study economics” Dillard pag 65.'' Zhang Jie cried about this but went anyways. Zhang Jie was admitted in RENMIN University of China.

'''1960'''
Zhang Jie, graduated and took a job in the Mechanics Engineer Industry that would allowed her a lot of information in this field to later write her Mao Dun Award winning book 'Heavy Wings (Leaden Wings)'. She worked in this industry for eight years.

'''1963'''
She married a colleague and had a daughter called 'Tang Di'

'''1964'''
Mao wanted the writers like Zhang Jie to experience equality with the rural or less fortunate people, and get rid off any funny ideas of possible superiority they might have ''"In addition to the Socialist Education Movement in the countryside, Mao repeatedly urged the literature and arts circles, as well as the various propaganda arms, to reform their areas.” marxists.org.''

'''1969'''
At the age of 32 Zhang Jie was sent to a farm for four years to be reform to Jiangxi, located southwest if China. Even when they have lost all money and connection of her royal family, because of her royal lineage, she was considered of a privilege class, so according to the teachings of Mao Tseng Tang she needed to be reform and experience the workers life. ''"Because she was the daughter of a right winger, she was forced to participate in re-educational measures at a special school from 1969 to 1972.” culture.base.net.'' During these times, it must have been very hard to be separated of her daughter and mother.

'''1978'''
Zhang Jie published her first children story right after the Culture Revolution called 'Music of the Forests', and won China national award ''"It was at this time that she also began to write. Only after the Cultural Revolution (1966–67) did she publish her first story" 'Die Musik der Wälder' culturebase.net.'' Russian children literature really was her inspiration to begin writing. Also, she was one of the first Modern writers to write about women and love. 'Love must not be forgotten' was her first novel about these issues of love.

'''1979'''
Zhang Jie joined the Chinese Writers Association. Zhang Jie’s work was popular.

'''1980'''
Her acclaim novella 'Heavy Wings' was published and very well received. She had waited for a long time and because of the changes and relatively freedoms that China was experiencing this was the right moment to do it. Also, Zhang Jie joined the Chinese Communist Party.

'''1982'''
She becomes a member of the PEN International. Zhang Jie would travel outside of China for the first time ever to attend a conference in Los Angeles, at UCLA, where she would meet American writer and journalist 'Harrison Salisbury'. Dillard, pag 63. Zhang Jie must have been very happy that she can finally write all she wanted.

'''1985'''
She was awarded the Mao Dun Literature Prize for ''Leaden Wings = Heavy Wings''.''"This novel is one of the three which jointly won the 1985 Mao Dun Literary Prize, the most prestigious award for novels in China" jstor.org''

'''2005'''
Zhang Jie was awarded for the second time the Mao Dun Literature Prize for 'Without a Word'. She is the only author to have won this prize twice.

[[File:Zhang-jie-0719L.jpg|500px|thumb|right|In 1985, Zhang Jie won the Mao Dun Prize Click [http://images2.chinatraveldepot.com/Images/Destination/Zhang-jie-0719L.jpg here] for original source ]]

== Two Faces of Chinese Literature ==
I think it is helpful and important to distinguish 2 faces in Chinese Literature, and which one Zhang Jie belongs too, this way we can comprehend even better the Chinese Literature evolution and what group accompany the author. Together with Zhang Jie, these authors and their writings will be the ones in charge to lead China into a new direction.

The first face was in the 1920s.- It started with the fall of the Empire and the disintegration of the Old Traditional Literacy. The beginning of the ‘Chinese Literature Modern Classics was born’, the unforgettable Lu Xun, Lao She, Cao Yu, Mao Deng, Ba Jin and others, ''"At that moment the canonical list of modern classics of Chinese literature came out: Lu Xun, Lao She, Cao Yu, Mao Dun, Ba Jin” www.upf.edu.''

The Second face during the 1980s.- A period of relative relaxation begins that allowed the ‘emerge of new climate of cultural creativity’. The distinction of what it was ‘Revolutionary Literature between – Modern Literature’ was well noticed. "The young writers that had to remain silent had been waken (Good morning Zhang Jie!)." In this face: we found Zhang Jie, Wang Meng, Liu Xiabo, Wang Shuo, Hao Shaogong and many more.

== Fun Facts about Zhang Jie ==
[[File:Cute.jpg|250px|thumb|left|Zhang Jie, loves cats and was seeing playing with one at UCLA conference. Click [http://www.thedibb.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=662542] for original source ]]
Zhang Jie loves to giggle and to read books. She has a way of looking at you with sarcasm. Zhang Jie also likes Siamese cats a lot. During the UCLA conference, she got a hold of somebody's cat and would not let go of it. People reported that she was holding on to the cat the wrong way, the cat’s behind was facing people in front of her, while the face of the cat was facing Zhang Jie’s back, funny way to hold a kitty, and she did it for a while too, ''"Zhang Jie and innovative and controversial young writer, is carrying my Siamese cat around the house. She holds it by the armpit, so it faces the couch.” Dillard, pag 61.''
She also loves to speak softly and her work is regularly under fire. I guess people like to criticize her'' "Zhang Jie , whose own work is regularly under fire, had to defend the Party line.” Dillard, pag 68.''

== Her work ==
[[File:ZHangJieHenryMiller.png|400px|thumb|right|Zhang Jie and American writer 'Henry Miller'in 1984 Click [http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C507t-K16jQ/TguQwhGSIiI/AAAAAAAABF0/FI09ZHvkDT4/s320/ZHangJieHenryMiller.gif here]for original source ]]
Zhang Jie was raised by her mother, her parents were divorced. Probably at a young age witnessed and experienced the discrimination and abuse to the fact that she had no father. In those times it did not look good to be a single mother, you can be discriminated greatly. These facts had to have inspired Zhang Jie into her writings and allowed her to rule when she talks about what women went through during those times, since she had witnessed it herself. A good example of this in her book 'Heavy Wings' ''pag 107, "He darted a warning glance at Zheng. To him divorcees ranked with prostitutes.”''

'''Why Zhang Jie calls it "Heavy wings"'''
Zhang Jie is a smart writer, strong and brave representative of the new Modern generation. This generation is like a newborn or a new bird representing the Republic of China. Zhang Jie and writers like her are the ones that are responsible to help others break out of the shell, and show them how to fly high. But can they do it? Or, Are the wings of this nation 'too heavy to take off' and begin to fly completely free? You decide.

'''Zhang Jie way of writing'''
''By taking us inside the story, Zhang Jie show us how the people of China lives, how they struggle silently hoping for a change that is too slow in the process of happening, like a pregnant mother that is in contractions now, this mother or nation that has been evolving month by month, decade by decade, and is in growing pains of the changes that are taking place, for a new baby, a new nation that is pushing to come out, and by coming out is creating changes in the way of thinking of China, a China that wants to breath loud, that wants to take off flying freely, and wants to reach the stars without having the government teased her and tide her down like a kite. Erica Bazalar-Oaks.''

In this novella, Zhang Jie is brilliant! She takes us inside the society of China in a very personal way. She describes the personalities so well and body movements, their rooms, houses and buildings where they live, and through her words make us feel as spectators that we can be seating right there on a chair, or on the table near by ear dropping on the conversation the characters are having. Zhang Jie shows as a writer her brilliance and experience, when the story just flows. She goes from one story to another in such a subtle way, that you as the reader are not a bit distracted, but pleasingly surprise making you feel like a light feather traveling gently from one side to another. On her words, she also uses European phrases that are well known and demonstrates her past influences in readings, ''pag 95 "Not all high officials rested in their laurels.”'' Also Zhang Jie demonstrates something I found interesting, her unique and personal style of writing when she mixes in one situation, two elements from different backgrounds. She can convey and interesting way of thinking that she cleanly and successfully displays in her novella. A good example is when the character of Zheng was in the car letting the breeze to ruffle his hair, Zheng though to himself, ''pag 102, "Would this speech he had just made, like previous ones, vanish without a trace like a snowflake in the dessert?”'' Here, she uses the snowflake that happens on winter season, and combines it with the element of the dessert that portraits a hot weather, two different types of times to explain the feelings of the character of Zheng. I enjoyed that.

[[File:Zhang-jie.png|400px|thumb|left|Zhang Jie very young in her twenties Click [http://digital.library.upenn.edu/women/_gallery/zhang-jie.gif here] for original source ]]

== Analysis of the Book Heavy Wings ==

'''Heavy Wings also call Leaden Wings'''
Was published in 1980. Zhang Jie tells us what is happening today in Modern China after the Cultural Revolution, and where they stand in progress in their society and the world. One important thing that she writes about is 'marriage' in a country that is full of traditions, marriage can be one thing that is controversial to discuss. In Heavy Wings, the characters, women and men of different economical classes equally show their struggles in marriage, and fears of the society criticism if they would ever were to get divorce. Zhang Jie has been accused before of being immoral or too westernized, also to work against the party. Zhang Jie herself is divorced; in her work she stands for true love versus tradition. But, 'This also could mean that the author is suggesting that women and men can and should take their time experiencing falling in love! Before they go into rehearse marriage'. Also, this novella centers in the modernization of the Chinese industry and how the citizens are all for modern and bringing outside investments, especially interesting since Chinese people has not favored or trust outside companies. Heavy Wings give us as well an interesting inside of the social classes China has. We have the working classes that work in the industry very hard and barely get by, the middle class with the managers in charge that want to make a difference for their people and the ministers that are the ones that are way involve with the party, make the money and can do good or bad.

'''Modernization of China'''
When she talks about the modernization of China industry, she can give an excellent inside of thoughts about the progress in this organization, since she worked in this field for many years in the past. That means that she probably also witnessed the corruption that goes on; the good people that want to modernize and make a difference in their sector for the better, but encounter corruption with the bad people that only wants to hold on tied to communism rules, so they can benefit themselves and not the workers, that work hard and that need to make more money, to at least better their living conditions, ''pag 86 "To boost production in China you have to improve living conditions.”''

'''Divorce in the Chinese society'''
Heavy wings shows how people therefore might not be in love but because it would look bad on them, they have to put up with it, ''pag 34,"He seldom had free Sunday and they slept in different rooms.”''If they would divorce, for the men in their careers, they could lose their social status and be consider unstable losers, and for the women is far worst, if they became divorcees they can be look down as prostitutes, ''pag 107, "He darted a warning glance at Zheng. To him divorcees ranked with prostitutes.”'' One call only imagine how much Zheng Jie suffered when she was little looking at her mother been mistreated since her mother was divorced, and after loosing all position in society and money, Zheng Jie’s mother had to find a job, protect her daughter and put up with a society that did not protect her but made their lives worst. We can definitely tell that this part in Zhang Jie’s life influenced this writer a lot when she learnt this type of discrimination against her mother, against women in her society.

'''Tender moments'''
There are also great moments of tenderness in this story from Chinese men and women, that will give a better understanding of their deep hearts. ''Pag 79, "Everyone present was watching him in silence. The sight gave him fresh strength. Old Lü’s bearded chin beneath his bleary eyes was quivering. Chen put the dumpling into the old fellow’s mouth. ‘I let you down, Old Lü, he said.”''

[[File:ZhangJieHarrison.png|400px|thumb|right|Zhang Jie, at 45 (First time out of China) with writer Harrison Salisbury
In 1982, at the UCLA, US-Chinese writers conference Click [http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--m26XHdk0so/TguRGQWGs5I/AAAAAAAABF8/lzPMfkPY4Yw/s320/ZhangJieHarrison.gif here] for original source ]]
'''The way Chinese people live'''
We see the working Chinese people struggling to meet ends, with low salaries or enough to get by, and small and/or poor housing, if you can call some of these places mentioned in the story housing. Also there is not much money left, but to only go out for a meal, this is the way of entertainment. They really cannot get out of this type of social class. ''Pag 62, "China really gets its intellectuals on the cheap, Zheng though. Then, remembering the technicians in his ministry and the workers in factories, he reflected, he reflected that China got all its common people on the cheap”'', and the youth has no way of diversion or entertainment but to go out and eat. They could not go out to dance or have money to travel. ''Pag 62, "Zheng glanced round. ‘Apart from the two of us, everybody here’s young. Can’t blame. Eating out is their only diversion. What else can they do!”''

'''The careers that Chinese society forces on their people'''
Zhang show us how Chinese people’s education are not well rounded but are tailor to get jobs that will advance them in society. This situation does not make them happy but it is the way that it has been working for a long time, ''Pag 59, "Looking at his eyes Zheng Ziyun felt a stab of envy. In his young days he had wanted to study anthropology, literature or history, but fate had made him an official.”'' Chinese people dream to experience careers their society does not allow them to have, ''pag 85, "Keeping his eyes on the dark road, Chen said slowly, ‘In middle school I was mad on the violin, thought music the highest form of art. And I wanted to get a PHD in physics. But I’ve ended up a factory manager!” He laughed rather bitterly.''

'''Class struggles, history and beliefs do not let Chinese move forward'''
Zhang Jie let us know that the Chinese people mentality has to change or there will be no progress at all. ''Pag 42, "What they were up against now were deeply ingrained beliefs. These beliefs were like net in which all were caught. History was bound to condemn and eliminate them.”''

'''The Past of the Cultural Revolution = Communism will be remember'''
Zhang Jie made it clear that these abuses and crimes, did happened in China, that her thoughts in this book are not exaggerated or made up, but they come from 'real life events' that mark the Chinese people and their lives. - These events are vital to understand them and what they are fighting for -. During the Cultural Revolution with Mao, all that opposed the Communist party or look like they did, were kill, could be incarcerated, nearly kill to death, brutally bit up, abuse or persecuted. They could also be send to do 'restitution to these rural places' so they can be reform, ''pag 45, "The Cultural Revolution brought her fearful anxiety and distress: he was nearly beaten to death. When he came back after several months of confinement in a damp room he could hardly walk for arthritis.”''

'''Zhang Jie calls for a change in the government and the society of China'''.
This is a very provocative book and it calls for the Chinese people to change mentally too, to leave once and for all 'old habits or traditions' that hold them back, and open themselves to progress in their personal lives as well as resources or markets they use to do business with. ''pag 101, "For some years we studied chairman Mao’s works regardless of the political results. We competed to see who could write the most copious notes or parrot the most quotations. The effectiveness of political work should be judge by the new wealth created. We must run our economy according to economic laws and give up our old egalitarian way of all eating from one big pot. That stifles initiative.”''

'''Zhang Jie speaks about her goals as a writer'''
In September of 1982, Zhang Jie spoke at the UCLA, at the US-Chinese writers conference organized by Norman Cousins about her thoughts in Literature.''"Life should become what humans beings wish it to be"''. When she talks about us, as human beings and what we wish for, it is clear to me that in order to become anything, we must have freedom of choice. Zhang Jie also expressed her feelings of responsibility that she feels the writers have to the world,''"Pure literature as our purpose cannot exist, because the writer’s feeling will have an impact on the material world." Dillard, pag 64.'' Zhang Jie then wants freedom to become, but with the understanding that as writers they have a responsibility to impact the people for a better world.

== Powerpoint Slide ==
[[File:FINAL_DE_Zhang_Jie.pptx|thumb]]

== Disclosure ==
It has been a pleasure to have done this class with Mr Woesler. I have translated reference #1 and #6. I have been a translator for over 25 years. I had worked hard in my wiki and have done my very best to use the resources available to me in a respectful manner. In doing so, it is my hope that this work can help others 'strengthen the appreciation and knowledge of the Republic of China and their wonderful People'. Erica Bazalar-Oaks. www.bazalar.com.

== References ==
1. About Zhang Jie
http://www.miscelaneaeditores.com

2. Biography:
http://www.beijingscene.com/cissue/feature.html

3. http://www.marxists.org/history/erol/ncm-7/cwp-cr/part-3.htm

4. http://www.culturebase.net/artist.php?3577

5. Her novel:
http://www.jstor.org/discover/10.2307/2158675?uid=3739928&uid=2129&uid=2&uid=70&uid=4&uid=3739256&sid=21101404588403jstor.org

6. Faces of Chinese Literature:
http://www.upf.edu

7. http://www.iu.edu/~easc/outreach/educators/literature/workshops/doc/Perry_2005.pdf 11/16/2012

8. http://www.pen-international.org/

9. http://www.literaturfestival.com/participants/authors/2003/zhang-jie

10. http://contemporary_chinese_culture.academic.ru/952/Zhang_Jie

11. Book # 1
Encounters With Chinese Writers By Annie Dillard. Published by University Press of New England,1984.ISBN 0-8195-5130-9

12. Book # 2
The Australian Journal of Chinese Affairs. Published by The University of Chicago Press,1979.ISBN 01567365

13. Book # 3
Leaden Wings, Zhang Jie. Published by VIRAGO PRESS Limited 1987. ISBN 0-86068-759-7

Qian Zhongshu (1910

2012-12-06T18:08:39Z

Ericaangie:

[[File:Qian_Zhongshu_1940s.jpg‎|thumb|left|Qian Zhongshu]]

<h1>Qian Zhongshu (1910 – 1998)</h1>

<p><h2>Legacy</h2>
Qian ZhongShu is considered both in China and abroad, to be one of greatest contemporary Chinese writers of all times. His beautiful prose in writing that shows Chinese tradition, his cleaver suggestions of history in his writing and the use of different languages to convey traditions from all over the world, show modernism in educating the readers of important events as well as entertaining them. Qian Zhongshu introduces in his work a sense of an international sense of humor or way of thinking to the people of his time 1,900s. He kept readers inform of the current events and make them curious about the rest of the world. Despite the hard times he happened to lived his life in, he never lost his creativity. His writings shows a tremendous amount of work, research and recollection of international quotes. It has been translated in German, Ancient Greek, Italian, French, Russian, English, French and Spanish. Zhongshu choice to stay in China, and write in Chinese during the extremely hard times they were going through, proves with no doubt his great nationalism and love for his country.</p>

[[File:Yangjiang_6.jpg|thumb|Click [http://www.chinaheritagequarterly.org/features.php?searchterm=026_yangjiang.inc&issue=026] Qian Zhongshu with the love of his life, wife Yang Jiang]]

<p><h2>Early Life</h2>
Qian Zhongshu was born in Wuxi, from a well-educated family in 1910, his father Qian Jibo, was a known Confucius scholar and because of tradition, he sent Zhongshu to study with his uncle. His uncle would take Zhongshu to teahouses where Zhongshu was left alone to read books. It is known that when he was a little child, he was sat on the floor and his uncle offered him a bunch of things like toys, books. Zhongshu then went reaching for the books and that is why his name was to be “Zhongshu” which means, love for books. He also had another name his father gave him while complaining about him of been to talkative, it was “Mocun” which means, to stay in peace or to stay quiet, Zhongshu talkativeness obviously irritated his dad. When he was 10 years old, his uncle died. We know Zhongshu went out with him a lot and was educated by him for 10 years. This event been of such an importance could have impacted him for life. Zhongshu continued living with his widow aunt, even when she was getting poor and his biological family was doing well financially. This shows the level of love and attachment he had for his uncle’s family and how much he loved him. Zhongshu had to return to the strict teachings of his father. Zhongshu would become a “mastered in classical Chinese”. Zhongshu was a young man that, since he was a toddler was educated consistently and directed to developed and follow his Literature inclinations, he was darn good at it. Zhongshu was an accomplished young man, so it does not come as a surprise that he was so confident about his abilities and perhaps arrogant at times. I personally think because he also loved to joke around a lot, he was misunderstood. I can see how people would feel intimidated by him unnecessarily. Zhongshu won awards for his intelligence and abilities in Chinese Literature and English since he was a young child; his love for Literature and Languages was undeniable.
</p>
<h2>Teenage Life</h2>
<h3>1929</h3> Zhongshu was accepted into the Language Department of Tsing-Hua University; the university was later move to the South of China due to the War against Japanese invasion in 1937 "Tsinghua University was forced to move to Kunming and join with Peking University and Nankai University to form the Southwest Associated University due to the Resistance War against the Japanese Invasion in 1937. In 1946 The University was moved back to its original location in Beijing after the war" www.tsinghua.edu.cn. In this school although he failed at mathematics, he was so incredible good in Chinese and English that he was immediately accepted in the Language Department. At school he kept to himself and the students thought he was a stuck up. Zhongshu was always out of class and was always found out at the library reading, and he would tell everyone that he has pretty much read them all. Despite these events, Zhongshu excelled at Tsing-hua.

[[File:A9782267004830.jpg|thumb|Click [http://www.librairielephenix.fr/livres/la-forteresse-assiegee-9782267004830.html] Wedding Day]]

<h2>Adult Life</h2>
<h3>1935</h3> Zhongshu meets his match in Tsing-hua university, and accomplish young lady called Yang Jiang, who later will become a famous writer, play writer and translator. Yang Jiang translated “Don Quijote de la Mancha in 1978” and thanks to her, and their famous friend Yang Xianyi; well known translator, poet and recounter in China, who will invite all of the artists and writers of his time to his home, and make parties where everyone could share their work and talk freely; imagine that, what a feast! Wish I could have been a bee in the wall to hear what they were talking about. It is because of them, we are able to know more about the personality of Zhongshu and because of his wife Yang Jiang that we can also have more accurate information of the work of Zhongshu. Zhongshu married Yang Jiang, and he would later said about his wife, that he could not have meet a better woman like her because she was a great lover, mother and friend. It seems than even in his picks for marriage Zhongshu strived for the best. They had a daughter called Qian Yuan. In 1935, Zhongshu won a sponsorship to go Britain. He went to Europe with his wife and attended the Oxford University and the Sobornne, where he continued his studies and earned a “Bachelor of Literature”.

[[File:Cuijie8861200853018115866353-1.png|thumb|Click [http://www.for68.com/new/2008/5/cu93134518103580021244-1.htm] Qian Zhongshu with wife Yang Jiang and his daughter Qian Yuan. They loved each other very much. His wife wrote the memoir "We Three (我們仨)"]]

<h3>1937</h3> Shortly after his daughter Qian Yuan was born, they went to Paris and study for one more year.

<h2>World Events that influenced his work</h2>
<h3>1938 -1940s</h3> Zhongshu returned to China; he could have taken many jobs abroad but he decided to come back home. Zhongshu taught at different schools. China and the world were going to tremendous amount of horrible and political events of which ZhongShu was well aware of and used it in his writings. In December 13, 1937 Japan invaded and attacked China, Nanking. The Japanese brutally raped, killed and robbed Chinese people. This is also known as “The Nanking Massacre”. The atrocities committed to the people of China went on for 6 weeks and were followed by the taken of the city of Nanking (Nanjing). Nanjing was the former capital of China. This event is the Second Sino-Japanese War and ended in 1945 with the surrender of Japan; Japan sought for many years to dominate China economically and militarily and wanted their resources and labor. This must have been a huge painful hit to ZhongShu’s heart, because it happened pretty much in his hometown since Nanking is located in the province of Nanjing, south of Beijing, and Wuxi is just about an hour from it. United States, Germany and the Soviet Union helped China to fight Japan. Although Mao did not raise to power yet, China was suffering Communism specially in the South. These historical influences can be seem in the author worldly famous novel “Fortress Besieged”, Zhongshu clearly mentions how the main character Fang Hung-Qiang saw the Jews refuges in the ship he was on when he was coming home from Europe. This reminds us that in 1938 another event of great importance was happening, the Holocaust was in full bloom and that France, a place where Zhongshu had studied would be invaded by Germany in May 10th, 1940. Zhongshu certainly would follow up with Paris news, especially after living and studying there for a full year. In 1938, after his studies in Paris, Zhongshu had come back home. It is during his life that great events happened, and he thought it was important to immortalize them in his novel “Fortress Besieged”. Also on December 7th, 1941, Japanese by surprise, attacked the United States of America waters, Pearl Harbor. Japan was on a mission to conquer, China, the Pacific and Indochina to gain resources like oil and steel that they did not have because been an island they depend on trading to live, and others countries were giving them a hard time in trading, specially the US that was its primary source. The Americans condemned their attacks to the Chinese people in Nanking, for this reason the US had denied them oil making the Japanese military force like airplanes and ships of no use and affecting their economy. The US at this time had the greatest Naval Military Force in the world and Japan did not want the US in the war, so it was important to attack Pearl Harbor to stop us from aiding China. The Japanese though themselves as a superior race in the world, they grew tired of the US interference in their plans. The next day of their attacked to our waters, we declared war to Japan. War World II had began.

[[File:117.jpg|thumb|Click [http://www.jnmba.org/about.aspx?NID=6811] Jinan University 1946. Qian Zhingshu First to the left]]

<h2>His Works</h2>
<h3>1941-1949</h3>Zhongshu stayed in Shanghai from 1941-45. Shanghai had less communist police and more foreigners were seeing there, so people could not be arrested so easily like in the south part of China, where could be arrested for just talking to a foreigner. Also it was very close to his hometown in Nanjing just hours, which will allow him to keep up with news about it. It was during these troublesome times that Zhongshu wrote the most and was the most prolific writer. ZhongShu decided he was not going to tide himself to any jobs. During this time he became disappointed at his work of Fortress Besieged and though he could write much better. He wrote a novel call “Heart of the Artichoke” that was lost on the mail. Also, a collection of short essays called “Marginalias of Life” published in 1941. Men, Beast and Ghost, was collection of stories that was of satiric nature and was published in 1946. On the Art of Poetry was written in 1948. His most famous one is “Fortress Besieged” that was published in 1947. In 1949, China was also under the cruel Communism with Mao Zedong. During this time, ZhongShu was well sought after by Mao Zedong because of his fluently in many languages. Mao Zedong requested that he be part of the group that translated his poems. Whether before or after, his wife and him were accused of not been Marxist enough, so they were sent to be re-educated to the south of China in Henan, to do agricultural work. Only after Mao Zedong’s dead in 1949, ZhongShu translations of his poems would be re-discover again.

<h3>1949</h3> Zhongshu went back to Peking to his Alma Matter at Tsing-hua and taught there for a time, been in the end in charge of the Language department. Mao rose to power.

<h3>1953</h3> He became the chief editor of the Foreign Languages Division of the National Library in Nanjing. Later he was to become senior researcher in Beijing.

<h3>1979</h3> Zhongshu comes to the United States, awesome! And helps correct his biography and clarifies questions about him.

<h3>1994 -1998</h3> In 1994, Zhongshu enters a hospital ill and would not come out till his death in 1998. His daughter died as well in 1997.

[[File:Old-QZS-portrait-2.jpg‎|thumb|Click [http://www.thechinabeat.org/?m=201011] A mature Qian Zhongshu]]

<h2>“Fortress Besieged” his famous novel</h2>

It is Zhongshu most celebrated novel in the world, written in prose. The novel was written in 1944 and completed in 1946. It was published in 1947 and turned into a very popular and successful TV series in early 1990s. It is consider a masterpiece. This novel is funny, informative of the world and gives abroad cultural psychological education for anyone that reads it. It unfolded in the 1930s. Also today, it is still a popular novel in China.

It tells us about the story of Fang HungQiang a young man that goes to Europe paid by his future father in law and instead of studying and get a PHd; so important for a dignified Chinese man and his family at that time, Fang just wasted his time by not taking it serious and not finishing his studies. He ended up buying a fake degree to take home to China so his dad and dad in law will not close to kill him for his actions or feel disgrace in front of the town. When he returns he had to endure his family wanted to find him a new bride, since his bride ended dying. The press of his hometown interviewed him and he made a fool of himself at speech. Fang could not do anything right, so he ended up loosing his last love resource, Miss Su as well as Miss Tang, Miss Su’s relative whom Fang falls in love with. Fang ended up becoming very good friends with Chao, Miss Su’s fiancée, whom after finding out Fang is only after Miss Tang and not Miss Su, was relieved, and finally ended up laying down his guard and sarcasm towards Fang. The second part Fang takes a job at a university that was a pain to work for, and goes on a trip to Hunan with his coworkers from Shanghai. This part its funny moments as well.

Among them was Miss Sun that likes to portrait herself as innocent girl. The last part is about his bad marriage that started as joke and out resignation for not been alone, and how his wife ended up leaving him. Zhongshu shows such a command of the portraying of each character and using innuendos like the character’s name call “Alec Li” whom was a true smart-aleck, then using this adjective to name his character. Or the part where the ladies call Miss Pao “truth” because her skimpy clothing, and “the truth is naked”, but later they have to changed her name to “half truth” because Miss Pao after all, was not completely without a stich on, so funny. All of these make this novel truly enjoyable.

In this novel, Zhongshu made up a name for the fake university where Fang gets his PHD, it was named “Carleton”. Today this name is use as a symbol of sarcasm to joke around and indicate that a graduate person might has bought their degree at a made up university instead of have earned it. Its title “Fortress Besieged” is based on a French proverb that says, “Marriage is like a fortress besieged, those who are outside want to get in, but those who are inside want to get out of it. Personally I think, this title chosen by Zhongshu could possibly show his point of views of the time. That is Chinese citizens wanted so desperately to leave China for a fantasy perfect world, but once they were out, they will quickly realized how also the world is not without its great troubles, and they would want to come back home, where they can at least call it their own. In this novel Zhongshu married China with the rest of the world!

<h1>Disclaimer and Powerpoint information</h1>

My name is [Erica Bazalar-Oaks]http://www.bazalar.com, senior student at UVU Utah Valley University. I tried always to give the most accurate information in all of my works. Although this analyzes has been carefully made with extensive research, it is advice that you always double-check your sources in all your works. I hope my analyzes helps others to better understand this incredible author, the times he lived in and consequently his amazing work and contributing to the world. Erica. Please be kindly advice that the powerpoint contains sensitive images that might be offensive to some, but nevertheless are "real pictures of real events in the world" that will help us understand better what the author knew and was touched by. Discretion is advice. Thanks again.
[[File:Fi RECHECK PPS FINAL Qiang CHINESE LITERATURE.pptx|thumb]]

<h1>Sources</h1>
1- Book. The Facts on File Companion to the World Novel: 1900 to the Present
By Michael Sollars, Arbolina Llamas Jennings.
ISSN 978-0-8160-6233

2- Book. Studies in Literature and Language
Vol. 1, No. 2, 2010, pp. 70-83
ISSN 1923-1555
70
A Study on Qian Zhongshu’s Translation:
Sublimation in Translation
ZHENG Xiao-dan1

3- Discussion Papers Series. Professor and Director of the Institute of Jewish Studies at Nanjing University, the People’s Republic of China. http://www.un.org/en/holocaustremembrance/docs/paper2.shtml

4- Genocide of the 20th Century
http://www.historyplace.com/worldhistory/genocide/holocaust.htm

5- China Heritage Quaterly (great source)
http://www.chinaheritagequarterly.org/index.php

6- The China Beat
http://www.thechinabeat.org/?tag=qian-zhongshu

7- The Holocaust and World War II
http://www.ushmm.org/wlc/en/article.php?ModuleId=10007653

8- The Devil pays a nighttime visit to Mr. Qian Zhongshu
by Jeremy Goldkorn on November 25, 2011. http://www.danwei.com/the-devil-pays-a-nighttime-visit-to-mr-qian-zhongshu/

9. Distance from Nanking to Wuxi.
http://www.distancefromto.net/between/Nanjing/Wuxi

10.Tsing-Hua University
http://www.tsinghua.edu.cn/publish/then/5777/index.html

<h1>Photos</h1>
1. http://www.danwei.com<br />
2. http://www.dushu.com<br />
3. http://www.notodo.com<br />
4. http://www.librairielephenix.fr/livres/la-forteresse-assiegee-9782267004830.html<br />
5. http://www.for68.com<br />
6. http://www.chinaheritagequarterly.org/<br />
7. http://en.wikipedia.org<br />
8. http://www.jnmba.org/about.aspx?NID=6811<br />
9. http://www.chinatourism.ch<br />
10 http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk<br />

Talk:Zhang Jie (born 1937)

2012-12-06T17:37:22Z

Ericaangie:

Looks great! Very well formatted too. [[User:Pips|Pips]] 04:19, 5 December 2012 (UTC)

Yeah, really long, You really do know your subject well. But on the other hand you still have quite a few grammar problems to work out, but that's ok. If you're looking to shorten your content, just get rid of some of the background info about Mao Zedong and the communist government. It's good stuff, but it's not so important when your discussing just this author. But if that's not what you want to do, that's ok too. [[User:Mingemperor|Mingemperor]] 06:53, 5 December 2012 (UTC)

I enjoyed the paper. I thought the grammar was fine. I particularly enjoy the lay out of it and the pictures. This paper helps you to know what else was going on during the time of the author.[[User:Reddragon|Reddragon]] 07:38, 5 December 2012 (UTC)

Love how much work went into the writing of this paper. It gets a little off track at times, something that can be fixed by eliminating unneccessary content not pertaining directly to Zhang Jie. All together a great display of how much work you are willing to put into your paper. Great Work--[[User:Foot|Foot]] 07:02, 5 December 2012 (UTC)

~Erica's Response.
I have read each one of your comments. I wanted to 'thank you' for your valuable insides! I have gone and made all of the corrections you have suggested. It has been a true pleasure meeting you all, ''"Thank you for helping me to continue to become."'' Erica Angie Bazalar-Oaks

Talk:Zhang Jie (born 1937)

2012-12-06T17:36:53Z

Ericaangie:

Looks great! Very well formatted too. [[User:Pips|Pips]] 04:19, 5 December 2012 (UTC)

Yeah, really long, You really do know your subject well. But on the other hand you still have quite a few grammar problems to work out, but that's ok. If you're looking to shorten your content, just get rid of some of the background info about Mao Zedong and the communist government. It's good stuff, but it's not so important when your discussing just this author. But if that's not what you want to do, that's ok too. [[User:Mingemperor|Mingemperor]] 06:53, 5 December 2012 (UTC)

I enjoyed the paper. I thought the grammar was fine. I particularly enjoy the lay out of it and the pictures. This paper helps you to know what else was going on during the time of the author.[[User:Reddragon|Reddragon]] 07:38, 5 December 2012 (UTC)

Love how much work went into the writing of this paper. It gets a little off track at times, something that can be fixed by eliminating unneccessary content not pertaining directly to Zhang Jie. All together a great display of how much work you are willing to put into your paper. Great Work--[[User:Foot|Foot]] 07:02, 5 December 2012 (UTC)

~Erica's Response.
I have read each one of your comments. I wanted to 'thank you' for your valuable insides! I have gone and made all of the corrections you have suggested. It has been a true pleasure meeting you all''"Thank you for helping me to continue to become."'' Erica Angie Bazalar-Oaks

Zhang Jie (born 1937)

2012-12-05T06:45:06Z

Ericaangie: /* References */

[[File:Arch002021286b.jpg|400px|thumb|right|Zhang Jie, an artistic photo by Buso. Click [http://www.martabuso.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/5e06319eda06f020e43594a9c230972d/a/r/arch002021286b.jpg here] for original source ]]
== About Zhang Jie ==
A one of a kind and brilliant Chinese Literature writer. She resumed the aspects of socialism and turned it into a novella. In this way she is able to clearly show us what the people in China of all ranks had to suffer and went through during and after those times of communism, what they were left to be entrusted with, to rebuild upon for a new generation in China. Zhang Jie began to write after the access of power began for Deng Xioping (Deputy Minister), the dead of Mao Tseng Tang occurred in 1976 and the fall of the Gang of Four occurred; this gang included Mao’s cruel wife, Jiang Qing, mastermind and political figure that together with Mao authored millions of crimes during the Cultural Revolution,''"Removed from office again in May 1976, at the demand of the Gang of Four (Jiang Qing and three close supporters), Deng sought support in the provinces and in the military, campaigning behind the scenes until Mao's death in September of that year and the arrest and imprisonment of the Gang of Four a month later. After another two years of factional maneuvering, Deng displaced Hua Guofeng, who had briefly succeeded Mao, and assumed complete control of the Stalinist apparatus." wsws.org''

It was after these events that Zhang Jie began to write. China finally began to experience a relatively more freedom for writers to create, and works of other foreign writers began to make their way into China. China started to get energized catching on the humanistic and artistic works of the world. It was beginning to exit the 10 years confinement of literature and oppression that had suffered during the Cultural Revolution. The extreme ideals of communism lost attention and writers could now use other themes in their stories, other than the working classes or soldiers. Zhang Jie was now 39 years old. She was finally able and experienced to establish her brilliant place in the Chinese Literature.

[[File:Brigitte_lin_book_fair_hk.jpg|400px|thumb|left|Zhang Jie, at a Hong Kong Book fair. They announced her book
'Without Words' will be go to the big screen. Click [http://wiki.vm.rub.de/uvu/images/5/59/Brigitte_lin_book_fair_hk.jpg here] for original source ]]

== Biography ==
'''1937'''
Zhang Jie was born in Beijing in 1937, her mother taught elementary school, she grew up poor even when she was a Manchu Royalty decedent. She had to escape the Japanese army that wanted to kill them. ''"Her mother, Manchurian royalty by birth but reduced to poverty by China's perpetual war and revolt, was a primary school teacher before the Japanese invasion." beijingscene.com.'' A guide that they meet introduced Zhang Jie to western children stories. The stories she read were from The Grimm brothers, Hans Christian Andersen and the fables of Krylov were among her favorites. Although people like to critic her because about this, Zhang Jie said that she is glad to have read these children stories, because they taught her to be consider to other people and not smash others on her way to success ''"I secretly congratulate myself and say that if I have one iota of human feeling, if I do not move up in the world by stepping on other people, do not use others to gain advantage, it is in large part due to the influence of the humanism in classical Western literature.” beijingscene.com''

'''1956'''
She wanted so badly to be a writer but end up studying economics ''"The government, however decided that because of her excellent school record she should study economics” Dillard pag 65.'' Zhang Jie cried about this but went anyways. Zhang Jie was admitted in RENMIN University of China.

'''1960'''
Zhang Jie, graduated and took a job in the Mechanics Engineer Industry that would allowed her a lot of information in this field to later write her Mao Dun Award winning book 'Heavy Wings (Leaden Wings)'. She worked in this industry for eight years.

'''1963'''
She married a colleague and had a daughter called 'Tang Di'

'''1964'''
Mao wanted the writers to experience equality with the rural or less fortunate people, and get rid off any funny ideas of possible superiority they might have ''"In addition to the Socialist Education Movement in the countryside, Mao repeatedly urged the literature and arts circles, as well as the various propaganda arms, to reform their areas.” marxists.org.''

'''1969'''
At the age of 32 Zhang Jie was sent to a farm for four years to be reform to Jiangxi, located southwest if China. Even when they have lost all money and connection of her royal family, because of her royal lineage, she was considered of a privilege class, so according to the teachings of Mao Tseng Tang she needed to be reform and experience the workers life. ''"Because she was the daughter of a right winger, she was forced to participate in re-educational measures at a special school from 1969 to 1972.” culture.base.net.'' During these times, it must have been very hard to be separated of her daughter and mother.

'''1978'''
Zhang Jie published her first children story right after the Culture Revolution called 'Music of the Forests', and won China national award ''"It was at this time that she also began to write. Only after the Cultural Revolution (1966–67) did she publish her first story" 'Die Musik der Wälder' culturebase.net.'' Russian children literature really was her inspiration to begin writing. Also, she was one of the first Modern writers to write about women and love. 'Love must not be forgotten' was her first novel about these issues of love.

'''1979'''
Zhang Jie joined the Chinese Writers Association. Zhang Jie’s work was popular.

'''1980'''
Her acclaim novella 'Heavy Wings' was published and very well received. She had waited for a long time and because of the changes and relatively freedoms that China was experiencing this was the right moment to do it. Zhang Jie joined the Chinese Communist Party.

'''1982'''
She becomes a member of the PEN International. Zhang Jie would travel outside of China for the first time ever to attend a conference in Los Angeles, at UCLA where she would meet American writer and journalist 'Harrison Salisbury'. Dillard, pag 63. Zhang Jie must have been very happy that she can finally write all she wanted.

'''1985'''
She was awarded the Mao Dun Literature Prize for ''Leaden Wings = Heavy Wings''.''"This novel is one of the three which jointly won the 1985 Mao Dun Literary Prize, the most prestigious award for novels in China" jstor.org''

'''2005'''
Zhang Jie was awarded for the second time the Mao Dun Literature Prize for 'Without a Word'. She is the only author to have won this prize twice.

[[File:Zhang-jie-0719L.jpg|500px|thumb|right|In 1985, Zhang Jie won the Mao Dun Prize Click [http://images2.chinatraveldepot.com/Images/Destination/Zhang-jie-0719L.jpg here] for original source ]]

== Faces of Chinese Literature ==
I think it is helpful and important to distinguish 2 faces in Chinese Literature, and which one Zhang Jie belongs too, this way we can comprehend even better the Chinese Literature evolution and what group accompany the author. Together with Zhang Jie, these authors with their writings, will be the ones in charge to lead China into a new direction.

The first face was in the 1920s.- It started with the fall of the Empire and the disintegration of the Old Traditional Literacy. The beginning of the ‘Chinese Literature Modern Classics was born’, the unforgettable Lu Xun, Lao She, Cao Yu, Mao Deng, Ba Jin and others, ''"At that moment the canonical list of modern classics of Chinese literature came out: Lu Xun, Lao She, Cao Yu, Mao Dun, Ba Jin” www.upf.edu.''

The Second face during the 1980s.- A period of relative relaxation begins that allowed the ‘emerge of new climate of cultural creativity’. The distinction of what it was ‘Revolutionary Literature between – Modern Literature’ was well noticed. "The young writers that had to remain silence had been awakening (good morning Zhang Jie)." In this face: we found Zhang Jie, Wang Meng, Liu Xiabo, Wang Shuo, Hao Shaogong and many more.

== Fun Facts about Zhang Jie ==
[[File:Cute.jpg|250px|thumb|left|Zhang Jie, loves cats and was seeing playing with one at UCLA conference. Click [http://www.thedibb.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=662542] for original source ]]
Zhang Jie loves to giggle and to read books. She has a way of looking at you with sarcasm. Zhang Jie also likes Siamese cats a lot. During the UCLA conference, she got a hold of a cat and would not let go of it. People reported that she was holding on to the cat the wrong way, the cat’s behind was facing people, while the face of the cat was facing Zhang Jie’s back, funny way to hold a kitty, and she did it for a while too, ''"Zhang Jie and innovative and controversial young writer, is carrying my Siamese cat aroung the house. She holds it by the armpit, so it faces the couch.” Dillard, pag 61.''
She also loves to speak softly and her work is regularly under fire, '' Zhang Jie , whose own work is regularly under fire, had to defend the Party line.” Dillard, pag 68.''

== Her work ==
[[File:ZHangJieHenryMiller.png|400px|thumb|right|Zhang Jie and American writer 'Henry Miller'in 1984 Click [http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C507t-K16jQ/TguQwhGSIiI/AAAAAAAABF0/FI09ZHvkDT4/s320/ZHangJieHenryMiller.gif here]for original source ]]
Zhang Jie was raised by her mother, her parents were divorced. Probably at a young age witnessed and experienced the discrimination and abuse to the fact that she had no father. In those times single mothers were very lookdown upon and were also discriminated. These facts had to have inspired Zhang Jie into her writings and allowed her to rule when she talks about what women went through during those times, since she had witnessed it herself. A good example of this in one of her books is 'Love must not be forgotten' where she tells a story about a woman that was having doubts about getting marry and finds the diary of her mother. In this diary she finds out that her mother had a secret love. The events of this novel took place during the Cultural Revolution, similar to the fact that Zhang Jie and her mother were going through this situation during the same time ''"According to her mother’s wishes, Shanshan did burn the books, but could not part with the diary. As she reads her mother’s words, one of the many things she discovers is that her mother had had a secret love.” www.iu.edu''

'''Why Zhang Jie calls it "Heavy wings"'''
Zhang Jie is a smart writer, strong and brave representative of the new Modern generation. This generation is like a newborn or a new bird representing the Republic of China. Zhang Jie and writers like her are the ones that are responsible to help others break out of the shell, and show them how to fly high. But can they do it? Or, Are the wings of this nation 'too heavy to take off' and begin to fly completely free? You decide.

'''Zhang Jie way of writing'''
''By taking us inside the story, Zhang Jie show us how the people of China lives, how they struggle silently hoping for a change that is too slow in the process of happening, like a pregnant mother that is in contractions now, this mother or nation that has been evolving month by month, decade by decade, and is in growing pains of the changes that are taking place, for a new baby, a new nation that is pushing to come out, and by coming out is creating changes in the way of thinking of China, a China that wants to breath loud, that wants to take off flying freely, and wants to reach the stars without having the government teased her and tide her down like a kite. Erica Bazalar-Oaks.''

In this novella, Zhang Jie is brilliant! She takes us inside the society of China in a very personal way. She describes the personalities so well and body movements, their rooms, houses and buildings where they live, and through her words make us feel as spectators that we can be seating right there on a chair, or on the table near by ear dropping on the conversation the characters are having. Zhang Jie shows as a writer her brilliance and experience, when the story just flows. She goes from one story to another in such a subtle way, that you as the reader are not a bit distracted, but pleasingly surprise making you feel like a light feather traveling gently from one side to another. On her words, she also uses European phrases that are well known and demonstrates her past influences in readings, ''pag 95 "Not all high officials rested in their laurels.”'' Also Zhang Jie demonstrates something I found interesting, her unique and personal style of writing when she mixes in one situation, two elements from different backgrounds. She can convey and interesting way of thinking that she cleanly and successfully displays in her novella. A good example is when the character of Zheng was in the car letting the breeze to ruffle his hair, Zheng though to himself, ''pag 102, "Would this speech he had just made, like previous ones, vanish without a trace like a snowflake in the dessert?”'' Here, she uses the snowflake that happens on winter season, and combines it with the element of the dessert that portraits a hot weather, two different types of times to explain the feelings of the character of Zheng. I enjoyed that.

[[File:Zhang-jie.png|400px|thumb|left|Zhang Jie very young in her twenties Click [http://digital.library.upenn.edu/women/_gallery/zhang-jie.gif here] for original source ]]

== Analysis of the Book Heavy Wings ==

'''Heavy Wings also call Leaden Wings'''
Heavy/Leaden Wings was published in 1980. Zhang Jie tells us what is happening today in Modern China after the Cultural Revolution, and where they stand in progress in their society and the world. One important thing that she writes about is 'marriage' in a country that is full of traditions, marriage can be one thing that is controversial to discuss. In Heavy Wings, the characters, women and men of different economical classes equally show their struggles in marriage, and fears of the society criticism if they would ever were to get divorce. Zhang Jie has been accused before of being immoral or too westernized, also to work against the party. Zhang Jie herself is divorced; in her work she stands for true love versus tradition. But, 'This also could mean that the author is suggesting that women and men can and should take their time experiencing falling in love! Before they go into rehearse marriage'. Also, this novella centers in the modernization of the Chinese industry and how the citizens are all for modern and bringing outside investments, especially interesting since Chinese people has not favored or trust outside companies. Heavy Wings give us as well an interesting inside of the social classes China has. We have the working classes that work in the industry very hard and barely get by, the middle class with the managers in charge that want to make a difference for their people and the ministers that are the ones that are way involve with the party, make the money and can do good or bad.

'''Modernization of China'''
When she talks about the modernization of China industry, she can give an excellent inside of thoughts about the progress in this organization, since she worked in this field for many years in the past. That means that she probably also witnessed the corruption that goes on; the good people that want to modernize and make a difference in their sector for the better, but encounter corruption with the bad people that only wants to hold on tied to communism rules, so they can benefit themselves and not the workers, that work hard and that need to make more money, to at least better their living conditions, ''pag 86 "To boost production in China you have to improve living conditions.”''

'''Divorce in the Chinese society'''
Heavy wings shows how people therefore might not be in love but because it would look bad on them, they have to put up with it, ''pag 34,"He seldom had free Sunday and they slept in different rooms.”''If they would divorce, for the men in their careers, they could lose their social status and be consider unstable losers, and for the women is far worst, if they became divorcees they can be look down as prostitutes, ''pag 107, "He darted a warning glance at Zheng. To him divorcees ranked with prostitutes.”'' One call only imagine how much Zheng Jie suffered when she was little looking at her mother been mistreated since her mother was divorced, and after loosing all position in society and money, Zheng Jie’s mother had to find a job, protect her daughter and put up with a society that did not protect her but made their lives worst. We can definitely tell that this part in Zhang Jie’s life influenced this writer a lot when she learnt this type of discrimination against her mother, against women in her society.

'''Tender moments'''
There are also great moments of tenderness in this story from Chinese men and women, that will give a better understanding of their deep hearts. ''Pag 79, "Everyone present was watching him in silence. The sight gave him fresh strength. Old Lü’s bearded chin beneath his bleary eyes was quivering. Chen put the dumpling into the old fellow’s mouth. ‘I let you down, Old Lü, he said.”''

[[File:ZhangJieHarrison.png|400px|thumb|right|Zhang Jie, at 45 (First time out of China) with writer Harrison Salisbury
In 1982, at the UCLA, US-Chinese writers conference Click [http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--m26XHdk0so/TguRGQWGs5I/AAAAAAAABF8/lzPMfkPY4Yw/s320/ZhangJieHarrison.gif here] for original source ]]
'''The way Chinese people live'''
We see the working Chinese people struggling to meet ends, with low salaries or enough to get by, and small and/or poor housing, if you can call some of these places mentioned in the story housing. Also there is not much money left, but to only go out for a meal, this is the way of entertainment. They really cannot get out of this type of social class. ''Pag 62, "China really gets its intellectuals on the cheap, Zheng though. Then, remembering the technicians in his ministry and the workers in factories, he reflected, he reflected that China got all its common people on the cheap”'', and the youth has no way of diversion or entertainment but to go out and eat. They could not go out to dance or have money to travel. ''Pag 62, "Zheng glanced round. ‘Apart from the two of us, everybody here’s young. Can’t blame. Eating out is their only diversion. What else can they do!”''

'''The careers that Chinese society forces on their people'''
Zhang show us how Chinese people’s education are not well rounded but are tailor to get jobs that will advance them in society. This situation does not make them happy but it is the way that it has been working for a long time, ''Pag 59, "Looking at his eyes Zheng Ziyun felt a stab of envy. In his young days he had wanted to study anthropology, literature or history, but fate had made him an official.”'' Chinese people dream to experience careers their society does not allow them to have, ''pag 85, "Keeping his eyes on the dark road, Chen said slowly, ‘In middle school I was mad on the violin, thought music the highest form of art. And I wanted to get a PHD in physics. But I’ve ended up a factory manager!” He laughed rather bitterly.''

'''Class struggles, history and beliefs do not let Chinese move forward'''
Zhang Jie let us know that the Chinese people mentality has to change or there will be no progress at all. ''Pag 42, "What they were up against now were deeply ingrained beliefs. These beliefs were like net in which all were caught. History was bound to condemn and eliminate them.”''

'''The Past of the Cultural Revolution = Communism will be remember'''
Zhang Jie made it clear that these abuses and crimes, did happened in China, that her thoughts in this book are not exaggerated or made up, but they come from 'real life events' that mark the Chinese people and their lives. - These events are vital to understand them and what they are fighting for -. During the Cultural Revolution with Mao, all that opposed the Communist government or look like they did, were kill, nearly kill to death, brutally bit up, abuse, persecuted. They could also be send to do 'restitution to these rural places' so they can be re-form, ''pag 45, "The Cultural Revolution brought her fearful anxiety and distress: he was nearly beaten to death. When he came back after several months of confinement in a damp room he could hardly walk for arthritis.”''

'''Zhang Jie calls for a change in the government and the society of China'''.
Heavy wings/ Leaden wings, is a very provocative book and it calls for the Chinese people for a change, to leave once and for all 'old habits' that hold them back, and open themselves to progress with the help of outside markets, ''pag 101, "For some years we studied chairman Mao’s works regardless of the political results. We competed to see who could write the most copious notes or parrot the most quotations. The effectiveness of political work should be judge by the new wealth created. We must run our economy according to economic laws and give up our old egalitarian way of all eating from one big pot. That stifles initiative.”''

'''Zhang Jie speaks about her goals as a writer'''
In September of 1982, Zhang Jie spoke at the UCLA, at the US-Chinese writers conference organized by Norman Cousins about her thoughts in Literature.''*Life should become what humans beings wish it to be*''. When she talks about us, as human beings and what we wish for, it is clear to me that in order to become anything, we must have freedom of choice. Zhang Jie also expressed her feelings of responsibility that she feels the writers have to the world,''*Pure literature as our purpose cannot exist, because the writer’s feeling will have an impact on the material world.* Dillard, Pag 64.'' Zhang Jie then wants freedom to become, but with the understanding that as writers, they have a responsibility to impact the people for a better world.

== Powerpoint Slide ==
[[File:FINAL_DE_Zhang_Jie.pptx|thumb]]

== Disclosure ==
It has been a pleasure to have done this class with Mr Woesler. I had worked hard in my wiki and have done my very best to use the resources available to me in a respectful manner. In doing so, it is my hope that this work can help others 'strengthen the appreciation and knowledge of the Republic of China and their wonderful People'. Erica Bazalar-Oaks. www.bazalar.com

== References ==
1. About Zhang Jie
http://www.wsws.org/articles/1997/mar1997/deng-m12.shtml

2. Biography:
http://www.beijingscene.com/cissue/feature.html

3. http://www.marxists.org/history/erol/ncm-7/cwp-cr/part-3.htm

4. http://www.culturebase.net/artist.php?3577

5. Her novel:
http://www.jstor.org/discover/10.2307/2158675?uid=3739928&uid=2129&uid=2&uid=70&uid=4&uid=3739256&sid=21101404588403jstor.org

6. Faces of Chinese Literature:
http://www.upf.edu/materials/huma/central/historia/lite/temes/6postm.htmwww.upf.edu.

7. http://www.iu.edu/~easc/outreach/educators/literature/workshops/doc/Perry_2005.pdf 11/16/2012

8. http://www.pen-international.org/

9. http://www.literaturfestival.com/participants/authors/2003/zhang-jie

10. http://contemporary_chinese_culture.academic.ru/952/Zhang_Jie

11. Book # 1
Encounters With Chinese Writers By Annie Dillard. Published by University Press of New England,1984.ISBN 0-8195-5130-9

12. Book # 2
The Australian Journal of Chinese Affairs. Published by The University of Chicago Press,1979.ISBN 01567365

13. Book # 3
Leaden Wings, Zhang Jie. Published by VIRAGO PRESS Limited 1987. ISBN 0-86068-759-7

Zhang Jie (born 1937)

2012-12-05T06:42:06Z

Ericaangie:

[[File:Arch002021286b.jpg|400px|thumb|right|Zhang Jie, an artistic photo by Buso. Click [http://www.martabuso.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/5e06319eda06f020e43594a9c230972d/a/r/arch002021286b.jpg here] for original source ]]
== About Zhang Jie ==
A one of a kind and brilliant Chinese Literature writer. She resumed the aspects of socialism and turned it into a novella. In this way she is able to clearly show us what the people in China of all ranks had to suffer and went through during and after those times of communism, what they were left to be entrusted with, to rebuild upon for a new generation in China. Zhang Jie began to write after the access of power began for Deng Xioping (Deputy Minister), the dead of Mao Tseng Tang occurred in 1976 and the fall of the Gang of Four occurred; this gang included Mao’s cruel wife, Jiang Qing, mastermind and political figure that together with Mao authored millions of crimes during the Cultural Revolution,''"Removed from office again in May 1976, at the demand of the Gang of Four (Jiang Qing and three close supporters), Deng sought support in the provinces and in the military, campaigning behind the scenes until Mao's death in September of that year and the arrest and imprisonment of the Gang of Four a month later. After another two years of factional maneuvering, Deng displaced Hua Guofeng, who had briefly succeeded Mao, and assumed complete control of the Stalinist apparatus." wsws.org''

It was after these events that Zhang Jie began to write. China finally began to experience a relatively more freedom for writers to create, and works of other foreign writers began to make their way into China. China started to get energized catching on the humanistic and artistic works of the world. It was beginning to exit the 10 years confinement of literature and oppression that had suffered during the Cultural Revolution. The extreme ideals of communism lost attention and writers could now use other themes in their stories, other than the working classes or soldiers. Zhang Jie was now 39 years old. She was finally able and experienced to establish her brilliant place in the Chinese Literature.

[[File:Brigitte_lin_book_fair_hk.jpg|400px|thumb|left|Zhang Jie, at a Hong Kong Book fair. They announced her book
'Without Words' will be go to the big screen. Click [http://wiki.vm.rub.de/uvu/images/5/59/Brigitte_lin_book_fair_hk.jpg here] for original source ]]

== Biography ==
'''1937'''
Zhang Jie was born in Beijing in 1937, her mother taught elementary school, she grew up poor even when she was a Manchu Royalty decedent. She had to escape the Japanese army that wanted to kill them. ''"Her mother, Manchurian royalty by birth but reduced to poverty by China's perpetual war and revolt, was a primary school teacher before the Japanese invasion." beijingscene.com.'' A guide that they meet introduced Zhang Jie to western children stories. The stories she read were from The Grimm brothers, Hans Christian Andersen and the fables of Krylov were among her favorites. Although people like to critic her because about this, Zhang Jie said that she is glad to have read these children stories, because they taught her to be consider to other people and not smash others on her way to success ''"I secretly congratulate myself and say that if I have one iota of human feeling, if I do not move up in the world by stepping on other people, do not use others to gain advantage, it is in large part due to the influence of the humanism in classical Western literature.” beijingscene.com''

'''1956'''
She wanted so badly to be a writer but end up studying economics ''"The government, however decided that because of her excellent school record she should study economics” Dillard pag 65.'' Zhang Jie cried about this but went anyways. Zhang Jie was admitted in RENMIN University of China.

'''1960'''
Zhang Jie, graduated and took a job in the Mechanics Engineer Industry that would allowed her a lot of information in this field to later write her Mao Dun Award winning book 'Heavy Wings (Leaden Wings)'. She worked in this industry for eight years.

'''1963'''
She married a colleague and had a daughter called 'Tang Di'

'''1964'''
Mao wanted the writers to experience equality with the rural or less fortunate people, and get rid off any funny ideas of possible superiority they might have ''"In addition to the Socialist Education Movement in the countryside, Mao repeatedly urged the literature and arts circles, as well as the various propaganda arms, to reform their areas.” marxists.org.''

'''1969'''
At the age of 32 Zhang Jie was sent to a farm for four years to be reform to Jiangxi, located southwest if China. Even when they have lost all money and connection of her royal family, because of her royal lineage, she was considered of a privilege class, so according to the teachings of Mao Tseng Tang she needed to be reform and experience the workers life. ''"Because she was the daughter of a right winger, she was forced to participate in re-educational measures at a special school from 1969 to 1972.” culture.base.net.'' During these times, it must have been very hard to be separated of her daughter and mother.

'''1978'''
Zhang Jie published her first children story right after the Culture Revolution called 'Music of the Forests', and won China national award ''"It was at this time that she also began to write. Only after the Cultural Revolution (1966–67) did she publish her first story" 'Die Musik der Wälder' culturebase.net.'' Russian children literature really was her inspiration to begin writing. Also, she was one of the first Modern writers to write about women and love. 'Love must not be forgotten' was her first novel about these issues of love.

'''1979'''
Zhang Jie joined the Chinese Writers Association. Zhang Jie’s work was popular.

'''1980'''
Her acclaim novella 'Heavy Wings' was published and very well received. She had waited for a long time and because of the changes and relatively freedoms that China was experiencing this was the right moment to do it. Zhang Jie joined the Chinese Communist Party.

'''1982'''
She becomes a member of the PEN International. Zhang Jie would travel outside of China for the first time ever to attend a conference in Los Angeles, at UCLA where she would meet American writer and journalist 'Harrison Salisbury'. Dillard, pag 63. Zhang Jie must have been very happy that she can finally write all she wanted.

'''1985'''
She was awarded the Mao Dun Literature Prize for ''Leaden Wings = Heavy Wings''.''"This novel is one of the three which jointly won the 1985 Mao Dun Literary Prize, the most prestigious award for novels in China" jstor.org''

'''2005'''
Zhang Jie was awarded for the second time the Mao Dun Literature Prize for 'Without a Word'. She is the only author to have won this prize twice.

[[File:Zhang-jie-0719L.jpg|500px|thumb|right|In 1985, Zhang Jie won the Mao Dun Prize Click [http://images2.chinatraveldepot.com/Images/Destination/Zhang-jie-0719L.jpg here] for original source ]]

== Faces of Chinese Literature ==
I think it is helpful and important to distinguish 2 faces in Chinese Literature, and which one Zhang Jie belongs too, this way we can comprehend even better the Chinese Literature evolution and what group accompany the author. Together with Zhang Jie, these authors with their writings, will be the ones in charge to lead China into a new direction.

The first face was in the 1920s.- It started with the fall of the Empire and the disintegration of the Old Traditional Literacy. The beginning of the ‘Chinese Literature Modern Classics was born’, the unforgettable Lu Xun, Lao She, Cao Yu, Mao Deng, Ba Jin and others, ''"At that moment the canonical list of modern classics of Chinese literature came out: Lu Xun, Lao She, Cao Yu, Mao Dun, Ba Jin” www.upf.edu.''

The Second face during the 1980s.- A period of relative relaxation begins that allowed the ‘emerge of new climate of cultural creativity’. The distinction of what it was ‘Revolutionary Literature between – Modern Literature’ was well noticed. "The young writers that had to remain silence had been awakening (good morning Zhang Jie)." In this face: we found Zhang Jie, Wang Meng, Liu Xiabo, Wang Shuo, Hao Shaogong and many more.

== Fun Facts about Zhang Jie ==
[[File:Cute.jpg|250px|thumb|left|Zhang Jie, loves cats and was seeing playing with one at UCLA conference. Click [http://www.thedibb.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=662542] for original source ]]
Zhang Jie loves to giggle and to read books. She has a way of looking at you with sarcasm. Zhang Jie also likes Siamese cats a lot. During the UCLA conference, she got a hold of a cat and would not let go of it. People reported that she was holding on to the cat the wrong way, the cat’s behind was facing people, while the face of the cat was facing Zhang Jie’s back, funny way to hold a kitty, and she did it for a while too, ''"Zhang Jie and innovative and controversial young writer, is carrying my Siamese cat aroung the house. She holds it by the armpit, so it faces the couch.” Dillard, pag 61.''
She also loves to speak softly and her work is regularly under fire, '' Zhang Jie , whose own work is regularly under fire, had to defend the Party line.” Dillard, pag 68.''

== Her work ==
[[File:ZHangJieHenryMiller.png|400px|thumb|right|Zhang Jie and American writer 'Henry Miller'in 1984 Click [http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C507t-K16jQ/TguQwhGSIiI/AAAAAAAABF0/FI09ZHvkDT4/s320/ZHangJieHenryMiller.gif here]for original source ]]
Zhang Jie was raised by her mother, her parents were divorced. Probably at a young age witnessed and experienced the discrimination and abuse to the fact that she had no father. In those times single mothers were very lookdown upon and were also discriminated. These facts had to have inspired Zhang Jie into her writings and allowed her to rule when she talks about what women went through during those times, since she had witnessed it herself. A good example of this in one of her books is 'Love must not be forgotten' where she tells a story about a woman that was having doubts about getting marry and finds the diary of her mother. In this diary she finds out that her mother had a secret love. The events of this novel took place during the Cultural Revolution, similar to the fact that Zhang Jie and her mother were going through this situation during the same time ''"According to her mother’s wishes, Shanshan did burn the books, but could not part with the diary. As she reads her mother’s words, one of the many things she discovers is that her mother had had a secret love.” www.iu.edu''

'''Why Zhang Jie calls it "Heavy wings"'''
Zhang Jie is a smart writer, strong and brave representative of the new Modern generation. This generation is like a newborn or a new bird representing the Republic of China. Zhang Jie and writers like her are the ones that are responsible to help others break out of the shell, and show them how to fly high. But can they do it? Or, Are the wings of this nation 'too heavy to take off' and begin to fly completely free? You decide.

'''Zhang Jie way of writing'''
''By taking us inside the story, Zhang Jie show us how the people of China lives, how they struggle silently hoping for a change that is too slow in the process of happening, like a pregnant mother that is in contractions now, this mother or nation that has been evolving month by month, decade by decade, and is in growing pains of the changes that are taking place, for a new baby, a new nation that is pushing to come out, and by coming out is creating changes in the way of thinking of China, a China that wants to breath loud, that wants to take off flying freely, and wants to reach the stars without having the government teased her and tide her down like a kite. Erica Bazalar-Oaks.''

In this novella, Zhang Jie is brilliant! She takes us inside the society of China in a very personal way. She describes the personalities so well and body movements, their rooms, houses and buildings where they live, and through her words make us feel as spectators that we can be seating right there on a chair, or on the table near by ear dropping on the conversation the characters are having. Zhang Jie shows as a writer her brilliance and experience, when the story just flows. She goes from one story to another in such a subtle way, that you as the reader are not a bit distracted, but pleasingly surprise making you feel like a light feather traveling gently from one side to another. On her words, she also uses European phrases that are well known and demonstrates her past influences in readings, ''pag 95 "Not all high officials rested in their laurels.”'' Also Zhang Jie demonstrates something I found interesting, her unique and personal style of writing when she mixes in one situation, two elements from different backgrounds. She can convey and interesting way of thinking that she cleanly and successfully displays in her novella. A good example is when the character of Zheng was in the car letting the breeze to ruffle his hair, Zheng though to himself, ''pag 102, "Would this speech he had just made, like previous ones, vanish without a trace like a snowflake in the dessert?”'' Here, she uses the snowflake that happens on winter season, and combines it with the element of the dessert that portraits a hot weather, two different types of times to explain the feelings of the character of Zheng. I enjoyed that.

[[File:Zhang-jie.png|400px|thumb|left|Zhang Jie very young in her twenties Click [http://digital.library.upenn.edu/women/_gallery/zhang-jie.gif here] for original source ]]

== Analysis of the Book Heavy Wings ==

'''Heavy Wings also call Leaden Wings'''
Heavy/Leaden Wings was published in 1980. Zhang Jie tells us what is happening today in Modern China after the Cultural Revolution, and where they stand in progress in their society and the world. One important thing that she writes about is 'marriage' in a country that is full of traditions, marriage can be one thing that is controversial to discuss. In Heavy Wings, the characters, women and men of different economical classes equally show their struggles in marriage, and fears of the society criticism if they would ever were to get divorce. Zhang Jie has been accused before of being immoral or too westernized, also to work against the party. Zhang Jie herself is divorced; in her work she stands for true love versus tradition. But, 'This also could mean that the author is suggesting that women and men can and should take their time experiencing falling in love! Before they go into rehearse marriage'. Also, this novella centers in the modernization of the Chinese industry and how the citizens are all for modern and bringing outside investments, especially interesting since Chinese people has not favored or trust outside companies. Heavy Wings give us as well an interesting inside of the social classes China has. We have the working classes that work in the industry very hard and barely get by, the middle class with the managers in charge that want to make a difference for their people and the ministers that are the ones that are way involve with the party, make the money and can do good or bad.

'''Modernization of China'''
When she talks about the modernization of China industry, she can give an excellent inside of thoughts about the progress in this organization, since she worked in this field for many years in the past. That means that she probably also witnessed the corruption that goes on; the good people that want to modernize and make a difference in their sector for the better, but encounter corruption with the bad people that only wants to hold on tied to communism rules, so they can benefit themselves and not the workers, that work hard and that need to make more money, to at least better their living conditions, ''pag 86 "To boost production in China you have to improve living conditions.”''

'''Divorce in the Chinese society'''
Heavy wings shows how people therefore might not be in love but because it would look bad on them, they have to put up with it, ''pag 34,"He seldom had free Sunday and they slept in different rooms.”''If they would divorce, for the men in their careers, they could lose their social status and be consider unstable losers, and for the women is far worst, if they became divorcees they can be look down as prostitutes, ''pag 107, "He darted a warning glance at Zheng. To him divorcees ranked with prostitutes.”'' One call only imagine how much Zheng Jie suffered when she was little looking at her mother been mistreated since her mother was divorced, and after loosing all position in society and money, Zheng Jie’s mother had to find a job, protect her daughter and put up with a society that did not protect her but made their lives worst. We can definitely tell that this part in Zhang Jie’s life influenced this writer a lot when she learnt this type of discrimination against her mother, against women in her society.

'''Tender moments'''
There are also great moments of tenderness in this story from Chinese men and women, that will give a better understanding of their deep hearts. ''Pag 79, "Everyone present was watching him in silence. The sight gave him fresh strength. Old Lü’s bearded chin beneath his bleary eyes was quivering. Chen put the dumpling into the old fellow’s mouth. ‘I let you down, Old Lü, he said.”''

[[File:ZhangJieHarrison.png|400px|thumb|right|Zhang Jie, at 45 (First time out of China) with writer Harrison Salisbury
In 1982, at the UCLA, US-Chinese writers conference Click [http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--m26XHdk0so/TguRGQWGs5I/AAAAAAAABF8/lzPMfkPY4Yw/s320/ZhangJieHarrison.gif here] for original source ]]
'''The way Chinese people live'''
We see the working Chinese people struggling to meet ends, with low salaries or enough to get by, and small and/or poor housing, if you can call some of these places mentioned in the story housing. Also there is not much money left, but to only go out for a meal, this is the way of entertainment. They really cannot get out of this type of social class. ''Pag 62, "China really gets its intellectuals on the cheap, Zheng though. Then, remembering the technicians in his ministry and the workers in factories, he reflected, he reflected that China got all its common people on the cheap”'', and the youth has no way of diversion or entertainment but to go out and eat. They could not go out to dance or have money to travel. ''Pag 62, "Zheng glanced round. ‘Apart from the two of us, everybody here’s young. Can’t blame. Eating out is their only diversion. What else can they do!”''

'''The careers that Chinese society forces on their people'''
Zhang show us how Chinese people’s education are not well rounded but are tailor to get jobs that will advance them in society. This situation does not make them happy but it is the way that it has been working for a long time, ''Pag 59, "Looking at his eyes Zheng Ziyun felt a stab of envy. In his young days he had wanted to study anthropology, literature or history, but fate had made him an official.”'' Chinese people dream to experience careers their society does not allow them to have, ''pag 85, "Keeping his eyes on the dark road, Chen said slowly, ‘In middle school I was mad on the violin, thought music the highest form of art. And I wanted to get a PHD in physics. But I’ve ended up a factory manager!” He laughed rather bitterly.''

'''Class struggles, history and beliefs do not let Chinese move forward'''
Zhang Jie let us know that the Chinese people mentality has to change or there will be no progress at all. ''Pag 42, "What they were up against now were deeply ingrained beliefs. These beliefs were like net in which all were caught. History was bound to condemn and eliminate them.”''

'''The Past of the Cultural Revolution = Communism will be remember'''
Zhang Jie made it clear that these abuses and crimes, did happened in China, that her thoughts in this book are not exaggerated or made up, but they come from 'real life events' that mark the Chinese people and their lives. - These events are vital to understand them and what they are fighting for -. During the Cultural Revolution with Mao, all that opposed the Communist government or look like they did, were kill, nearly kill to death, brutally bit up, abuse, persecuted. They could also be send to do 'restitution to these rural places' so they can be re-form, ''pag 45, "The Cultural Revolution brought her fearful anxiety and distress: he was nearly beaten to death. When he came back after several months of confinement in a damp room he could hardly walk for arthritis.”''

'''Zhang Jie calls for a change in the government and the society of China'''.
Heavy wings/ Leaden wings, is a very provocative book and it calls for the Chinese people for a change, to leave once and for all 'old habits' that hold them back, and open themselves to progress with the help of outside markets, ''pag 101, "For some years we studied chairman Mao’s works regardless of the political results. We competed to see who could write the most copious notes or parrot the most quotations. The effectiveness of political work should be judge by the new wealth created. We must run our economy according to economic laws and give up our old egalitarian way of all eating from one big pot. That stifles initiative.”''

'''Zhang Jie speaks about her goals as a writer'''
In September of 1982, Zhang Jie spoke at the UCLA, at the US-Chinese writers conference organized by Norman Cousins about her thoughts in Literature.''*Life should become what humans beings wish it to be*''. When she talks about us, as human beings and what we wish for, it is clear to me that in order to become anything, we must have freedom of choice. Zhang Jie also expressed her feelings of responsibility that she feels the writers have to the world,''*Pure literature as our purpose cannot exist, because the writer’s feeling will have an impact on the material world.* Dillard, Pag 64.'' Zhang Jie then wants freedom to become, but with the understanding that as writers, they have a responsibility to impact the people for a better world.

== Powerpoint Slide ==
[[File:FINAL_DE_Zhang_Jie.pptx|thumb]]

== Disclosure ==
It has been a pleasure to have done this class with Mr Woesler. I had worked hard in my wiki and have done my very best to use the resources available to me in a respectful manner. In doing so, it is my hope that this work can help others 'strengthen the appreciation and knowledge of the Republic of China and their wonderful People'. Erica Bazalar-Oaks. www.bazalar.com

== References ==
1. About Zhang Jie
http://www.wsws.org/articles/1997/mar1997/deng-m12.shtml
2. Biography:
http://www.beijingscene.com/cissue/feature.html
3. http://www.marxists.org/history/erol/ncm-7/cwp-cr/part-3.htm
4. http://www.culturebase.net/artist.php?3577
5. Her novel:
http://www.jstor.org/discover/10.2307/2158675?uid=3739928&uid=2129&uid=2&uid=70&uid=4&uid=3739256&sid=21101404588403jstor.org
6. Faces of Chinese Literature:
http://www.upf.edu/materials/huma/central/historia/lite/temes/6postm.htmwww.upf.edu .
7. http://www.iu.edu/~easc/outreach/educators/literature/workshops/doc/Perry_2005.pdf 11/16/2012
8. http://www.pen-international.org/
9. http://www.literaturfestival.com/participants/authors/2003/zhang-jie
10. http://contemporary_chinese_culture.academic.ru/952/Zhang_Jie
11. Book # 1
Encounters With Chinese Writers By Annie Dillard. Published by University Press of New England,1984.ISBN 0-8195-5130-9
12. Book # 2
The Australian Journal of Chinese Affairs. Published by The University of Chicago Press,1979.ISBN 01567365
13. Book # 3
Leaden Wings, Zhang Jie. Published by VIRAGO PRESS Limited 1987. ISBN 0-86068-759-7

Zhang Jie (born 1937)

2012-12-05T06:21:49Z

Ericaangie: /* About Zhang Jie */

[[File:Arch002021286b.jpg|400px|thumb|right|Zhang Jie, an artistic photo by Buso. Click [http://www.martabuso.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/5e06319eda06f020e43594a9c230972d/a/r/arch002021286b.jpg here] for original source ]]
== About Zhang Jie ==
A one of a kind and brilliant Chinese Literature writer. She resumed the aspects of socialism and turned it into a novella. In this way she is able to clearly show us what the people in China of all ranks had to suffer and went through during and after those times of communism, what they were left to be entrusted with, to rebuild upon for a new generation in China. Zhang Jie began to write after the access of power began for Deng Xioping (Deputy Minister), the dead of Mao Tseng Tang occurred in 1976 and the fall of the Gang of Four occurred; this gang included Mao’s cruel wife, Jiang Qing, mastermind and political figure that together with Mao authored millions of crimes during the Cultural Revolution,''"Removed from office again in May 1976, at the demand of the Gang of Four (Jiang Qing and three close supporters), Deng sought support in the provinces and in the military, campaigning behind the scenes until Mao's death in September of that year and the arrest and imprisonment of the Gang of Four a month later. After another two years of factional maneuvering, Deng displaced Hua Guofeng, who had briefly succeeded Mao, and assumed complete control of the Stalinist apparatus." wsws.org''

It was after these events that Zhang Jie began to write. China finally began to experience a relatively more freedom for writers to create, and works of other foreign writers began to make their way into China. China started to get energized catching on the humanistic and artistic works of the world. It was beginning to exit the 10 years confinement of literature and oppression that had suffered during the Cultural Revolution. The extreme ideals of communism lost attention and writers could now use other themes in their stories, other than the working classes or soldiers. Zhang Jie was now 39 years old. She was finally able and experienced to establish her brilliant place in the Chinese Literature.

[[File:Brigitte_lin_book_fair_hk.jpg|400px|thumb|left|Zhang Jie, at a Hong Kong Book fair. They announced her book
'Without Words' will be go to the big screen. Click [http://wiki.vm.rub.de/uvu/images/5/59/Brigitte_lin_book_fair_hk.jpg here] for original source ]]

== Biography ==
'''1937'''
Zhang Jie was born in Beijing in 1937, her mother taught elementary school, she grew up poor even when she was a Manchu Royalty decedent. She had to escape the Japanese army that wanted to kill them. ''"Her mother, Manchurian royalty by birth but reduced to poverty by China's perpetual war and revolt, was a primary school teacher before the Japanese invasion." beijingscene.com.'' A guide that they meet introduced Zhang Jie to western children stories. The stories she read were from The Grimm brothers, Hans Christian Andersen and the fables of Krylov were among her favorites. Although people like to critic her because about this, Zhang Jie said that she is glad to have read these children stories, because they taught her to be consider to other people and not smash others on her way to success ''"I secretly congratulate myself and say that if I have one iota of human feeling, if I do not move up in the world by stepping on other people, do not use others to gain advantage, it is in large part due to the influence of the humanism in classical Western literature.” beijingscene.com''

'''1956'''
She wanted so badly to be a writer but end up studying economics ''"The government, however decided that because of her excellent school record she should study economics” Dillard pag 65.'' Zhang Jie cried about this but went anyways. Zhang Jie was admitted in RENMIN University of China.

'''1960'''
Zhang Jie, graduated and took a job in the Mechanics Engineer Industry that would allowed her a lot of information in this field to later write her Mao Dun Award winning book 'Heavy Wings (Leaden Wings)'. She worked in this industry for eight years.

'''1963'''
She married a colleague and had a daughter called 'Tang Di'

'''1964'''
Mao wanted the writers to experience equality with the rural or less fortunate people, and get rid off any funny ideas of possible superiority they might have ''"In addition to the Socialist Education Movement in the countryside, Mao repeatedly urged the literature and arts circles, as well as the various propaganda arms, to reform their areas.” marxists.org.''

'''1969'''
At the age of 32 Zhang Jie was sent to a farm for four years to be reform to Jiangxi, located southwest if China. Even when they have lost all money and connection of her royal family, because of her royal lineage, she was considered of a privilege class, so according to the teachings of Mao Tseng Tang she needed to be reform and experience the workers life. ''"Because she was the daughter of a right winger, she was forced to participate in re-educational measures at a special school from 1969 to 1972.” culture.base.net.'' During these times, it must have been very hard to be separated of her daughter and mother.

'''1978'''
Zhang Jie published her first children story right after the Culture Revolution called 'Music of the Forests', and won China national award ''"It was at this time that she also began to write. Only after the Cultural Revolution (1966–67) did she publish her first story" 'Die Musik der Wälder' culturebase.net.'' Russian children literature really was her inspiration to begin writing. Also, she was one of the first Modern writers to write about women and love. 'Love must not be forgotten' was her first novel about these issues of love.

'''1979'''
Zhang Jie joined the Chinese Writers Association. Zhang Jie’s work was popular.

'''1980'''
Her acclaim novella 'Heavy Wings' was published and very well received. She had waited for a long time and because of the changes and relatively freedoms that China was experiencing this was the right moment to do it. Zhang Jie joined the Chinese Communist Party.

'''1982'''
She becomes a member of the PEN International. Zhang Jie would travel outside of China for the first time ever to attend a conference in Los Angeles, at UCLA where she would meet American writer and journalist 'Harrison Salisbury'. Dillard, pag 63. Zhang Jie must have been very happy that she can finally write all she wanted.

'''1985'''
She was awarded the Mao Dun Literature Prize for ''Leaden Wings = Heavy Wings''.''"This novel is one of the three which jointly won the 1985 Mao Dun Literary Prize, the most prestigious award for novels in China" jstor.org''

'''2005'''
Zhang Jie was awarded for the second time the Mao Dun Literature Prize for 'Without a Word'. She is the only author to have won this prize twice.

[[File:Zhang-jie-0719L.jpg|500px|thumb|right|In 1985, Zhang Jie won the Mao Dun Prize Click [http://images2.chinatraveldepot.com/Images/Destination/Zhang-jie-0719L.jpg here] for original source ]]

== Faces of Chinese Literature ==
I think it is helpful and important to distinguish 2 faces in Chinese Literature, and which one Zhang Jie belongs too, this way we can comprehend even better the Chinese Literature evolution and what group accompany the author. Together with Zhang Jie, these authors with their writings, will be the ones in charge to lead China into a new direction.

The first face was in the 1920s.- It started with the fall of the Empire and the disintegration of the Old Traditional Literacy. The beginning of the ‘Chinese Literature Modern Classics was born’, the unforgettable Lu Xun, Lao She, Cao Yu, Mao Deng, Ba Jin and others, ''"At that moment the canonical list of modern classics of Chinese literature came out: Lu Xun, Lao She, Cao Yu, Mao Dun, Ba Jin” www.upf.edu.''

The Second face during the 1980s.- A period of relative relaxation begins that allowed the ‘emerge of new climate of cultural creativity’. The distinction of what it was ‘Revolutionary Literature between – Modern Literature’ was well noticed. "The young writers that had to remain silence had been awakening (good morning Zhang Jie)." In this face: we found Zhang Jie, Wang Meng, Liu Xiabo, Wang Shuo, Hao Shaogong and many more.

== Fun Facts about Zhang Jie ==
[[File:Cute.jpg|250px|thumb|left|Zhang Jie, loves cats and was seeing playing with one at UCLA conference. Click [http://www.thedibb.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=662542] for original source ]]
Zhang Jie loves to giggle and to read books. She has a way of looking at you with sarcasm. Zhang Jie also likes Siamese cats a lot. During the UCLA conference, she got a hold of a cat and would not let go of it. People reported that she was holding on to the cat the wrong way, the cat’s behind was facing people, while the face of the cat was facing Zhang Jie’s back, funny way to hold a kitty, and she did it for a while too, ''"Zhang Jie and innovative and controversial young writer, is carrying my Siamese cat aroung the house. She holds it by the armpit, so it faces the couch.” Dillard, pag 61.''
She also loves to speak softly and her work is regularly under fire, '' Zhang Jie , whose own work is regularly under fire, had to defend the Party line.” Dillard, pag 68.''

== Her work ==
[[File:ZHangJieHenryMiller.png|400px|thumb|right|Zhang Jie and American writer 'Henry Miller'in 1984 Click [http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C507t-K16jQ/TguQwhGSIiI/AAAAAAAABF0/FI09ZHvkDT4/s320/ZHangJieHenryMiller.gif here]for original source ]]
Zhang Jie was raised by her mother, her parents were divorced. Probably at a young age witnessed and experienced the discrimination and abuse to the fact that she had no father. In those times single mothers were very lookdown upon and were also discriminated. These facts had to have inspired Zhang Jie into her writings and allowed her to rule when she talks about what women went through during those times, since she had witnessed it herself. A good example of this in one of her books is 'Love must not be forgotten' where she tells a story about a woman that was having doubts about getting marry and finds the diary of her mother. In this diary she finds out that her mother had a secret love. The events of this novel took place during the Cultural Revolution, similar to the fact that Zhang Jie and her mother were going through this situation during the same time ''"According to her mother’s wishes, Shanshan did burn the books, but could not part with the diary. As she reads her mother’s words, one of the many things she discovers is that her mother had had a secret love.” www.iu.edu''

'''Why Zhang Jie calls it "Heavy wings"'''
Zhang Jie is a smart writer, strong and brave representative of the new Modern generation. This generation is like a newborn or a new bird representing the Republic of China. Zhang Jie and writers like her are the ones that are responsible to help others break out of the shell, and show them how to fly high. But can they do it? Or, Are the wings of this nation 'too heavy to take off' and begin to fly completely free? You decide.

'''Zhang Jie way of writing'''
''By taking us inside the story, Zhang Jie show us how the people of China lives, how they struggle silently hoping for a change that is too slow in the process of happening, like a pregnant mother that is in contractions now, this mother or nation that has been evolving month by month, decade by decade, and is in growing pains of the changes that are taking place, for a new baby, a new nation that is pushing to come out, and by coming out is creating changes in the way of thinking of China, a China that wants to breath loud, that wants to take off flying freely, and wants to reach the stars without having the government teased her and tide her down like a kite. Erica Bazalar-Oaks.''

In this novella, Zhang Jie is brilliant! She takes us inside the society of China in a very personal way. She describes the personalities so well and body movements, their rooms, houses and buildings where they live, and through her words make us feel as spectators that we can be seating right there on a chair, or on the table near by ear dropping on the conversation the characters are having. Zhang Jie shows as a writer her brilliance and experience, when the story just flows. She goes from one story to another in such a subtle way, that you as the reader are not a bit distracted, but pleasingly surprise making you feel like a light feather traveling gently from one side to another. On her words, she also uses European phrases that are well known and demonstrates her past influences in readings, ''pag 95 "Not all high officials rested in their laurels.”'' Also Zhang Jie demonstrates something I found interesting, her unique and personal style of writing when she mixes in one situation, two elements from different backgrounds. She can convey and interesting way of thinking that she cleanly and successfully displays in her novella. A good example is when the character of Zheng was in the car letting the breeze to ruffle his hair, Zheng though to himself, ''pag 102, "Would this speech he had just made, like previous ones, vanish without a trace like a snowflake in the dessert?”'' Here, she uses the snowflake that happens on winter season, and combines it with the element of the dessert that portraits a hot weather, two different types of times to explain the feelings of the character of Zheng. I enjoyed that.

[[File:Zhang-jie.png|400px|thumb|left|Zhang Jie very young in her twenties Click [http://digital.library.upenn.edu/women/_gallery/zhang-jie.gif here] for original source ]]

== Analysis of the Book Heavy Wings ==

'''Heavy Wings also call Leaden Wings'''
Heavy/Leaden Wings was published in 1980. Zhang Jie tells us what is happening today in Modern China after the Cultural Revolution, and where they stand in progress in their society and the world. One important thing that she writes about is 'marriage' in a country that is full of traditions, marriage can be one thing that is controversial to discuss. In Heavy Wings, the characters, women and men of different economical classes equally show their struggles in marriage, and fears of the society criticism if they would ever were to get divorce. Zhang Jie has been accused before of being immoral or too westernized, also to work against the party. Zhang Jie herself is divorced; in her work she stands for true love versus tradition. But, 'This also could mean that the author is suggesting that women and men can and should take their time experiencing falling in love! Before they go into rehearse marriage'. Also, this novella centers in the modernization of the Chinese industry and how the citizens are all for modern and bringing outside investments, especially interesting since Chinese people has not favored or trust outside companies. Heavy Wings give us as well an interesting inside of the social classes China has. We have the working classes that work in the industry very hard and barely get by, the middle class with the managers in charge that want to make a difference for their people and the ministers that are the ones that are way involve with the party, make the money and can do good or bad.

'''Modernization of China'''
When she talks about the modernization of China industry, she can give an excellent inside of thoughts about the progress in this organization, since she worked in this field for many years in the past. That means that she probably also witnessed the corruption that goes on; the good people that want to modernize and make a difference in their sector for the better, but encounter corruption with the bad people that only wants to hold on tied to communism rules, so they can benefit themselves and not the workers, that work hard and that need to make more money, to at least better their living conditions, ''pag 86 "To boost production in China you have to improve living conditions.”''

'''Divorce in the Chinese society'''
Heavy wings shows how people therefore might not be in love but because it would look bad on them, they have to put up with it, ''pag 34,"He seldom had free Sunday and they slept in different rooms.”''If they would divorce, for the men in their careers, they could lose their social status and be consider unstable losers, and for the women is far worst, if they became divorcees they can be look down as prostitutes, ''pag 107, "He darted a warning glance at Zheng. To him divorcees ranked with prostitutes.”'' One call only imagine how much Zheng Jie suffered when she was little looking at her mother been mistreated since her mother was divorced, and after loosing all position in society and money, Zheng Jie’s mother had to find a job, protect her daughter and put up with a society that did not protect her but made their lives worst. We can definitely tell that this part in Zhang Jie’s life influenced this writer a lot when she learnt this type of discrimination against her mother, against women in her society.

'''Tender moments'''
There are also great moments of tenderness in this story from Chinese men and women, that will give a better understanding of their deep hearts. ''Pag 79, "Everyone present was watching him in silence. The sight gave him fresh strength. Old Lü’s bearded chin beneath his bleary eyes was quivering. Chen put the dumpling into the old fellow’s mouth. ‘I let you down, Old Lü, he said.”''

[[File:ZhangJieHarrison.png|400px|thumb|right|Zhang Jie, at 45 (First time out of China) with writer Harrison Salisbury
In 1982, at the UCLA, US-Chinese writers conference Click [http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--m26XHdk0so/TguRGQWGs5I/AAAAAAAABF8/lzPMfkPY4Yw/s320/ZhangJieHarrison.gif here] for original source ]]
'''The way Chinese people live'''
We see the working Chinese people struggling to meet ends, with low salaries or enough to get by, and small and/or poor housing, if you can call some of these places mentioned in the story housing. Also there is not much money left, but to only go out for a meal, this is the way of entertainment. They really cannot get out of this type of social class. ''Pag 62, "China really gets its intellectuals on the cheap, Zheng though. Then, remembering the technicians in his ministry and the workers in factories, he reflected, he reflected that China got all its common people on the cheap”'', and the youth has no way of diversion or entertainment but to go out and eat. They could not go out to dance or have money to travel. ''Pag 62, "Zheng glanced round. ‘Apart from the two of us, everybody here’s young. Can’t blame. Eating out is their only diversion. What else can they do!”''

'''The careers that Chinese society forces on their people'''
Zhang show us how Chinese people’s education are not well rounded but are tailor to get jobs that will advance them in society. This situation does not make them happy but it is the way that it has been working for a long time, ''Pag 59, "Looking at his eyes Zheng Ziyun felt a stab of envy. In his young days he had wanted to study anthropology, literature or history, but fate had made him an official.”'' Chinese people dream to experience careers their society does not allow them to have, ''pag 85, "Keeping his eyes on the dark road, Chen said slowly, ‘In middle school I was mad on the violin, thought music the highest form of art. And I wanted to get a PHD in physics. But I’ve ended up a factory manager!” He laughed rather bitterly.''

'''Class struggles, history and beliefs do not let Chinese move forward'''
Zhang Jie let us know that the Chinese people mentality has to change or there will be no progress at all. ''Pag 42, "What they were up against now were deeply ingrained beliefs. These beliefs were like net in which all were caught. History was bound to condemn and eliminate them.”''

'''The Past of the Cultural Revolution = Communism will be remember'''
Zhang Jie made it clear that these abuses and crimes, did happened in China, that her thoughts in this book are not exaggerated or made up, but they come from 'real life events' that mark the Chinese people and their lives. - These events are vital to understand them and what they are fighting for -. During the Cultural Revolution with Mao, all that opposed the Communist government or look like they did, were kill, nearly kill to death, brutally bit up, abuse, persecuted. They could also be send to do 'restitution to these rural places' so they can be re-form, ''pag 45, "The Cultural Revolution brought her fearful anxiety and distress: he was nearly beaten to death. When he came back after several months of confinement in a damp room he could hardly walk for arthritis.”''

'''Zhang Jie calls for a change in the government and the society of China'''.
Heavy wings/ Leaden wings, is a very provocative book and it calls for the Chinese people for a change, to leave once and for all 'old habits' that hold them back, and open themselves to progress with the help of outside markets, ''pag 101, "For some years we studied chairman Mao’s works regardless of the political results. We competed to see who could write the most copious notes or parrot the most quotations. The effectiveness of political work should be judge by the new wealth created. We must run our economy according to economic laws and give up our old egalitarian way of all eating from one big pot. That stifles initiative.”''

'''Zhang Jie speaks about her goals as a writer'''
In September of 1982, Zhang Jie spoke at the UCLA, at the US-Chinese writers conference organized by Norman Cousins about her thoughts in Literature.''*Life should become what humans beings wish it to be*''. When she talks about us, as human beings and what we wish for, it is clear to me that in order to become anything, we must have freedom of choice. Zhang Jie also expressed her feelings of responsibility that she feels the writers have to the world,''*Pure literature as our purpose cannot exist, because the writer’s feeling will have an impact on the material world.* Dillard, Pag 64.'' Zhang Jie then wants freedom to become, but with the understanding that as writers, they have a responsibility to impact the people for a better world.

== Powerpoint Slide ==
[[File:FINAL_DE_Zhang_Jie.pptx|thumb]]

== Disclosure ==
It has been a pleasure to have done this class with Mr Woesler. I had worked hard in my wiki and have done my very best to use the resources available to me in a respectful manner. In doing so, it is my hope that this work can help others 'strengthen the appreciation and knowledge of the Republic of China and their wonderful People'. Erica Bazalar-Oaks. www.bazalar.com

== References ==
1. Book # 1
Encounters With Chinese Writers By Annie Dillard.
http://books.google.com/books?id=g6conZpyrHEC&pg=PA65&lpg=PA65&dq=Zhang+Jie+study+economics&source=bl&ots=KF9QpH8WcC&sig=UDPEQRy0Op_SFaGSG0dOaRLu6hA&hl=en&sa=X&ei=WdS9UK26CYfQygHjrIGoBg&ved=0CFMQ6AEwBQ#v=onepage&q=Zhang%20Jie%20study%20economics&f=false

2. Book # 2
Leaden Wings, Zhang Jie. Published by VIRAGO PRESS Limited 1987. ISBN 0-86068-759-7

3. Book # 3
The Australian Journal of Chinese Affairs. Published by The University of Chicago Press, 1979.ISBN 01567365

4. Faces of Chinese Literature:
http://www.upf.edu/materials/huma/central/historia/lite/temes/6postm.htm

5. Her novel:
http://www.jstor.org/discover/10.2307/2158675?uid=3739928&uid=2129&uid=2&uid=70&uid=4&uid=3739256&sid=21101404588403

6. Biography:
http://www.beijingscene.com/cissue/feature.html

7. http://www.pen-international.org/
8. http://www.marxists.org/history/erol/ncm-7/cwp-cr/part-3.htm
9. http://www.culturebase.net/artist.php?3577
10. http://www.iu.edu/~easc/outreach/educators/literature/workshops/doc/Perry_2005.pdf 11/16/2012
11. http://www.literaturfestival.com/participants/authors/2003/zhang-jie
12. http://contemporary_chinese_culture.academic.ru/952/Zhang_Jie
13. http://www.iu.edu/~easc/outreach/educators/literature/workshops/doc/Perry_2005.pdf

Zhang Jie (born 1937)

2012-12-05T06:07:18Z

Ericaangie: /* Her work */

[[File:Arch002021286b.jpg|400px|thumb|right|Zhang Jie, an artistic photo by Buso. Click [http://www.martabuso.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/5e06319eda06f020e43594a9c230972d/a/r/arch002021286b.jpg here] for original source ]]
== About Zhang Jie ==
A one of a kind and brilliant Chinese Literature writer. She resumed the aspects of socialism and turned it into a novella. In this way she is able to clearly show us what the people in China of all ranks had to suffer and went through during and after those times of communism, what they were left to be entrusted with, to rebuild upon for a new generation in China. Zhang Jie began to write after the access of power began for Deng Xioping (Deputy Minister), the dead of Mao Tseng Tang occurred in 1976 and the fall of the Gang of Four occurred; this gang included Mao’s cruel wife, Jiang Qing, mastermind and political figure that together with Mao authored millions of crimes during the Cultural Revolution.

It was after these events that Zhang Jie began to write. China finally began to experience a relatively more freedom for writers to create, and works of other foreign writers began to make their way into China. China started to get energized catching on the humanistic and artistic works of the world. It was beginning to exit the 10 years confinement of literature and oppression that had suffered during the Cultural Revolution. The extreme ideals of communism lost attention and writers could now use other themes in their stories, other than the working classes or soldiers. Zhang Jie was now 39 years old. She was finally able and experienced to establish her brilliant place in the Chinese Literature.

[[File:Brigitte_lin_book_fair_hk.jpg|400px|thumb|left|Zhang Jie, at a Hong Kong Book fair. They announced her book
'Without Words' will be go to the big screen. Click [http://wiki.vm.rub.de/uvu/images/5/59/Brigitte_lin_book_fair_hk.jpg here] for original source ]]

== Biography ==
'''1937'''
Zhang Jie was born in Beijing in 1937, her mother taught elementary school, she grew up poor even when she was a Manchu Royalty decedent. She had to escape the Japanese army that wanted to kill them. ''"Her mother, Manchurian royalty by birth but reduced to poverty by China's perpetual war and revolt, was a primary school teacher before the Japanese invasion." beijingscene.com.'' A guide that they meet introduced Zhang Jie to western children stories. The stories she read were from The Grimm brothers, Hans Christian Andersen and the fables of Krylov were among her favorites. Although people like to critic her because about this, Zhang Jie said that she is glad to have read these children stories, because they taught her to be consider to other people and not smash others on her way to success ''"I secretly congratulate myself and say that if I have one iota of human feeling, if I do not move up in the world by stepping on other people, do not use others to gain advantage, it is in large part due to the influence of the humanism in classical Western literature.” beijingscene.com''

'''1956'''
She wanted so badly to be a writer but end up studying economics ''"The government, however decided that because of her excellent school record she should study economics” Dillard pag 65.'' Zhang Jie cried about this but went anyways. Zhang Jie was admitted in RENMIN University of China.

'''1960'''
Zhang Jie, graduated and took a job in the Mechanics Engineer Industry that would allowed her a lot of information in this field to later write her Mao Dun Award winning book 'Heavy Wings (Leaden Wings)'. She worked in this industry for eight years.

'''1963'''
She married a colleague and had a daughter called 'Tang Di'

'''1964'''
Mao wanted the writers to experience equality with the rural or less fortunate people, and get rid off any funny ideas of possible superiority they might have ''"In addition to the Socialist Education Movement in the countryside, Mao repeatedly urged the literature and arts circles, as well as the various propaganda arms, to reform their areas.” marxists.org.''

'''1969'''
At the age of 32 Zhang Jie was sent to a farm for four years to be reform to Jiangxi, located southwest if China. Even when they have lost all money and connection of her royal family, because of her royal lineage, she was considered of a privilege class, so according to the teachings of Mao Tseng Tang she needed to be reform and experience the workers life. ''"Because she was the daughter of a right winger, she was forced to participate in re-educational measures at a special school from 1969 to 1972.” culture.base.net.'' During these times, it must have been very hard to be separated of her daughter and mother.

'''1978'''
Zhang Jie published her first children story right after the Culture Revolution called 'Music of the Forests', and won China national award ''"It was at this time that she also began to write. Only after the Cultural Revolution (1966–67) did she publish her first story" 'Die Musik der Wälder' culturebase.net.'' Russian children literature really was her inspiration to begin writing. Also, she was one of the first Modern writers to write about women and love. 'Love must not be forgotten' was her first novel about these issues of love.

'''1979'''
Zhang Jie joined the Chinese Writers Association. Zhang Jie’s work was popular.

'''1980'''
Her acclaim novella 'Heavy Wings' was published and very well received. She had waited for a long time and because of the changes and relatively freedoms that China was experiencing this was the right moment to do it. Zhang Jie joined the Chinese Communist Party.

'''1982'''
She becomes a member of the PEN International. Zhang Jie would travel outside of China for the first time ever to attend a conference in Los Angeles, at UCLA where she would meet American writer and journalist 'Harrison Salisbury'. Dillard, pag 63. Zhang Jie must have been very happy that she can finally write all she wanted.

'''1985'''
She was awarded the Mao Dun Literature Prize for ''Leaden Wings = Heavy Wings''.''"This novel is one of the three which jointly won the 1985 Mao Dun Literary Prize, the most prestigious award for novels in China" jstor.org''

'''2005'''
Zhang Jie was awarded for the second time the Mao Dun Literature Prize for 'Without a Word'. She is the only author to have won this prize twice.

[[File:Zhang-jie-0719L.jpg|500px|thumb|right|In 1985, Zhang Jie won the Mao Dun Prize Click [http://images2.chinatraveldepot.com/Images/Destination/Zhang-jie-0719L.jpg here] for original source ]]

== Faces of Chinese Literature ==
I think it is helpful and important to distinguish 2 faces in Chinese Literature, and which one Zhang Jie belongs too, this way we can comprehend even better the Chinese Literature evolution and what group accompany the author. Together with Zhang Jie, these authors with their writings, will be the ones in charge to lead China into a new direction.

The first face was in the 1920s.- It started with the fall of the Empire and the disintegration of the Old Traditional Literacy. The beginning of the ‘Chinese Literature Modern Classics was born’, the unforgettable Lu Xun, Lao She, Cao Yu, Mao Deng, Ba Jin and others, ''"At that moment the canonical list of modern classics of Chinese literature came out: Lu Xun, Lao She, Cao Yu, Mao Dun, Ba Jin” www.upf.edu.''

The Second face during the 1980s.- A period of relative relaxation begins that allowed the ‘emerge of new climate of cultural creativity’. The distinction of what it was ‘Revolutionary Literature between – Modern Literature’ was well noticed. "The young writers that had to remain silence had been awakening (good morning Zhang Jie)." In this face: we found Zhang Jie, Wang Meng, Liu Xiabo, Wang Shuo, Hao Shaogong and many more.

== Fun Facts about Zhang Jie ==
[[File:Cute.jpg|250px|thumb|left|Zhang Jie, loves cats and was seeing playing with one at UCLA conference. Click [http://www.thedibb.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=662542] for original source ]]
Zhang Jie loves to giggle and to read books. She has a way of looking at you with sarcasm. Zhang Jie also likes Siamese cats a lot. During the UCLA conference, she got a hold of a cat and would not let go of it. People reported that she was holding on to the cat the wrong way, the cat’s behind was facing people, while the face of the cat was facing Zhang Jie’s back, funny way to hold a kitty, and she did it for a while too, ''"Zhang Jie and innovative and controversial young writer, is carrying my Siamese cat aroung the house. She holds it by the armpit, so it faces the couch.” Dillard, pag 61.''
She also loves to speak softly and her work is regularly under fire, '' Zhang Jie , whose own work is regularly under fire, had to defend the Party line.” Dillard, pag 68.''

== Her work ==
[[File:ZHangJieHenryMiller.png|400px|thumb|right|Zhang Jie and American writer 'Henry Miller'in 1984 Click [http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C507t-K16jQ/TguQwhGSIiI/AAAAAAAABF0/FI09ZHvkDT4/s320/ZHangJieHenryMiller.gif here]for original source ]]
Zhang Jie was raised by her mother, her parents were divorced. Probably at a young age witnessed and experienced the discrimination and abuse to the fact that she had no father. In those times single mothers were very lookdown upon and were also discriminated. These facts had to have inspired Zhang Jie into her writings and allowed her to rule when she talks about what women went through during those times, since she had witnessed it herself. A good example of this in one of her books is 'Love must not be forgotten' where she tells a story about a woman that was having doubts about getting marry and finds the diary of her mother. In this diary she finds out that her mother had a secret love. The events of this novel took place during the Cultural Revolution, similar to the fact that Zhang Jie and her mother were going through this situation during the same time ''"According to her mother’s wishes, Shanshan did burn the books, but could not part with the diary. As she reads her mother’s words, one of the many things she discovers is that her mother had had a secret love.” www.iu.edu''

'''Why Zhang Jie calls it "Heavy wings"'''
Zhang Jie is a smart writer, strong and brave representative of the new Modern generation. This generation is like a newborn or a new bird representing the Republic of China. Zhang Jie and writers like her are the ones that are responsible to help others break out of the shell, and show them how to fly high. But can they do it? Or, Are the wings of this nation 'too heavy to take off' and begin to fly completely free? You decide.

'''Zhang Jie way of writing'''
''By taking us inside the story, Zhang Jie show us how the people of China lives, how they struggle silently hoping for a change that is too slow in the process of happening, like a pregnant mother that is in contractions now, this mother or nation that has been evolving month by month, decade by decade, and is in growing pains of the changes that are taking place, for a new baby, a new nation that is pushing to come out, and by coming out is creating changes in the way of thinking of China, a China that wants to breath loud, that wants to take off flying freely, and wants to reach the stars without having the government teased her and tide her down like a kite. Erica Bazalar-Oaks.''

In this novella, Zhang Jie is brilliant! She takes us inside the society of China in a very personal way. She describes the personalities so well and body movements, their rooms, houses and buildings where they live, and through her words make us feel as spectators that we can be seating right there on a chair, or on the table near by ear dropping on the conversation the characters are having. Zhang Jie shows as a writer her brilliance and experience, when the story just flows. She goes from one story to another in such a subtle way, that you as the reader are not a bit distracted, but pleasingly surprise making you feel like a light feather traveling gently from one side to another. On her words, she also uses European phrases that are well known and demonstrates her past influences in readings, ''pag 95 "Not all high officials rested in their laurels.”'' Also Zhang Jie demonstrates something I found interesting, her unique and personal style of writing when she mixes in one situation, two elements from different backgrounds. She can convey and interesting way of thinking that she cleanly and successfully displays in her novella. A good example is when the character of Zheng was in the car letting the breeze to ruffle his hair, Zheng though to himself, ''pag 102, "Would this speech he had just made, like previous ones, vanish without a trace like a snowflake in the dessert?”'' Here, she uses the snowflake that happens on winter season, and combines it with the element of the dessert that portraits a hot weather, two different types of times to explain the feelings of the character of Zheng. I enjoyed that.

[[File:Zhang-jie.png|400px|thumb|left|Zhang Jie very young in her twenties Click [http://digital.library.upenn.edu/women/_gallery/zhang-jie.gif here] for original source ]]

== Analysis of the Book Heavy Wings ==

'''Heavy Wings also call Leaden Wings'''
Heavy/Leaden Wings was published in 1980. Zhang Jie tells us what is happening today in Modern China after the Cultural Revolution, and where they stand in progress in their society and the world. One important thing that she writes about is 'marriage' in a country that is full of traditions, marriage can be one thing that is controversial to discuss. In Heavy Wings, the characters, women and men of different economical classes equally show their struggles in marriage, and fears of the society criticism if they would ever were to get divorce. Zhang Jie has been accused before of being immoral or too westernized, also to work against the party. Zhang Jie herself is divorced; in her work she stands for true love versus tradition. But, 'This also could mean that the author is suggesting that women and men can and should take their time experiencing falling in love! Before they go into rehearse marriage'. Also, this novella centers in the modernization of the Chinese industry and how the citizens are all for modern and bringing outside investments, especially interesting since Chinese people has not favored or trust outside companies. Heavy Wings give us as well an interesting inside of the social classes China has. We have the working classes that work in the industry very hard and barely get by, the middle class with the managers in charge that want to make a difference for their people and the ministers that are the ones that are way involve with the party, make the money and can do good or bad.

'''Modernization of China'''
When she talks about the modernization of China industry, she can give an excellent inside of thoughts about the progress in this organization, since she worked in this field for many years in the past. That means that she probably also witnessed the corruption that goes on; the good people that want to modernize and make a difference in their sector for the better, but encounter corruption with the bad people that only wants to hold on tied to communism rules, so they can benefit themselves and not the workers, that work hard and that need to make more money, to at least better their living conditions, ''pag 86 "To boost production in China you have to improve living conditions.”''

'''Divorce in the Chinese society'''
Heavy wings shows how people therefore might not be in love but because it would look bad on them, they have to put up with it, ''pag 34,"He seldom had free Sunday and they slept in different rooms.”''If they would divorce, for the men in their careers, they could lose their social status and be consider unstable losers, and for the women is far worst, if they became divorcees they can be look down as prostitutes, ''pag 107, "He darted a warning glance at Zheng. To him divorcees ranked with prostitutes.”'' One call only imagine how much Zheng Jie suffered when she was little looking at her mother been mistreated since her mother was divorced, and after loosing all position in society and money, Zheng Jie’s mother had to find a job, protect her daughter and put up with a society that did not protect her but made their lives worst. We can definitely tell that this part in Zhang Jie’s life influenced this writer a lot when she learnt this type of discrimination against her mother, against women in her society.

'''Tender moments'''
There are also great moments of tenderness in this story from Chinese men and women, that will give a better understanding of their deep hearts. ''Pag 79, "Everyone present was watching him in silence. The sight gave him fresh strength. Old Lü’s bearded chin beneath his bleary eyes was quivering. Chen put the dumpling into the old fellow’s mouth. ‘I let you down, Old Lü, he said.”''

[[File:ZhangJieHarrison.png|400px|thumb|right|Zhang Jie, at 45 (First time out of China) with writer Harrison Salisbury
In 1982, at the UCLA, US-Chinese writers conference Click [http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--m26XHdk0so/TguRGQWGs5I/AAAAAAAABF8/lzPMfkPY4Yw/s320/ZhangJieHarrison.gif here] for original source ]]
'''The way Chinese people live'''
We see the working Chinese people struggling to meet ends, with low salaries or enough to get by, and small and/or poor housing, if you can call some of these places mentioned in the story housing. Also there is not much money left, but to only go out for a meal, this is the way of entertainment. They really cannot get out of this type of social class. ''Pag 62, "China really gets its intellectuals on the cheap, Zheng though. Then, remembering the technicians in his ministry and the workers in factories, he reflected, he reflected that China got all its common people on the cheap”'', and the youth has no way of diversion or entertainment but to go out and eat. They could not go out to dance or have money to travel. ''Pag 62, "Zheng glanced round. ‘Apart from the two of us, everybody here’s young. Can’t blame. Eating out is their only diversion. What else can they do!”''

'''The careers that Chinese society forces on their people'''
Zhang show us how Chinese people’s education are not well rounded but are tailor to get jobs that will advance them in society. This situation does not make them happy but it is the way that it has been working for a long time, ''Pag 59, "Looking at his eyes Zheng Ziyun felt a stab of envy. In his young days he had wanted to study anthropology, literature or history, but fate had made him an official.”'' Chinese people dream to experience careers their society does not allow them to have, ''pag 85, "Keeping his eyes on the dark road, Chen said slowly, ‘In middle school I was mad on the violin, thought music the highest form of art. And I wanted to get a PHD in physics. But I’ve ended up a factory manager!” He laughed rather bitterly.''

'''Class struggles, history and beliefs do not let Chinese move forward'''
Zhang Jie let us know that the Chinese people mentality has to change or there will be no progress at all. ''Pag 42, "What they were up against now were deeply ingrained beliefs. These beliefs were like net in which all were caught. History was bound to condemn and eliminate them.”''

'''The Past of the Cultural Revolution = Communism will be remember'''
Zhang Jie made it clear that these abuses and crimes, did happened in China, that her thoughts in this book are not exaggerated or made up, but they come from 'real life events' that mark the Chinese people and their lives. - These events are vital to understand them and what they are fighting for -. During the Cultural Revolution with Mao, all that opposed the Communist government or look like they did, were kill, nearly kill to death, brutally bit up, abuse, persecuted. They could also be send to do 'restitution to these rural places' so they can be re-form, ''pag 45, "The Cultural Revolution brought her fearful anxiety and distress: he was nearly beaten to death. When he came back after several months of confinement in a damp room he could hardly walk for arthritis.”''

'''Zhang Jie calls for a change in the government and the society of China'''.
Heavy wings/ Leaden wings, is a very provocative book and it calls for the Chinese people for a change, to leave once and for all 'old habits' that hold them back, and open themselves to progress with the help of outside markets, ''pag 101, "For some years we studied chairman Mao’s works regardless of the political results. We competed to see who could write the most copious notes or parrot the most quotations. The effectiveness of political work should be judge by the new wealth created. We must run our economy according to economic laws and give up our old egalitarian way of all eating from one big pot. That stifles initiative.”''

'''Zhang Jie speaks about her goals as a writer'''
In September of 1982, Zhang Jie spoke at the UCLA, at the US-Chinese writers conference organized by Norman Cousins about her thoughts in Literature.''*Life should become what humans beings wish it to be*''. When she talks about us, as human beings and what we wish for, it is clear to me that in order to become anything, we must have freedom of choice. Zhang Jie also expressed her feelings of responsibility that she feels the writers have to the world,''*Pure literature as our purpose cannot exist, because the writer’s feeling will have an impact on the material world.* Dillard, Pag 64.'' Zhang Jie then wants freedom to become, but with the understanding that as writers, they have a responsibility to impact the people for a better world.

== Powerpoint Slide ==
[[File:FINAL_DE_Zhang_Jie.pptx|thumb]]

== Disclosure ==
It has been a pleasure to have done this class with Mr Woesler. I had worked hard in my wiki and have done my very best to use the resources available to me in a respectful manner. In doing so, it is my hope that this work can help others 'strengthen the appreciation and knowledge of the Republic of China and their wonderful People'. Erica Bazalar-Oaks. www.bazalar.com

== References ==
1. Book # 1
Encounters With Chinese Writers By Annie Dillard.
http://books.google.com/books?id=g6conZpyrHEC&pg=PA65&lpg=PA65&dq=Zhang+Jie+study+economics&source=bl&ots=KF9QpH8WcC&sig=UDPEQRy0Op_SFaGSG0dOaRLu6hA&hl=en&sa=X&ei=WdS9UK26CYfQygHjrIGoBg&ved=0CFMQ6AEwBQ#v=onepage&q=Zhang%20Jie%20study%20economics&f=false

2. Book # 2
Leaden Wings, Zhang Jie. Published by VIRAGO PRESS Limited 1987. ISBN 0-86068-759-7

3. Book # 3
The Australian Journal of Chinese Affairs. Published by The University of Chicago Press, 1979.ISBN 01567365

4. Faces of Chinese Literature:
http://www.upf.edu/materials/huma/central/historia/lite/temes/6postm.htm

5. Her novel:
http://www.jstor.org/discover/10.2307/2158675?uid=3739928&uid=2129&uid=2&uid=70&uid=4&uid=3739256&sid=21101404588403

6. Biography:
http://www.beijingscene.com/cissue/feature.html

7. http://www.pen-international.org/
8. http://www.marxists.org/history/erol/ncm-7/cwp-cr/part-3.htm
9. http://www.culturebase.net/artist.php?3577
10. http://www.iu.edu/~easc/outreach/educators/literature/workshops/doc/Perry_2005.pdf 11/16/2012
11. http://www.literaturfestival.com/participants/authors/2003/zhang-jie
12. http://contemporary_chinese_culture.academic.ru/952/Zhang_Jie
13. http://www.iu.edu/~easc/outreach/educators/literature/workshops/doc/Perry_2005.pdf

Zhang Jie (born 1937)

2012-12-05T06:06:18Z

Ericaangie: /* Her work */

[[File:Arch002021286b.jpg|400px|thumb|right|Zhang Jie, an artistic photo by Buso. Click [http://www.martabuso.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/5e06319eda06f020e43594a9c230972d/a/r/arch002021286b.jpg here] for original source ]]
== About Zhang Jie ==
A one of a kind and brilliant Chinese Literature writer. She resumed the aspects of socialism and turned it into a novella. In this way she is able to clearly show us what the people in China of all ranks had to suffer and went through during and after those times of communism, what they were left to be entrusted with, to rebuild upon for a new generation in China. Zhang Jie began to write after the access of power began for Deng Xioping (Deputy Minister), the dead of Mao Tseng Tang occurred in 1976 and the fall of the Gang of Four occurred; this gang included Mao’s cruel wife, Jiang Qing, mastermind and political figure that together with Mao authored millions of crimes during the Cultural Revolution.

It was after these events that Zhang Jie began to write. China finally began to experience a relatively more freedom for writers to create, and works of other foreign writers began to make their way into China. China started to get energized catching on the humanistic and artistic works of the world. It was beginning to exit the 10 years confinement of literature and oppression that had suffered during the Cultural Revolution. The extreme ideals of communism lost attention and writers could now use other themes in their stories, other than the working classes or soldiers. Zhang Jie was now 39 years old. She was finally able and experienced to establish her brilliant place in the Chinese Literature.

[[File:Brigitte_lin_book_fair_hk.jpg|400px|thumb|left|Zhang Jie, at a Hong Kong Book fair. They announced her book
'Without Words' will be go to the big screen. Click [http://wiki.vm.rub.de/uvu/images/5/59/Brigitte_lin_book_fair_hk.jpg here] for original source ]]

== Biography ==
'''1937'''
Zhang Jie was born in Beijing in 1937, her mother taught elementary school, she grew up poor even when she was a Manchu Royalty decedent. She had to escape the Japanese army that wanted to kill them. ''"Her mother, Manchurian royalty by birth but reduced to poverty by China's perpetual war and revolt, was a primary school teacher before the Japanese invasion." beijingscene.com.'' A guide that they meet introduced Zhang Jie to western children stories. The stories she read were from The Grimm brothers, Hans Christian Andersen and the fables of Krylov were among her favorites. Although people like to critic her because about this, Zhang Jie said that she is glad to have read these children stories, because they taught her to be consider to other people and not smash others on her way to success ''"I secretly congratulate myself and say that if I have one iota of human feeling, if I do not move up in the world by stepping on other people, do not use others to gain advantage, it is in large part due to the influence of the humanism in classical Western literature.” beijingscene.com''

'''1956'''
She wanted so badly to be a writer but end up studying economics ''"The government, however decided that because of her excellent school record she should study economics” Dillard pag 65.'' Zhang Jie cried about this but went anyways. Zhang Jie was admitted in RENMIN University of China.

'''1960'''
Zhang Jie, graduated and took a job in the Mechanics Engineer Industry that would allowed her a lot of information in this field to later write her Mao Dun Award winning book 'Heavy Wings (Leaden Wings)'. She worked in this industry for eight years.

'''1963'''
She married a colleague and had a daughter called 'Tang Di'

'''1964'''
Mao wanted the writers to experience equality with the rural or less fortunate people, and get rid off any funny ideas of possible superiority they might have ''"In addition to the Socialist Education Movement in the countryside, Mao repeatedly urged the literature and arts circles, as well as the various propaganda arms, to reform their areas.” marxists.org.''

'''1969'''
At the age of 32 Zhang Jie was sent to a farm for four years to be reform to Jiangxi, located southwest if China. Even when they have lost all money and connection of her royal family, because of her royal lineage, she was considered of a privilege class, so according to the teachings of Mao Tseng Tang she needed to be reform and experience the workers life. ''"Because she was the daughter of a right winger, she was forced to participate in re-educational measures at a special school from 1969 to 1972.” culture.base.net.'' During these times, it must have been very hard to be separated of her daughter and mother.

'''1978'''
Zhang Jie published her first children story right after the Culture Revolution called 'Music of the Forests', and won China national award ''"It was at this time that she also began to write. Only after the Cultural Revolution (1966–67) did she publish her first story" 'Die Musik der Wälder' culturebase.net.'' Russian children literature really was her inspiration to begin writing. Also, she was one of the first Modern writers to write about women and love. 'Love must not be forgotten' was her first novel about these issues of love.

'''1979'''
Zhang Jie joined the Chinese Writers Association. Zhang Jie’s work was popular.

'''1980'''
Her acclaim novella 'Heavy Wings' was published and very well received. She had waited for a long time and because of the changes and relatively freedoms that China was experiencing this was the right moment to do it. Zhang Jie joined the Chinese Communist Party.

'''1982'''
She becomes a member of the PEN International. Zhang Jie would travel outside of China for the first time ever to attend a conference in Los Angeles, at UCLA where she would meet American writer and journalist 'Harrison Salisbury'. Dillard, pag 63. Zhang Jie must have been very happy that she can finally write all she wanted.

'''1985'''
She was awarded the Mao Dun Literature Prize for ''Leaden Wings = Heavy Wings''.''"This novel is one of the three which jointly won the 1985 Mao Dun Literary Prize, the most prestigious award for novels in China" jstor.org''

'''2005'''
Zhang Jie was awarded for the second time the Mao Dun Literature Prize for 'Without a Word'. She is the only author to have won this prize twice.

[[File:Zhang-jie-0719L.jpg|500px|thumb|right|In 1985, Zhang Jie won the Mao Dun Prize Click [http://images2.chinatraveldepot.com/Images/Destination/Zhang-jie-0719L.jpg here] for original source ]]

== Faces of Chinese Literature ==
I think it is helpful and important to distinguish 2 faces in Chinese Literature, and which one Zhang Jie belongs too, this way we can comprehend even better the Chinese Literature evolution and what group accompany the author. Together with Zhang Jie, these authors with their writings, will be the ones in charge to lead China into a new direction.

The first face was in the 1920s.- It started with the fall of the Empire and the disintegration of the Old Traditional Literacy. The beginning of the ‘Chinese Literature Modern Classics was born’, the unforgettable Lu Xun, Lao She, Cao Yu, Mao Deng, Ba Jin and others, ''"At that moment the canonical list of modern classics of Chinese literature came out: Lu Xun, Lao She, Cao Yu, Mao Dun, Ba Jin” www.upf.edu.''

The Second face during the 1980s.- A period of relative relaxation begins that allowed the ‘emerge of new climate of cultural creativity’. The distinction of what it was ‘Revolutionary Literature between – Modern Literature’ was well noticed. "The young writers that had to remain silence had been awakening (good morning Zhang Jie)." In this face: we found Zhang Jie, Wang Meng, Liu Xiabo, Wang Shuo, Hao Shaogong and many more.

== Fun Facts about Zhang Jie ==
[[File:Cute.jpg|250px|thumb|left|Zhang Jie, loves cats and was seeing playing with one at UCLA conference. Click [http://www.thedibb.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=662542] for original source ]]
Zhang Jie loves to giggle and to read books. She has a way of looking at you with sarcasm. Zhang Jie also likes Siamese cats a lot. During the UCLA conference, she got a hold of a cat and would not let go of it. People reported that she was holding on to the cat the wrong way, the cat’s behind was facing people, while the face of the cat was facing Zhang Jie’s back, funny way to hold a kitty, and she did it for a while too, ''"Zhang Jie and innovative and controversial young writer, is carrying my Siamese cat aroung the house. She holds it by the armpit, so it faces the couch.” Dillard, pag 61.''
She also loves to speak softly and her work is regularly under fire, '' Zhang Jie , whose own work is regularly under fire, had to defend the Party line.” Dillard, pag 68.''

== Her work ==
[[File:ZHangJieHenryMiller.png|400px|thumb|right|Zhang Jie and American writer 'Henry Miller'in 1984 Click [http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C507t-K16jQ/TguQwhGSIiI/AAAAAAAABF0/FI09ZHvkDT4/s320/ZHangJieHenryMiller.gif here]for original source ]]
Zhang Jie was raised by her mother, her parents were divorced. Probably at a young age witnessed and experienced the discrimination and abuse to the fact that she had no father. In those times single mothers were very lookdown upon and were also discriminated. These facts had to have inspired Zhang Jie into her writings and allowed her to rule when she talks about what women went through during those times, since she had witnessed it herself. A good example of this in one of her books is 'Love must not be forgotten' where she tells a story about a woman that was having doubts about getting marry and finds the diary of her mother. In this diary she finds out that her mother had a secret love. The events of this novel took place during the Cultural Revolution, similar to the fact that Zhang Jie and her mother were going through this situation during the same time ''According to her mother’s wishes, Shanshan did burn the books, but could not part with the diary. As she reads her mother’s words, one of the many things she discovers is that her mother had had a secret love.” www.iu.edu''

'''Why Zhang Jie calls it "Heavy wings"'''
Zhang Jie is a smart writer, strong and brave representative of the new Modern generation. This generation is like a newborn or a new bird representing the Republic of China. Zhang Jie and writers like her are the ones that are responsible to help others break out of the shell, and show them how to fly high. But can they do it? Or, Are the wings of this nation 'too heavy to take off' and begin to fly completely free? You decide.

'''Zhang Jie way of writing'''
''By taking us inside the story, Zhang Jie show us how the people of China lives, how they struggle silently hoping for a change that is too slow in the process of happening, like a pregnant mother that is in contractions now, this mother or nation that has been evolving month by month, decade by decade, and is in growing pains of the changes that are taking place, for a new baby, a new nation that is pushing to come out, and by coming out is creating changes in the way of thinking of China, a China that wants to breath loud, that wants to take off flying freely, and wants to reach the stars without having the government teased her and tide her down like a kite. Erica Bazalar-Oaks.''

In this novella, Zhang Jie is brilliant! She takes us inside the society of China in a very personal way. She describes the personalities so well and body movements, their rooms, houses and buildings where they live, and through her words make us feel as spectators that we can be seating right there on a chair, or on the table near by ear dropping on the conversation the characters are having. Zhang Jie shows as a writer her brilliance and experience, when the story just flows. She goes from one story to another in such a subtle way, that you as the reader are not a bit distracted, but pleasingly surprise making you feel like a light feather traveling gently from one side to another. On her words, she also uses European phrases that are well known and demonstrates her past influences in readings, ''pag 95 "Not all high officials rested in their laurels.”'' Also Zhang Jie demonstrates something I found interesting, her unique and personal style of writing when she mixes in one situation, two elements from different backgrounds. She can convey and interesting way of thinking that she cleanly and successfully displays in her novella. A good example is when the character of Zheng was in the car letting the breeze to ruffle his hair, Zheng though to himself, ''pag 102, "Would this speech he had just made, like previous ones, vanish without a trace like a snowflake in the dessert?”'' Here, she uses the snowflake that happens on winter season, and combines it with the element of the dessert that portraits a hot weather, two different types of times to explain the feelings of the character of Zheng. I enjoyed that.

[[File:Zhang-jie.png|400px|thumb|left|Zhang Jie very young in her twenties Click [http://digital.library.upenn.edu/women/_gallery/zhang-jie.gif here] for original source ]]

== Analysis of the Book Heavy Wings ==

'''Heavy Wings also call Leaden Wings'''
Heavy/Leaden Wings was published in 1980. Zhang Jie tells us what is happening today in Modern China after the Cultural Revolution, and where they stand in progress in their society and the world. One important thing that she writes about is 'marriage' in a country that is full of traditions, marriage can be one thing that is controversial to discuss. In Heavy Wings, the characters, women and men of different economical classes equally show their struggles in marriage, and fears of the society criticism if they would ever were to get divorce. Zhang Jie has been accused before of being immoral or too westernized, also to work against the party. Zhang Jie herself is divorced; in her work she stands for true love versus tradition. But, 'This also could mean that the author is suggesting that women and men can and should take their time experiencing falling in love! Before they go into rehearse marriage'. Also, this novella centers in the modernization of the Chinese industry and how the citizens are all for modern and bringing outside investments, especially interesting since Chinese people has not favored or trust outside companies. Heavy Wings give us as well an interesting inside of the social classes China has. We have the working classes that work in the industry very hard and barely get by, the middle class with the managers in charge that want to make a difference for their people and the ministers that are the ones that are way involve with the party, make the money and can do good or bad.

'''Modernization of China'''
When she talks about the modernization of China industry, she can give an excellent inside of thoughts about the progress in this organization, since she worked in this field for many years in the past. That means that she probably also witnessed the corruption that goes on; the good people that want to modernize and make a difference in their sector for the better, but encounter corruption with the bad people that only wants to hold on tied to communism rules, so they can benefit themselves and not the workers, that work hard and that need to make more money, to at least better their living conditions, ''pag 86 "To boost production in China you have to improve living conditions.”''

'''Divorce in the Chinese society'''
Heavy wings shows how people therefore might not be in love but because it would look bad on them, they have to put up with it, ''pag 34,"He seldom had free Sunday and they slept in different rooms.”''If they would divorce, for the men in their careers, they could lose their social status and be consider unstable losers, and for the women is far worst, if they became divorcees they can be look down as prostitutes, ''pag 107, "He darted a warning glance at Zheng. To him divorcees ranked with prostitutes.”'' One call only imagine how much Zheng Jie suffered when she was little looking at her mother been mistreated since her mother was divorced, and after loosing all position in society and money, Zheng Jie’s mother had to find a job, protect her daughter and put up with a society that did not protect her but made their lives worst. We can definitely tell that this part in Zhang Jie’s life influenced this writer a lot when she learnt this type of discrimination against her mother, against women in her society.

'''Tender moments'''
There are also great moments of tenderness in this story from Chinese men and women, that will give a better understanding of their deep hearts. ''Pag 79, "Everyone present was watching him in silence. The sight gave him fresh strength. Old Lü’s bearded chin beneath his bleary eyes was quivering. Chen put the dumpling into the old fellow’s mouth. ‘I let you down, Old Lü, he said.”''

[[File:ZhangJieHarrison.png|400px|thumb|right|Zhang Jie, at 45 (First time out of China) with writer Harrison Salisbury
In 1982, at the UCLA, US-Chinese writers conference Click [http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--m26XHdk0so/TguRGQWGs5I/AAAAAAAABF8/lzPMfkPY4Yw/s320/ZhangJieHarrison.gif here] for original source ]]
'''The way Chinese people live'''
We see the working Chinese people struggling to meet ends, with low salaries or enough to get by, and small and/or poor housing, if you can call some of these places mentioned in the story housing. Also there is not much money left, but to only go out for a meal, this is the way of entertainment. They really cannot get out of this type of social class. ''Pag 62, "China really gets its intellectuals on the cheap, Zheng though. Then, remembering the technicians in his ministry and the workers in factories, he reflected, he reflected that China got all its common people on the cheap”'', and the youth has no way of diversion or entertainment but to go out and eat. They could not go out to dance or have money to travel. ''Pag 62, "Zheng glanced round. ‘Apart from the two of us, everybody here’s young. Can’t blame. Eating out is their only diversion. What else can they do!”''

'''The careers that Chinese society forces on their people'''
Zhang show us how Chinese people’s education are not well rounded but are tailor to get jobs that will advance them in society. This situation does not make them happy but it is the way that it has been working for a long time, ''Pag 59, "Looking at his eyes Zheng Ziyun felt a stab of envy. In his young days he had wanted to study anthropology, literature or history, but fate had made him an official.”'' Chinese people dream to experience careers their society does not allow them to have, ''pag 85, "Keeping his eyes on the dark road, Chen said slowly, ‘In middle school I was mad on the violin, thought music the highest form of art. And I wanted to get a PHD in physics. But I’ve ended up a factory manager!” He laughed rather bitterly.''

'''Class struggles, history and beliefs do not let Chinese move forward'''
Zhang Jie let us know that the Chinese people mentality has to change or there will be no progress at all. ''Pag 42, "What they were up against now were deeply ingrained beliefs. These beliefs were like net in which all were caught. History was bound to condemn and eliminate them.”''

'''The Past of the Cultural Revolution = Communism will be remember'''
Zhang Jie made it clear that these abuses and crimes, did happened in China, that her thoughts in this book are not exaggerated or made up, but they come from 'real life events' that mark the Chinese people and their lives. - These events are vital to understand them and what they are fighting for -. During the Cultural Revolution with Mao, all that opposed the Communist government or look like they did, were kill, nearly kill to death, brutally bit up, abuse, persecuted. They could also be send to do 'restitution to these rural places' so they can be re-form, ''pag 45, "The Cultural Revolution brought her fearful anxiety and distress: he was nearly beaten to death. When he came back after several months of confinement in a damp room he could hardly walk for arthritis.”''

'''Zhang Jie calls for a change in the government and the society of China'''.
Heavy wings/ Leaden wings, is a very provocative book and it calls for the Chinese people for a change, to leave once and for all 'old habits' that hold them back, and open themselves to progress with the help of outside markets, ''pag 101, "For some years we studied chairman Mao’s works regardless of the political results. We competed to see who could write the most copious notes or parrot the most quotations. The effectiveness of political work should be judge by the new wealth created. We must run our economy according to economic laws and give up our old egalitarian way of all eating from one big pot. That stifles initiative.”''

'''Zhang Jie speaks about her goals as a writer'''
In September of 1982, Zhang Jie spoke at the UCLA, at the US-Chinese writers conference organized by Norman Cousins about her thoughts in Literature.''*Life should become what humans beings wish it to be*''. When she talks about us, as human beings and what we wish for, it is clear to me that in order to become anything, we must have freedom of choice. Zhang Jie also expressed her feelings of responsibility that she feels the writers have to the world,''*Pure literature as our purpose cannot exist, because the writer’s feeling will have an impact on the material world.* Dillard, Pag 64.'' Zhang Jie then wants freedom to become, but with the understanding that as writers, they have a responsibility to impact the people for a better world.

== Powerpoint Slide ==
[[File:FINAL_DE_Zhang_Jie.pptx|thumb]]

== Disclosure ==
It has been a pleasure to have done this class with Mr Woesler. I had worked hard in my wiki and have done my very best to use the resources available to me in a respectful manner. In doing so, it is my hope that this work can help others 'strengthen the appreciation and knowledge of the Republic of China and their wonderful People'. Erica Bazalar-Oaks. www.bazalar.com

== References ==
1. Book # 1
Encounters With Chinese Writers By Annie Dillard.
http://books.google.com/books?id=g6conZpyrHEC&pg=PA65&lpg=PA65&dq=Zhang+Jie+study+economics&source=bl&ots=KF9QpH8WcC&sig=UDPEQRy0Op_SFaGSG0dOaRLu6hA&hl=en&sa=X&ei=WdS9UK26CYfQygHjrIGoBg&ved=0CFMQ6AEwBQ#v=onepage&q=Zhang%20Jie%20study%20economics&f=false

2. Book # 2
Leaden Wings, Zhang Jie. Published by VIRAGO PRESS Limited 1987. ISBN 0-86068-759-7

3. Book # 3
The Australian Journal of Chinese Affairs. Published by The University of Chicago Press, 1979.ISBN 01567365

4. Faces of Chinese Literature:
http://www.upf.edu/materials/huma/central/historia/lite/temes/6postm.htm

5. Her novel:
http://www.jstor.org/discover/10.2307/2158675?uid=3739928&uid=2129&uid=2&uid=70&uid=4&uid=3739256&sid=21101404588403

6. Biography:
http://www.beijingscene.com/cissue/feature.html

7. http://www.pen-international.org/
8. http://www.marxists.org/history/erol/ncm-7/cwp-cr/part-3.htm
9. http://www.culturebase.net/artist.php?3577
10. http://www.iu.edu/~easc/outreach/educators/literature/workshops/doc/Perry_2005.pdf 11/16/2012
11. http://www.literaturfestival.com/participants/authors/2003/zhang-jie
12. http://contemporary_chinese_culture.academic.ru/952/Zhang_Jie
13. http://www.iu.edu/~easc/outreach/educators/literature/workshops/doc/Perry_2005.pdf

Zhang Jie (born 1937)

2012-12-05T06:03:43Z

Ericaangie: /* Faces of Chinese Literature */

[[File:Arch002021286b.jpg|400px|thumb|right|Zhang Jie, an artistic photo by Buso. Click [http://www.martabuso.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/5e06319eda06f020e43594a9c230972d/a/r/arch002021286b.jpg here] for original source ]]
== About Zhang Jie ==
A one of a kind and brilliant Chinese Literature writer. She resumed the aspects of socialism and turned it into a novella. In this way she is able to clearly show us what the people in China of all ranks had to suffer and went through during and after those times of communism, what they were left to be entrusted with, to rebuild upon for a new generation in China. Zhang Jie began to write after the access of power began for Deng Xioping (Deputy Minister), the dead of Mao Tseng Tang occurred in 1976 and the fall of the Gang of Four occurred; this gang included Mao’s cruel wife, Jiang Qing, mastermind and political figure that together with Mao authored millions of crimes during the Cultural Revolution.

It was after these events that Zhang Jie began to write. China finally began to experience a relatively more freedom for writers to create, and works of other foreign writers began to make their way into China. China started to get energized catching on the humanistic and artistic works of the world. It was beginning to exit the 10 years confinement of literature and oppression that had suffered during the Cultural Revolution. The extreme ideals of communism lost attention and writers could now use other themes in their stories, other than the working classes or soldiers. Zhang Jie was now 39 years old. She was finally able and experienced to establish her brilliant place in the Chinese Literature.

[[File:Brigitte_lin_book_fair_hk.jpg|400px|thumb|left|Zhang Jie, at a Hong Kong Book fair. They announced her book
'Without Words' will be go to the big screen. Click [http://wiki.vm.rub.de/uvu/images/5/59/Brigitte_lin_book_fair_hk.jpg here] for original source ]]

== Biography ==
'''1937'''
Zhang Jie was born in Beijing in 1937, her mother taught elementary school, she grew up poor even when she was a Manchu Royalty decedent. She had to escape the Japanese army that wanted to kill them. ''"Her mother, Manchurian royalty by birth but reduced to poverty by China's perpetual war and revolt, was a primary school teacher before the Japanese invasion." beijingscene.com.'' A guide that they meet introduced Zhang Jie to western children stories. The stories she read were from The Grimm brothers, Hans Christian Andersen and the fables of Krylov were among her favorites. Although people like to critic her because about this, Zhang Jie said that she is glad to have read these children stories, because they taught her to be consider to other people and not smash others on her way to success ''"I secretly congratulate myself and say that if I have one iota of human feeling, if I do not move up in the world by stepping on other people, do not use others to gain advantage, it is in large part due to the influence of the humanism in classical Western literature.” beijingscene.com''

'''1956'''
She wanted so badly to be a writer but end up studying economics ''"The government, however decided that because of her excellent school record she should study economics” Dillard pag 65.'' Zhang Jie cried about this but went anyways. Zhang Jie was admitted in RENMIN University of China.

'''1960'''
Zhang Jie, graduated and took a job in the Mechanics Engineer Industry that would allowed her a lot of information in this field to later write her Mao Dun Award winning book 'Heavy Wings (Leaden Wings)'. She worked in this industry for eight years.

'''1963'''
She married a colleague and had a daughter called 'Tang Di'

'''1964'''
Mao wanted the writers to experience equality with the rural or less fortunate people, and get rid off any funny ideas of possible superiority they might have ''"In addition to the Socialist Education Movement in the countryside, Mao repeatedly urged the literature and arts circles, as well as the various propaganda arms, to reform their areas.” marxists.org.''

'''1969'''
At the age of 32 Zhang Jie was sent to a farm for four years to be reform to Jiangxi, located southwest if China. Even when they have lost all money and connection of her royal family, because of her royal lineage, she was considered of a privilege class, so according to the teachings of Mao Tseng Tang she needed to be reform and experience the workers life. ''"Because she was the daughter of a right winger, she was forced to participate in re-educational measures at a special school from 1969 to 1972.” culture.base.net.'' During these times, it must have been very hard to be separated of her daughter and mother.

'''1978'''
Zhang Jie published her first children story right after the Culture Revolution called 'Music of the Forests', and won China national award ''"It was at this time that she also began to write. Only after the Cultural Revolution (1966–67) did she publish her first story" 'Die Musik der Wälder' culturebase.net.'' Russian children literature really was her inspiration to begin writing. Also, she was one of the first Modern writers to write about women and love. 'Love must not be forgotten' was her first novel about these issues of love.

'''1979'''
Zhang Jie joined the Chinese Writers Association. Zhang Jie’s work was popular.

'''1980'''
Her acclaim novella 'Heavy Wings' was published and very well received. She had waited for a long time and because of the changes and relatively freedoms that China was experiencing this was the right moment to do it. Zhang Jie joined the Chinese Communist Party.

'''1982'''
She becomes a member of the PEN International. Zhang Jie would travel outside of China for the first time ever to attend a conference in Los Angeles, at UCLA where she would meet American writer and journalist 'Harrison Salisbury'. Dillard, pag 63. Zhang Jie must have been very happy that she can finally write all she wanted.

'''1985'''
She was awarded the Mao Dun Literature Prize for ''Leaden Wings = Heavy Wings''.''"This novel is one of the three which jointly won the 1985 Mao Dun Literary Prize, the most prestigious award for novels in China" jstor.org''

'''2005'''
Zhang Jie was awarded for the second time the Mao Dun Literature Prize for 'Without a Word'. She is the only author to have won this prize twice.

[[File:Zhang-jie-0719L.jpg|500px|thumb|right|In 1985, Zhang Jie won the Mao Dun Prize Click [http://images2.chinatraveldepot.com/Images/Destination/Zhang-jie-0719L.jpg here] for original source ]]

== Faces of Chinese Literature ==
I think it is helpful and important to distinguish 2 faces in Chinese Literature, and which one Zhang Jie belongs too, this way we can comprehend even better the Chinese Literature evolution and what group accompany the author. Together with Zhang Jie, these authors with their writings, will be the ones in charge to lead China into a new direction.

The first face was in the 1920s.- It started with the fall of the Empire and the disintegration of the Old Traditional Literacy. The beginning of the ‘Chinese Literature Modern Classics was born’, the unforgettable Lu Xun, Lao She, Cao Yu, Mao Deng, Ba Jin and others, ''"At that moment the canonical list of modern classics of Chinese literature came out: Lu Xun, Lao She, Cao Yu, Mao Dun, Ba Jin” www.upf.edu.''

The Second face during the 1980s.- A period of relative relaxation begins that allowed the ‘emerge of new climate of cultural creativity’. The distinction of what it was ‘Revolutionary Literature between – Modern Literature’ was well noticed. "The young writers that had to remain silence had been awakening (good morning Zhang Jie)." In this face: we found Zhang Jie, Wang Meng, Liu Xiabo, Wang Shuo, Hao Shaogong and many more.

== Fun Facts about Zhang Jie ==
[[File:Cute.jpg|250px|thumb|left|Zhang Jie, loves cats and was seeing playing with one at UCLA conference. Click [http://www.thedibb.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=662542] for original source ]]
Zhang Jie loves to giggle and to read books. She has a way of looking at you with sarcasm. Zhang Jie also likes Siamese cats a lot. During the UCLA conference, she got a hold of a cat and would not let go of it. People reported that she was holding on to the cat the wrong way, the cat’s behind was facing people, while the face of the cat was facing Zhang Jie’s back, funny way to hold a kitty, and she did it for a while too, ''"Zhang Jie and innovative and controversial young writer, is carrying my Siamese cat aroung the house. She holds it by the armpit, so it faces the couch.” Dillard, pag 61.''
She also loves to speak softly and her work is regularly under fire, '' Zhang Jie , whose own work is regularly under fire, had to defend the Party line.” Dillard, pag 68.''

== Her work ==
[[File:ZHangJieHenryMiller.png|400px|thumb|right|Zhang Jie and American writer 'Henry Miller'in 1984 Click [http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C507t-K16jQ/TguQwhGSIiI/AAAAAAAABF0/FI09ZHvkDT4/s320/ZHangJieHenryMiller.gif here]
Zhang Jie was raised by her mother, her parents were divorced. Probably at a young age witnessed and experienced the discrimination and abuse to the for original source ]]fact that she had no father. In those times single mothers were very lookdown upon and were also discriminated. These facts had to have inspired Zhang Jie into her writings and allowed her to rule when she talks about what women went through during those times, since she had witnessed it herself. A good example of this in one of her books is 'Love must not be forgotten' where she tells a story about a woman that was having doubts about getting marry and finds the diary of her mother. In this diary she finds out that her mother had a secret love. The events of this novel took place during the Cultural Revolution, similar to the fact that Zhang Jie and her mother were going through this situation during the same time ''According to her mother’s wishes, Shanshan did burn the books, but could not part with the diary. As she reads her mother’s words, one of the many things she discovers is that her mother had had a secret love.” www.iu.edu''

'''Why Zhang Jie calls it "Heavy wings"'''
Zhang Jie is a smart writer, strong and brave representative of the new Modern generation. This generation is like a newborn or a new bird representing the Republic of China. Zhang Jie and writers like her are the ones that are responsible to help others break out of the shell, and show them how to fly high. But can they do it? Or, Are the wings of this nation 'too heavy to take off' and begin to fly completely free? You decide.

'''Zhang Jie way of writing'''
''By taking us inside the story, Zhang Jie show us how the people of China lives, how they struggle silently hoping for a change that is too slow in the process of happening, like a pregnant mother that is in contractions now, this mother or nation that has been evolving month by month, decade by decade, and is in growing pains of the changes that are taking place, for a new baby, a new nation that is pushing to come out, and by coming out is creating changes in the way of thinking of China, a China that wants to breath loud, that wants to take off flying freely, and wants to reach the stars without having the government teased her and tide her down like a kite. Erica Bazalar-Oaks.''

In this novella, Zhang Jie is brilliant! She takes us inside the society of China in a very personal way. She describes the personalities so well and body movements, their rooms, houses and buildings where they live, and through her words make us feel as spectators that we can be seating right there on a chair, or on the table near by ear dropping on the conversation the characters are having. Zhang Jie shows as a writer her brilliance and experience, when the story just flows. She goes from one story to another in such a subtle way, that you as the reader are not a bit distracted, but pleasingly surprise making you feel like a light feather traveling gently from one side to another. On her words, she also uses European phrases that are well known and demonstrates her past influences in readings, ''pag 95 "Not all high officials rested in their laurels.”'' Also Zhang Jie demonstrates something I found interesting, her unique and personal style of writing when she mixes in one situation, two elements from different backgrounds. She can convey and interesting way of thinking that she cleanly and successfully displays in her novella. A good example is when the character of Zheng was in the car letting the breeze to ruffle his hair, Zheng though to himself, ''pag 102, "Would this speech he had just made, like previous ones, vanish without a trace like a snowflake in the dessert?”'' Here, she uses the snowflake that happens on winter season, and combines it with the element of the dessert that portraits a hot weather, two different types of times to explain the feelings of the character of Zheng. I enjoyed that.

[[File:Zhang-jie.png|400px|thumb|left|Zhang Jie very young in her twenties Click [http://digital.library.upenn.edu/women/_gallery/zhang-jie.gif here] for original source ]]

== Analysis of the Book Heavy Wings ==

'''Heavy Wings also call Leaden Wings'''
Heavy/Leaden Wings was published in 1980. Zhang Jie tells us what is happening today in Modern China after the Cultural Revolution, and where they stand in progress in their society and the world. One important thing that she writes about is 'marriage' in a country that is full of traditions, marriage can be one thing that is controversial to discuss. In Heavy Wings, the characters, women and men of different economical classes equally show their struggles in marriage, and fears of the society criticism if they would ever were to get divorce. Zhang Jie has been accused before of being immoral or too westernized, also to work against the party. Zhang Jie herself is divorced; in her work she stands for true love versus tradition. But, 'This also could mean that the author is suggesting that women and men can and should take their time experiencing falling in love! Before they go into rehearse marriage'. Also, this novella centers in the modernization of the Chinese industry and how the citizens are all for modern and bringing outside investments, especially interesting since Chinese people has not favored or trust outside companies. Heavy Wings give us as well an interesting inside of the social classes China has. We have the working classes that work in the industry very hard and barely get by, the middle class with the managers in charge that want to make a difference for their people and the ministers that are the ones that are way involve with the party, make the money and can do good or bad.

'''Modernization of China'''
When she talks about the modernization of China industry, she can give an excellent inside of thoughts about the progress in this organization, since she worked in this field for many years in the past. That means that she probably also witnessed the corruption that goes on; the good people that want to modernize and make a difference in their sector for the better, but encounter corruption with the bad people that only wants to hold on tied to communism rules, so they can benefit themselves and not the workers, that work hard and that need to make more money, to at least better their living conditions, ''pag 86 "To boost production in China you have to improve living conditions.”''

'''Divorce in the Chinese society'''
Heavy wings shows how people therefore might not be in love but because it would look bad on them, they have to put up with it, ''pag 34,"He seldom had free Sunday and they slept in different rooms.”''If they would divorce, for the men in their careers, they could lose their social status and be consider unstable losers, and for the women is far worst, if they became divorcees they can be look down as prostitutes, ''pag 107, "He darted a warning glance at Zheng. To him divorcees ranked with prostitutes.”'' One call only imagine how much Zheng Jie suffered when she was little looking at her mother been mistreated since her mother was divorced, and after loosing all position in society and money, Zheng Jie’s mother had to find a job, protect her daughter and put up with a society that did not protect her but made their lives worst. We can definitely tell that this part in Zhang Jie’s life influenced this writer a lot when she learnt this type of discrimination against her mother, against women in her society.

'''Tender moments'''
There are also great moments of tenderness in this story from Chinese men and women, that will give a better understanding of their deep hearts. ''Pag 79, "Everyone present was watching him in silence. The sight gave him fresh strength. Old Lü’s bearded chin beneath his bleary eyes was quivering. Chen put the dumpling into the old fellow’s mouth. ‘I let you down, Old Lü, he said.”''

[[File:ZhangJieHarrison.png|400px|thumb|right|Zhang Jie, at 45 (First time out of China) with writer Harrison Salisbury
In 1982, at the UCLA, US-Chinese writers conference Click [http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--m26XHdk0so/TguRGQWGs5I/AAAAAAAABF8/lzPMfkPY4Yw/s320/ZhangJieHarrison.gif here] for original source ]]
'''The way Chinese people live'''
We see the working Chinese people struggling to meet ends, with low salaries or enough to get by, and small and/or poor housing, if you can call some of these places mentioned in the story housing. Also there is not much money left, but to only go out for a meal, this is the way of entertainment. They really cannot get out of this type of social class. ''Pag 62, "China really gets its intellectuals on the cheap, Zheng though. Then, remembering the technicians in his ministry and the workers in factories, he reflected, he reflected that China got all its common people on the cheap”'', and the youth has no way of diversion or entertainment but to go out and eat. They could not go out to dance or have money to travel. ''Pag 62, "Zheng glanced round. ‘Apart from the two of us, everybody here’s young. Can’t blame. Eating out is their only diversion. What else can they do!”''

'''The careers that Chinese society forces on their people'''
Zhang show us how Chinese people’s education are not well rounded but are tailor to get jobs that will advance them in society. This situation does not make them happy but it is the way that it has been working for a long time, ''Pag 59, "Looking at his eyes Zheng Ziyun felt a stab of envy. In his young days he had wanted to study anthropology, literature or history, but fate had made him an official.”'' Chinese people dream to experience careers their society does not allow them to have, ''pag 85, "Keeping his eyes on the dark road, Chen said slowly, ‘In middle school I was mad on the violin, thought music the highest form of art. And I wanted to get a PHD in physics. But I’ve ended up a factory manager!” He laughed rather bitterly.''

'''Class struggles, history and beliefs do not let Chinese move forward'''
Zhang Jie let us know that the Chinese people mentality has to change or there will be no progress at all. ''Pag 42, "What they were up against now were deeply ingrained beliefs. These beliefs were like net in which all were caught. History was bound to condemn and eliminate them.”''

'''The Past of the Cultural Revolution = Communism will be remember'''
Zhang Jie made it clear that these abuses and crimes, did happened in China, that her thoughts in this book are not exaggerated or made up, but they come from 'real life events' that mark the Chinese people and their lives. - These events are vital to understand them and what they are fighting for -. During the Cultural Revolution with Mao, all that opposed the Communist government or look like they did, were kill, nearly kill to death, brutally bit up, abuse, persecuted. They could also be send to do 'restitution to these rural places' so they can be re-form, ''pag 45, "The Cultural Revolution brought her fearful anxiety and distress: he was nearly beaten to death. When he came back after several months of confinement in a damp room he could hardly walk for arthritis.”''

'''Zhang Jie calls for a change in the government and the society of China'''.
Heavy wings/ Leaden wings, is a very provocative book and it calls for the Chinese people for a change, to leave once and for all 'old habits' that hold them back, and open themselves to progress with the help of outside markets, ''pag 101, "For some years we studied chairman Mao’s works regardless of the political results. We competed to see who could write the most copious notes or parrot the most quotations. The effectiveness of political work should be judge by the new wealth created. We must run our economy according to economic laws and give up our old egalitarian way of all eating from one big pot. That stifles initiative.”''

'''Zhang Jie speaks about her goals as a writer'''
In September of 1982, Zhang Jie spoke at the UCLA, at the US-Chinese writers conference organized by Norman Cousins about her thoughts in Literature.''*Life should become what humans beings wish it to be*''. When she talks about us, as human beings and what we wish for, it is clear to me that in order to become anything, we must have freedom of choice. Zhang Jie also expressed her feelings of responsibility that she feels the writers have to the world,''*Pure literature as our purpose cannot exist, because the writer’s feeling will have an impact on the material world.* Dillard, Pag 64.'' Zhang Jie then wants freedom to become, but with the understanding that as writers, they have a responsibility to impact the people for a better world.

== Powerpoint Slide ==
[[File:FINAL_DE_Zhang_Jie.pptx|thumb]]

== Disclosure ==
It has been a pleasure to have done this class with Mr Woesler. I had worked hard in my wiki and have done my very best to use the resources available to me in a respectful manner. In doing so, it is my hope that this work can help others 'strengthen the appreciation and knowledge of the Republic of China and their wonderful People'. Erica Bazalar-Oaks. www.bazalar.com

== References ==
1. Book # 1
Encounters With Chinese Writers By Annie Dillard.
http://books.google.com/books?id=g6conZpyrHEC&pg=PA65&lpg=PA65&dq=Zhang+Jie+study+economics&source=bl&ots=KF9QpH8WcC&sig=UDPEQRy0Op_SFaGSG0dOaRLu6hA&hl=en&sa=X&ei=WdS9UK26CYfQygHjrIGoBg&ved=0CFMQ6AEwBQ#v=onepage&q=Zhang%20Jie%20study%20economics&f=false

2. Book # 2
Leaden Wings, Zhang Jie. Published by VIRAGO PRESS Limited 1987. ISBN 0-86068-759-7

3. Book # 3
The Australian Journal of Chinese Affairs. Published by The University of Chicago Press, 1979.ISBN 01567365

4. Faces of Chinese Literature:
http://www.upf.edu/materials/huma/central/historia/lite/temes/6postm.htm

5. Her novel:
http://www.jstor.org/discover/10.2307/2158675?uid=3739928&uid=2129&uid=2&uid=70&uid=4&uid=3739256&sid=21101404588403

6. Biography:
http://www.beijingscene.com/cissue/feature.html

7. http://www.pen-international.org/
8. http://www.marxists.org/history/erol/ncm-7/cwp-cr/part-3.htm
9. http://www.culturebase.net/artist.php?3577
10. http://www.iu.edu/~easc/outreach/educators/literature/workshops/doc/Perry_2005.pdf 11/16/2012
11. http://www.literaturfestival.com/participants/authors/2003/zhang-jie
12. http://contemporary_chinese_culture.academic.ru/952/Zhang_Jie
13. http://www.iu.edu/~easc/outreach/educators/literature/workshops/doc/Perry_2005.pdf

Zhang Jie (born 1937)

2012-12-05T05:51:43Z

Ericaangie: /* Biography */

[[File:Arch002021286b.jpg|400px|thumb|right|Zhang Jie, an artistic photo by Buso. Click [http://www.martabuso.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/5e06319eda06f020e43594a9c230972d/a/r/arch002021286b.jpg here] for original source ]]
== About Zhang Jie ==
A one of a kind and brilliant Chinese Literature writer. She resumed the aspects of socialism and turned it into a novella. In this way she is able to clearly show us what the people in China of all ranks had to suffer and went through during and after those times of communism, what they were left to be entrusted with, to rebuild upon for a new generation in China. Zhang Jie began to write after the access of power began for Deng Xioping (Deputy Minister), the dead of Mao Tseng Tang occurred in 1976 and the fall of the Gang of Four occurred; this gang included Mao’s cruel wife, Jiang Qing, mastermind and political figure that together with Mao authored millions of crimes during the Cultural Revolution.

It was after these events that Zhang Jie began to write. China finally began to experience a relatively more freedom for writers to create, and works of other foreign writers began to make their way into China. China started to get energized catching on the humanistic and artistic works of the world. It was beginning to exit the 10 years confinement of literature and oppression that had suffered during the Cultural Revolution. The extreme ideals of communism lost attention and writers could now use other themes in their stories, other than the working classes or soldiers. Zhang Jie was now 39 years old. She was finally able and experienced to establish her brilliant place in the Chinese Literature.

[[File:Brigitte_lin_book_fair_hk.jpg|400px|thumb|left|Zhang Jie, at a Hong Kong Book fair. They announced her book
'Without Words' will be go to the big screen. Click [http://wiki.vm.rub.de/uvu/images/5/59/Brigitte_lin_book_fair_hk.jpg here] for original source ]]

== Biography ==
'''1937'''
Zhang Jie was born in Beijing in 1937, her mother taught elementary school, she grew up poor even when she was a Manchu Royalty decedent. She had to escape the Japanese army that wanted to kill them. ''"Her mother, Manchurian royalty by birth but reduced to poverty by China's perpetual war and revolt, was a primary school teacher before the Japanese invasion." beijingscene.com.'' A guide that they meet introduced Zhang Jie to western children stories. The stories she read were from The Grimm brothers, Hans Christian Andersen and the fables of Krylov were among her favorites. Although people like to critic her because about this, Zhang Jie said that she is glad to have read these children stories, because they taught her to be consider to other people and not smash others on her way to success ''"I secretly congratulate myself and say that if I have one iota of human feeling, if I do not move up in the world by stepping on other people, do not use others to gain advantage, it is in large part due to the influence of the humanism in classical Western literature.” beijingscene.com''

'''1956'''
She wanted so badly to be a writer but end up studying economics ''"The government, however decided that because of her excellent school record she should study economics” Dillard pag 65.'' Zhang Jie cried about this but went anyways. Zhang Jie was admitted in RENMIN University of China.

'''1960'''
Zhang Jie, graduated and took a job in the Mechanics Engineer Industry that would allowed her a lot of information in this field to later write her Mao Dun Award winning book 'Heavy Wings (Leaden Wings)'. She worked in this industry for eight years.

'''1963'''
She married a colleague and had a daughter called 'Tang Di'

'''1964'''
Mao wanted the writers to experience equality with the rural or less fortunate people, and get rid off any funny ideas of possible superiority they might have ''"In addition to the Socialist Education Movement in the countryside, Mao repeatedly urged the literature and arts circles, as well as the various propaganda arms, to reform their areas.” marxists.org.''

'''1969'''
At the age of 32 Zhang Jie was sent to a farm for four years to be reform to Jiangxi, located southwest if China. Even when they have lost all money and connection of her royal family, because of her royal lineage, she was considered of a privilege class, so according to the teachings of Mao Tseng Tang she needed to be reform and experience the workers life. ''"Because she was the daughter of a right winger, she was forced to participate in re-educational measures at a special school from 1969 to 1972.” culture.base.net.'' During these times, it must have been very hard to be separated of her daughter and mother.

'''1978'''
Zhang Jie published her first children story right after the Culture Revolution called 'Music of the Forests', and won China national award ''"It was at this time that she also began to write. Only after the Cultural Revolution (1966–67) did she publish her first story" 'Die Musik der Wälder' culturebase.net.'' Russian children literature really was her inspiration to begin writing. Also, she was one of the first Modern writers to write about women and love. 'Love must not be forgotten' was her first novel about these issues of love.

'''1979'''
Zhang Jie joined the Chinese Writers Association. Zhang Jie’s work was popular.

'''1980'''
Her acclaim novella 'Heavy Wings' was published and very well received. She had waited for a long time and because of the changes and relatively freedoms that China was experiencing this was the right moment to do it. Zhang Jie joined the Chinese Communist Party.

'''1982'''
She becomes a member of the PEN International. Zhang Jie would travel outside of China for the first time ever to attend a conference in Los Angeles, at UCLA where she would meet American writer and journalist 'Harrison Salisbury'. Dillard, pag 63. Zhang Jie must have been very happy that she can finally write all she wanted.

'''1985'''
She was awarded the Mao Dun Literature Prize for ''Leaden Wings = Heavy Wings''.''"This novel is one of the three which jointly won the 1985 Mao Dun Literary Prize, the most prestigious award for novels in China" jstor.org''

'''2005'''
Zhang Jie was awarded for the second time the Mao Dun Literature Prize for 'Without a Word'. She is the only author to have won this prize twice.

[[File:Zhang-jie-0719L.jpg|500px|thumb|right|In 1985, Zhang Jie won the Mao Dun Prize Click [http://images2.chinatraveldepot.com/Images/Destination/Zhang-jie-0719L.jpg here] for original source ]]

== Faces of Chinese Literature ==
I think it is helpful and important to distinguish 2 faces in Chinese Literature, and which one Zhang Jie belongs too, this way we can comprehend even better the Chinese Literature evolution and what group accompany the author. Together with Zhang Jie, these authors with their writings, will be the ones in charge to lead China into a new direction.

The first face was in the 1920s.- It started with the fall of the Empire and the disintegration of the Old Traditional Literacy. The beginning of the ‘Chinese Literature Modern Classics was born’, the unforgettable Lu Xun, Lao She, Cao Yu, Mao Deng, Ba Jin and others, ''"At that moment the canonical list of modern classics of Chinese literature came out: Lu Xun, Lao She, Cao Yu, Mao Dun, Ba Jin” www.upf.edu .''

The Second face during the 1980s.- A period of relative relaxation begins that allowed the ‘emerge of new climate of cultural creativity’. The distinction of what it was ‘Revolutionary Literature between – Modern Literature’ was well noticed. "The young writers that had to remain silence had been awakening (good morning Zhang Jie)." In this face: we found Zhang Jie, Wang Meng, Liu Xiabo, Wang Shuo, Hao Shaogong and many more.

== Fun Facts about Zhang Jie ==
[[File:Cute.jpg|250px|thumb|left|Zhang Jie, loves cats and was seeing playing with one at UCLA conference. Click [http://www.thedibb.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=662542] for original source ]]
Zhang Jie loves to giggle and to read books. She has a way of looking at you with sarcasm. Zhang Jie also likes Siamese cats a lot. During the UCLA conference, she got a hold of a cat and would not let go of it. People reported that she was holding on to the cat the wrong way, the cat’s behind was facing people, while the face of the cat was facing Zhang Jie’s back, funny way to hold a kitty, and she did it for a while too, ''"Zhang Jie and innovative and controversial young writer, is carrying my Siamese cat aroung the house. She holds it by the armpit, so it faces the couch.” Dillard, pag 61.''
She also loves to speak softly and her work is regularly under fire, '' Zhang Jie , whose own work is regularly under fire, had to defend the Party line.” Dillard, pag 68.''

== Her work ==
[[File:ZHangJieHenryMiller.png|400px|thumb|right|Zhang Jie and American writer 'Henry Miller'in 1984 Click [http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C507t-K16jQ/TguQwhGSIiI/AAAAAAAABF0/FI09ZHvkDT4/s320/ZHangJieHenryMiller.gif here]
Zhang Jie was raised by her mother, her parents were divorced. Probably at a young age witnessed and experienced the discrimination and abuse to the for original source ]]fact that she had no father. In those times single mothers were very lookdown upon and were also discriminated. These facts had to have inspired Zhang Jie into her writings and allowed her to rule when she talks about what women went through during those times, since she had witnessed it herself. A good example of this in one of her books is 'Love must not be forgotten' where she tells a story about a woman that was having doubts about getting marry and finds the diary of her mother. In this diary she finds out that her mother had a secret love. The events of this novel took place during the Cultural Revolution, similar to the fact that Zhang Jie and her mother were going through this situation during the same time ''According to her mother’s wishes, Shanshan did burn the books, but could not part with the diary. As she reads her mother’s words, one of the many things she discovers is that her mother had had a secret love.” www.iu.edu''

'''Why Zhang Jie calls it "Heavy wings"'''
Zhang Jie is a smart writer, strong and brave representative of the new Modern generation. This generation is like a newborn or a new bird representing the Republic of China. Zhang Jie and writers like her are the ones that are responsible to help others break out of the shell, and show them how to fly high. But can they do it? Or, Are the wings of this nation 'too heavy to take off' and begin to fly completely free? You decide.

'''Zhang Jie way of writing'''
''By taking us inside the story, Zhang Jie show us how the people of China lives, how they struggle silently hoping for a change that is too slow in the process of happening, like a pregnant mother that is in contractions now, this mother or nation that has been evolving month by month, decade by decade, and is in growing pains of the changes that are taking place, for a new baby, a new nation that is pushing to come out, and by coming out is creating changes in the way of thinking of China, a China that wants to breath loud, that wants to take off flying freely, and wants to reach the stars without having the government teased her and tide her down like a kite. Erica Bazalar-Oaks.''

In this novella, Zhang Jie is brilliant! She takes us inside the society of China in a very personal way. She describes the personalities so well and body movements, their rooms, houses and buildings where they live, and through her words make us feel as spectators that we can be seating right there on a chair, or on the table near by ear dropping on the conversation the characters are having. Zhang Jie shows as a writer her brilliance and experience, when the story just flows. She goes from one story to another in such a subtle way, that you as the reader are not a bit distracted, but pleasingly surprise making you feel like a light feather traveling gently from one side to another. On her words, she also uses European phrases that are well known and demonstrates her past influences in readings, ''pag 95 "Not all high officials rested in their laurels.”'' Also Zhang Jie demonstrates something I found interesting, her unique and personal style of writing when she mixes in one situation, two elements from different backgrounds. She can convey and interesting way of thinking that she cleanly and successfully displays in her novella. A good example is when the character of Zheng was in the car letting the breeze to ruffle his hair, Zheng though to himself, ''pag 102, "Would this speech he had just made, like previous ones, vanish without a trace like a snowflake in the dessert?”'' Here, she uses the snowflake that happens on winter season, and combines it with the element of the dessert that portraits a hot weather, two different types of times to explain the feelings of the character of Zheng. I enjoyed that.

[[File:Zhang-jie.png|400px|thumb|left|Zhang Jie very young in her twenties Click [http://digital.library.upenn.edu/women/_gallery/zhang-jie.gif here] for original source ]]

== Analysis of the Book Heavy Wings ==

'''Heavy Wings also call Leaden Wings'''
Heavy/Leaden Wings was published in 1980. Zhang Jie tells us what is happening today in Modern China after the Cultural Revolution, and where they stand in progress in their society and the world. One important thing that she writes about is 'marriage' in a country that is full of traditions, marriage can be one thing that is controversial to discuss. In Heavy Wings, the characters, women and men of different economical classes equally show their struggles in marriage, and fears of the society criticism if they would ever were to get divorce. Zhang Jie has been accused before of being immoral or too westernized, also to work against the party. Zhang Jie herself is divorced; in her work she stands for true love versus tradition. But, 'This also could mean that the author is suggesting that women and men can and should take their time experiencing falling in love! Before they go into rehearse marriage'. Also, this novella centers in the modernization of the Chinese industry and how the citizens are all for modern and bringing outside investments, especially interesting since Chinese people has not favored or trust outside companies. Heavy Wings give us as well an interesting inside of the social classes China has. We have the working classes that work in the industry very hard and barely get by, the middle class with the managers in charge that want to make a difference for their people and the ministers that are the ones that are way involve with the party, make the money and can do good or bad.

'''Modernization of China'''
When she talks about the modernization of China industry, she can give an excellent inside of thoughts about the progress in this organization, since she worked in this field for many years in the past. That means that she probably also witnessed the corruption that goes on; the good people that want to modernize and make a difference in their sector for the better, but encounter corruption with the bad people that only wants to hold on tied to communism rules, so they can benefit themselves and not the workers, that work hard and that need to make more money, to at least better their living conditions, ''pag 86 "To boost production in China you have to improve living conditions.”''

'''Divorce in the Chinese society'''
Heavy wings shows how people therefore might not be in love but because it would look bad on them, they have to put up with it, ''pag 34,"He seldom had free Sunday and they slept in different rooms.”''If they would divorce, for the men in their careers, they could lose their social status and be consider unstable losers, and for the women is far worst, if they became divorcees they can be look down as prostitutes, ''pag 107, "He darted a warning glance at Zheng. To him divorcees ranked with prostitutes.”'' One call only imagine how much Zheng Jie suffered when she was little looking at her mother been mistreated since her mother was divorced, and after loosing all position in society and money, Zheng Jie’s mother had to find a job, protect her daughter and put up with a society that did not protect her but made their lives worst. We can definitely tell that this part in Zhang Jie’s life influenced this writer a lot when she learnt this type of discrimination against her mother, against women in her society.

'''Tender moments'''
There are also great moments of tenderness in this story from Chinese men and women, that will give a better understanding of their deep hearts. ''Pag 79, "Everyone present was watching him in silence. The sight gave him fresh strength. Old Lü’s bearded chin beneath his bleary eyes was quivering. Chen put the dumpling into the old fellow’s mouth. ‘I let you down, Old Lü, he said.”''

[[File:ZhangJieHarrison.png|400px|thumb|right|Zhang Jie, at 45 (First time out of China) with writer Harrison Salisbury
In 1982, at the UCLA, US-Chinese writers conference Click [http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--m26XHdk0so/TguRGQWGs5I/AAAAAAAABF8/lzPMfkPY4Yw/s320/ZhangJieHarrison.gif here] for original source ]]
'''The way Chinese people live'''
We see the working Chinese people struggling to meet ends, with low salaries or enough to get by, and small and/or poor housing, if you can call some of these places mentioned in the story housing. Also there is not much money left, but to only go out for a meal, this is the way of entertainment. They really cannot get out of this type of social class. ''Pag 62, "China really gets its intellectuals on the cheap, Zheng though. Then, remembering the technicians in his ministry and the workers in factories, he reflected, he reflected that China got all its common people on the cheap”'', and the youth has no way of diversion or entertainment but to go out and eat. They could not go out to dance or have money to travel. ''Pag 62, "Zheng glanced round. ‘Apart from the two of us, everybody here’s young. Can’t blame. Eating out is their only diversion. What else can they do!”''

'''The careers that Chinese society forces on their people'''
Zhang show us how Chinese people’s education are not well rounded but are tailor to get jobs that will advance them in society. This situation does not make them happy but it is the way that it has been working for a long time, ''Pag 59, "Looking at his eyes Zheng Ziyun felt a stab of envy. In his young days he had wanted to study anthropology, literature or history, but fate had made him an official.”'' Chinese people dream to experience careers their society does not allow them to have, ''pag 85, "Keeping his eyes on the dark road, Chen said slowly, ‘In middle school I was mad on the violin, thought music the highest form of art. And I wanted to get a PHD in physics. But I’ve ended up a factory manager!” He laughed rather bitterly.''

'''Class struggles, history and beliefs do not let Chinese move forward'''
Zhang Jie let us know that the Chinese people mentality has to change or there will be no progress at all. ''Pag 42, "What they were up against now were deeply ingrained beliefs. These beliefs were like net in which all were caught. History was bound to condemn and eliminate them.”''

'''The Past of the Cultural Revolution = Communism will be remember'''
Zhang Jie made it clear that these abuses and crimes, did happened in China, that her thoughts in this book are not exaggerated or made up, but they come from 'real life events' that mark the Chinese people and their lives. - These events are vital to understand them and what they are fighting for -. During the Cultural Revolution with Mao, all that opposed the Communist government or look like they did, were kill, nearly kill to death, brutally bit up, abuse, persecuted. They could also be send to do 'restitution to these rural places' so they can be re-form, ''pag 45, "The Cultural Revolution brought her fearful anxiety and distress: he was nearly beaten to death. When he came back after several months of confinement in a damp room he could hardly walk for arthritis.”''

'''Zhang Jie calls for a change in the government and the society of China'''.
Heavy wings/ Leaden wings, is a very provocative book and it calls for the Chinese people for a change, to leave once and for all 'old habits' that hold them back, and open themselves to progress with the help of outside markets, ''pag 101, "For some years we studied chairman Mao’s works regardless of the political results. We competed to see who could write the most copious notes or parrot the most quotations. The effectiveness of political work should be judge by the new wealth created. We must run our economy according to economic laws and give up our old egalitarian way of all eating from one big pot. That stifles initiative.”''

'''Zhang Jie speaks about her goals as a writer'''
In September of 1982, Zhang Jie spoke at the UCLA, at the US-Chinese writers conference organized by Norman Cousins about her thoughts in Literature.''*Life should become what humans beings wish it to be*''. When she talks about us, as human beings and what we wish for, it is clear to me that in order to become anything, we must have freedom of choice. Zhang Jie also expressed her feelings of responsibility that she feels the writers have to the world,''*Pure literature as our purpose cannot exist, because the writer’s feeling will have an impact on the material world.* Dillard, Pag 64.'' Zhang Jie then wants freedom to become, but with the understanding that as writers, they have a responsibility to impact the people for a better world.

== Powerpoint Slide ==
[[File:FINAL_DE_Zhang_Jie.pptx|thumb]]

== Disclosure ==
It has been a pleasure to have done this class with Mr Woesler. I had worked hard in my wiki and have done my very best to use the resources available to me in a respectful manner. In doing so, it is my hope that this work can help others 'strengthen the appreciation and knowledge of the Republic of China and their wonderful People'. Erica Bazalar-Oaks. www.bazalar.com

== References ==
1. Book # 1
Encounters With Chinese Writers By Annie Dillard.
http://books.google.com/books?id=g6conZpyrHEC&pg=PA65&lpg=PA65&dq=Zhang+Jie+study+economics&source=bl&ots=KF9QpH8WcC&sig=UDPEQRy0Op_SFaGSG0dOaRLu6hA&hl=en&sa=X&ei=WdS9UK26CYfQygHjrIGoBg&ved=0CFMQ6AEwBQ#v=onepage&q=Zhang%20Jie%20study%20economics&f=false

2. Book # 2
Leaden Wings, Zhang Jie. Published by VIRAGO PRESS Limited 1987. ISBN 0-86068-759-7

3. Book # 3
The Australian Journal of Chinese Affairs. Published by The University of Chicago Press, 1979.ISBN 01567365

4. Faces of Chinese Literature:
http://www.upf.edu/materials/huma/central/historia/lite/temes/6postm.htm

5. Her novel:
http://www.jstor.org/discover/10.2307/2158675?uid=3739928&uid=2129&uid=2&uid=70&uid=4&uid=3739256&sid=21101404588403

6. Biography:
http://www.beijingscene.com/cissue/feature.html

7. http://www.pen-international.org/
8. http://www.marxists.org/history/erol/ncm-7/cwp-cr/part-3.htm
9. http://www.culturebase.net/artist.php?3577
10. http://www.iu.edu/~easc/outreach/educators/literature/workshops/doc/Perry_2005.pdf 11/16/2012
11. http://www.literaturfestival.com/participants/authors/2003/zhang-jie
12. http://contemporary_chinese_culture.academic.ru/952/Zhang_Jie
13. http://www.iu.edu/~easc/outreach/educators/literature/workshops/doc/Perry_2005.pdf

Zhang Jie (born 1937)

2012-12-05T05:50:36Z

Ericaangie: /* Her work */

[[File:Arch002021286b.jpg|400px|thumb|right|Zhang Jie, an artistic photo by Buso. Click [http://www.martabuso.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/5e06319eda06f020e43594a9c230972d/a/r/arch002021286b.jpg here] for original source ]]
== About Zhang Jie ==
A one of a kind and brilliant Chinese Literature writer. She resumed the aspects of socialism and turned it into a novella. In this way she is able to clearly show us what the people in China of all ranks had to suffer and went through during and after those times of communism, what they were left to be entrusted with, to rebuild upon for a new generation in China. Zhang Jie began to write after the access of power began for Deng Xioping (Deputy Minister), the dead of Mao Tseng Tang occurred in 1976 and the fall of the Gang of Four occurred; this gang included Mao’s cruel wife, Jiang Qing, mastermind and political figure that together with Mao authored millions of crimes during the Cultural Revolution.

It was after these events that Zhang Jie began to write. China finally began to experience a relatively more freedom for writers to create, and works of other foreign writers began to make their way into China. China started to get energized catching on the humanistic and artistic works of the world. It was beginning to exit the 10 years confinement of literature and oppression that had suffered during the Cultural Revolution. The extreme ideals of communism lost attention and writers could now use other themes in their stories, other than the working classes or soldiers. Zhang Jie was now 39 years old. She was finally able and experienced to establish her brilliant place in the Chinese Literature.

[[File:Brigitte_lin_book_fair_hk.jpg|400px|thumb|left|Zhang Jie, at a Hong Kong Book fair. They announced her book
'Without Words' will be go to the big screen. Click [http://wiki.vm.rub.de/uvu/images/5/59/Brigitte_lin_book_fair_hk.jpg here] for original source ]]

== Biography ==
'''1937'''
Zhang Jie was born in Beijing in 1937, her mother taught elementary school, she grew up poor even when she was a Manchu Royalty decedent. She had to escape the Japanese army that wanted to kill them. ''"Her mother, Manchurian royalty by birth but reduced to poverty by China's perpetual war and revolt, was a primary school teacher before the Japanese invasion." beijingscene.com.'' A guide that they meet introduced Zhang Jie to western children stories. The stories she read were from The Grimm brothers, Hans Christian Andersen and the fables of Krylov were among her favorites. Although people like to critic her because about this, Zhang Jie said that she is glad to have read these children stories, because they taught her to be consider to other people and not smash others on her way to success ''"I secretly congratulate myself and say that if I have one iota of human feeling, if I do not move up in the world by stepping on other people, do not use others to gain advantage, it is in large part due to the influence of the humanism in classical Western literature.” beijingscene.com''

'''1956'''
She wanted so badly to be a writer but end up studying economics ''"The government, however decided that because of her excellent school record she should study economics” Dillard pag 65.'' Zhang Jie cried about this but went anyways. Zhang Jie was admitted in RENMIN University of China.

'''1960'''
Zhang Jie, graduated and took a job in the Mechanics Engineer Industry that would allowed her a lot of information in this field to later write her Mao Dun Award winning book 'Heavy Wings (Leaden Wings)'. She worked in this industry for eight years.

'''1963'''
She married a colleague and had a daughter called 'Tang Di'

'''1964'''
Mao wanted the writers to experience equality with the rural or less fortunate people, and get rid off any funny ideas of possible superiority they might have ''"In addition to the Socialist Education Movement in the countryside, Mao repeatedly urged the literature and arts circles, as well as the various propaganda arms, to reform their areas.” marxists.org.''

'''1969'''
At the age of 32 Zhang Jie was sent to a farm for four years to be reform to Jiangxi, located southwest if China. Even when they have lost all money and connection of her royal family, because of her royal lineage, she was considered of a privilege class, so according to the teachings of Mao Tseng Tang she needed to be reform and experience the workers life. ''"Because she was the daughter of a right winger, she was forced to participate in re-educational measures at a special school from 1969 to 1972.” culture.base.net.'' During these times, it must have been very hard to be separated of her daughter and mother.

'''1978'''
Zhang Jie published her first children story right after the Culture Revolution called 'Music of the Forests', and won China national award ''"It was at this time that she also began to write. Only after the Cultural Revolution (1966–67) did she publish her first story" 'Die Musik der Wälder' culturebase.net.'' Russian children literature really was her inspiration to begin writing. Also, she was one of the first Modern writers to write about women and love. 'Love must not be forgotten' was her first novel about these issues of love.

'''1979'''
Zhang Jie joined the Chinese Writers Association. Zhang Jie’s work was popular.

'''1980'''
Her acclaim novella 'Heavy Wings' was published and very well received. She had waited for a long time and because of the changes and relatively freedoms that China was experiencing this was the right moment to do it. Zhang Jie joined the Chinese Communist Party.

'''1982'''
She becomes a member of the PEN International. Zhang Jie would travel outside of China for the first time ever to attend a conference in Los Angeles, at UCLA where she would meet American writer and journalist 'Harrison Salisbury'. Dillard, pag 63. Zhang Jie must have been very happy that she can finally write all she wanted.

'''1985'''
She was awarded the Mao Dun Literature Prize for ''Leaden Wings = Heavy Wings''.''"This novel is one of the three which jointly won the 1985 Mao Dun Literary Prize, the most prestigious award for novels in China"jstor.org''

'''2005'''
Zhang Jie was awarded for the second time the Mao Dun Literature Prize for 'Without a Word'. She is the only author to have won this prize twice.

[[File:Zhang-jie-0719L.jpg|500px|thumb|right|In 1985, Zhang Jie won the Mao Dun Prize Click [http://images2.chinatraveldepot.com/Images/Destination/Zhang-jie-0719L.jpg here] for original source ]]

== Faces of Chinese Literature ==
I think it is helpful and important to distinguish 2 faces in Chinese Literature, and which one Zhang Jie belongs too, this way we can comprehend even better the Chinese Literature evolution and what group accompany the author. Together with Zhang Jie, these authors with their writings, will be the ones in charge to lead China into a new direction.

The first face was in the 1920s.- It started with the fall of the Empire and the disintegration of the Old Traditional Literacy. The beginning of the ‘Chinese Literature Modern Classics was born’, the unforgettable Lu Xun, Lao She, Cao Yu, Mao Deng, Ba Jin and others, ''"At that moment the canonical list of modern classics of Chinese literature came out: Lu Xun, Lao She, Cao Yu, Mao Dun, Ba Jin” www.upf.edu .''

The Second face during the 1980s.- A period of relative relaxation begins that allowed the ‘emerge of new climate of cultural creativity’. The distinction of what it was ‘Revolutionary Literature between – Modern Literature’ was well noticed. "The young writers that had to remain silence had been awakening (good morning Zhang Jie)." In this face: we found Zhang Jie, Wang Meng, Liu Xiabo, Wang Shuo, Hao Shaogong and many more.

== Fun Facts about Zhang Jie ==
[[File:Cute.jpg|250px|thumb|left|Zhang Jie, loves cats and was seeing playing with one at UCLA conference. Click [http://www.thedibb.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=662542] for original source ]]
Zhang Jie loves to giggle and to read books. She has a way of looking at you with sarcasm. Zhang Jie also likes Siamese cats a lot. During the UCLA conference, she got a hold of a cat and would not let go of it. People reported that she was holding on to the cat the wrong way, the cat’s behind was facing people, while the face of the cat was facing Zhang Jie’s back, funny way to hold a kitty, and she did it for a while too, ''"Zhang Jie and innovative and controversial young writer, is carrying my Siamese cat aroung the house. She holds it by the armpit, so it faces the couch.” Dillard, pag 61.''
She also loves to speak softly and her work is regularly under fire, '' Zhang Jie , whose own work is regularly under fire, had to defend the Party line.” Dillard, pag 68.''

== Her work ==
[[File:ZHangJieHenryMiller.png|400px|thumb|right|Zhang Jie and American writer 'Henry Miller'in 1984 Click [http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C507t-K16jQ/TguQwhGSIiI/AAAAAAAABF0/FI09ZHvkDT4/s320/ZHangJieHenryMiller.gif here]
Zhang Jie was raised by her mother, her parents were divorced. Probably at a young age witnessed and experienced the discrimination and abuse to the for original source ]]fact that she had no father. In those times single mothers were very lookdown upon and were also discriminated. These facts had to have inspired Zhang Jie into her writings and allowed her to rule when she talks about what women went through during those times, since she had witnessed it herself. A good example of this in one of her books is 'Love must not be forgotten' where she tells a story about a woman that was having doubts about getting marry and finds the diary of her mother. In this diary she finds out that her mother had a secret love. The events of this novel took place during the Cultural Revolution, similar to the fact that Zhang Jie and her mother were going through this situation during the same time ''According to her mother’s wishes, Shanshan did burn the books, but could not part with the diary. As she reads her mother’s words, one of the many things she discovers is that her mother had had a secret love.” www.iu.edu''

'''Why Zhang Jie calls it "Heavy wings"'''
Zhang Jie is a smart writer, strong and brave representative of the new Modern generation. This generation is like a newborn or a new bird representing the Republic of China. Zhang Jie and writers like her are the ones that are responsible to help others break out of the shell, and show them how to fly high. But can they do it? Or, Are the wings of this nation 'too heavy to take off' and begin to fly completely free? You decide.

'''Zhang Jie way of writing'''
''By taking us inside the story, Zhang Jie show us how the people of China lives, how they struggle silently hoping for a change that is too slow in the process of happening, like a pregnant mother that is in contractions now, this mother or nation that has been evolving month by month, decade by decade, and is in growing pains of the changes that are taking place, for a new baby, a new nation that is pushing to come out, and by coming out is creating changes in the way of thinking of China, a China that wants to breath loud, that wants to take off flying freely, and wants to reach the stars without having the government teased her and tide her down like a kite. Erica Bazalar-Oaks.''

In this novella, Zhang Jie is brilliant! She takes us inside the society of China in a very personal way. She describes the personalities so well and body movements, their rooms, houses and buildings where they live, and through her words make us feel as spectators that we can be seating right there on a chair, or on the table near by ear dropping on the conversation the characters are having. Zhang Jie shows as a writer her brilliance and experience, when the story just flows. She goes from one story to another in such a subtle way, that you as the reader are not a bit distracted, but pleasingly surprise making you feel like a light feather traveling gently from one side to another. On her words, she also uses European phrases that are well known and demonstrates her past influences in readings, ''pag 95 "Not all high officials rested in their laurels.”'' Also Zhang Jie demonstrates something I found interesting, her unique and personal style of writing when she mixes in one situation, two elements from different backgrounds. She can convey and interesting way of thinking that she cleanly and successfully displays in her novella. A good example is when the character of Zheng was in the car letting the breeze to ruffle his hair, Zheng though to himself, ''pag 102, "Would this speech he had just made, like previous ones, vanish without a trace like a snowflake in the dessert?”'' Here, she uses the snowflake that happens on winter season, and combines it with the element of the dessert that portraits a hot weather, two different types of times to explain the feelings of the character of Zheng. I enjoyed that.

[[File:Zhang-jie.png|400px|thumb|left|Zhang Jie very young in her twenties Click [http://digital.library.upenn.edu/women/_gallery/zhang-jie.gif here] for original source ]]

== Analysis of the Book Heavy Wings ==

'''Heavy Wings also call Leaden Wings'''
Heavy/Leaden Wings was published in 1980. Zhang Jie tells us what is happening today in Modern China after the Cultural Revolution, and where they stand in progress in their society and the world. One important thing that she writes about is 'marriage' in a country that is full of traditions, marriage can be one thing that is controversial to discuss. In Heavy Wings, the characters, women and men of different economical classes equally show their struggles in marriage, and fears of the society criticism if they would ever were to get divorce. Zhang Jie has been accused before of being immoral or too westernized, also to work against the party. Zhang Jie herself is divorced; in her work she stands for true love versus tradition. But, 'This also could mean that the author is suggesting that women and men can and should take their time experiencing falling in love! Before they go into rehearse marriage'. Also, this novella centers in the modernization of the Chinese industry and how the citizens are all for modern and bringing outside investments, especially interesting since Chinese people has not favored or trust outside companies. Heavy Wings give us as well an interesting inside of the social classes China has. We have the working classes that work in the industry very hard and barely get by, the middle class with the managers in charge that want to make a difference for their people and the ministers that are the ones that are way involve with the party, make the money and can do good or bad.

'''Modernization of China'''
When she talks about the modernization of China industry, she can give an excellent inside of thoughts about the progress in this organization, since she worked in this field for many years in the past. That means that she probably also witnessed the corruption that goes on; the good people that want to modernize and make a difference in their sector for the better, but encounter corruption with the bad people that only wants to hold on tied to communism rules, so they can benefit themselves and not the workers, that work hard and that need to make more money, to at least better their living conditions, ''pag 86 "To boost production in China you have to improve living conditions.”''

'''Divorce in the Chinese society'''
Heavy wings shows how people therefore might not be in love but because it would look bad on them, they have to put up with it, ''pag 34,"He seldom had free Sunday and they slept in different rooms.”''If they would divorce, for the men in their careers, they could lose their social status and be consider unstable losers, and for the women is far worst, if they became divorcees they can be look down as prostitutes, ''pag 107, "He darted a warning glance at Zheng. To him divorcees ranked with prostitutes.”'' One call only imagine how much Zheng Jie suffered when she was little looking at her mother been mistreated since her mother was divorced, and after loosing all position in society and money, Zheng Jie’s mother had to find a job, protect her daughter and put up with a society that did not protect her but made their lives worst. We can definitely tell that this part in Zhang Jie’s life influenced this writer a lot when she learnt this type of discrimination against her mother, against women in her society.

'''Tender moments'''
There are also great moments of tenderness in this story from Chinese men and women, that will give a better understanding of their deep hearts. ''Pag 79, "Everyone present was watching him in silence. The sight gave him fresh strength. Old Lü’s bearded chin beneath his bleary eyes was quivering. Chen put the dumpling into the old fellow’s mouth. ‘I let you down, Old Lü, he said.”''

[[File:ZhangJieHarrison.png|400px|thumb|right|Zhang Jie, at 45 (First time out of China) with writer Harrison Salisbury
In 1982, at the UCLA, US-Chinese writers conference Click [http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--m26XHdk0so/TguRGQWGs5I/AAAAAAAABF8/lzPMfkPY4Yw/s320/ZhangJieHarrison.gif here] for original source ]]
'''The way Chinese people live'''
We see the working Chinese people struggling to meet ends, with low salaries or enough to get by, and small and/or poor housing, if you can call some of these places mentioned in the story housing. Also there is not much money left, but to only go out for a meal, this is the way of entertainment. They really cannot get out of this type of social class. ''Pag 62, "China really gets its intellectuals on the cheap, Zheng though. Then, remembering the technicians in his ministry and the workers in factories, he reflected, he reflected that China got all its common people on the cheap”'', and the youth has no way of diversion or entertainment but to go out and eat. They could not go out to dance or have money to travel. ''Pag 62, "Zheng glanced round. ‘Apart from the two of us, everybody here’s young. Can’t blame. Eating out is their only diversion. What else can they do!”''

'''The careers that Chinese society forces on their people'''
Zhang show us how Chinese people’s education are not well rounded but are tailor to get jobs that will advance them in society. This situation does not make them happy but it is the way that it has been working for a long time, ''Pag 59, "Looking at his eyes Zheng Ziyun felt a stab of envy. In his young days he had wanted to study anthropology, literature or history, but fate had made him an official.”'' Chinese people dream to experience careers their society does not allow them to have, ''pag 85, "Keeping his eyes on the dark road, Chen said slowly, ‘In middle school I was mad on the violin, thought music the highest form of art. And I wanted to get a PHD in physics. But I’ve ended up a factory manager!” He laughed rather bitterly.''

'''Class struggles, history and beliefs do not let Chinese move forward'''
Zhang Jie let us know that the Chinese people mentality has to change or there will be no progress at all. ''Pag 42, "What they were up against now were deeply ingrained beliefs. These beliefs were like net in which all were caught. History was bound to condemn and eliminate them.”''

'''The Past of the Cultural Revolution = Communism will be remember'''
Zhang Jie made it clear that these abuses and crimes, did happened in China, that her thoughts in this book are not exaggerated or made up, but they come from 'real life events' that mark the Chinese people and their lives. - These events are vital to understand them and what they are fighting for -. During the Cultural Revolution with Mao, all that opposed the Communist government or look like they did, were kill, nearly kill to death, brutally bit up, abuse, persecuted. They could also be send to do 'restitution to these rural places' so they can be re-form, ''pag 45, "The Cultural Revolution brought her fearful anxiety and distress: he was nearly beaten to death. When he came back after several months of confinement in a damp room he could hardly walk for arthritis.”''

'''Zhang Jie calls for a change in the government and the society of China'''.
Heavy wings/ Leaden wings, is a very provocative book and it calls for the Chinese people for a change, to leave once and for all 'old habits' that hold them back, and open themselves to progress with the help of outside markets, ''pag 101, "For some years we studied chairman Mao’s works regardless of the political results. We competed to see who could write the most copious notes or parrot the most quotations. The effectiveness of political work should be judge by the new wealth created. We must run our economy according to economic laws and give up our old egalitarian way of all eating from one big pot. That stifles initiative.”''

'''Zhang Jie speaks about her goals as a writer'''
In September of 1982, Zhang Jie spoke at the UCLA, at the US-Chinese writers conference organized by Norman Cousins about her thoughts in Literature.''*Life should become what humans beings wish it to be*''. When she talks about us, as human beings and what we wish for, it is clear to me that in order to become anything, we must have freedom of choice. Zhang Jie also expressed her feelings of responsibility that she feels the writers have to the world,''*Pure literature as our purpose cannot exist, because the writer’s feeling will have an impact on the material world.* Dillard, Pag 64.'' Zhang Jie then wants freedom to become, but with the understanding that as writers, they have a responsibility to impact the people for a better world.

== Powerpoint Slide ==
[[File:FINAL_DE_Zhang_Jie.pptx|thumb]]

== Disclosure ==
It has been a pleasure to have done this class with Mr Woesler. I had worked hard in my wiki and have done my very best to use the resources available to me in a respectful manner. In doing so, it is my hope that this work can help others 'strengthen the appreciation and knowledge of the Republic of China and their wonderful People'. Erica Bazalar-Oaks. www.bazalar.com

== References ==
1. Book # 1
Encounters With Chinese Writers By Annie Dillard.
http://books.google.com/books?id=g6conZpyrHEC&pg=PA65&lpg=PA65&dq=Zhang+Jie+study+economics&source=bl&ots=KF9QpH8WcC&sig=UDPEQRy0Op_SFaGSG0dOaRLu6hA&hl=en&sa=X&ei=WdS9UK26CYfQygHjrIGoBg&ved=0CFMQ6AEwBQ#v=onepage&q=Zhang%20Jie%20study%20economics&f=false

2. Book # 2
Leaden Wings, Zhang Jie. Published by VIRAGO PRESS Limited 1987. ISBN 0-86068-759-7

3. Book # 3
The Australian Journal of Chinese Affairs. Published by The University of Chicago Press, 1979.ISBN 01567365

4. Faces of Chinese Literature:
http://www.upf.edu/materials/huma/central/historia/lite/temes/6postm.htm

5. Her novel:
http://www.jstor.org/discover/10.2307/2158675?uid=3739928&uid=2129&uid=2&uid=70&uid=4&uid=3739256&sid=21101404588403

6. Biography:
http://www.beijingscene.com/cissue/feature.html

7. http://www.pen-international.org/
8. http://www.marxists.org/history/erol/ncm-7/cwp-cr/part-3.htm
9. http://www.culturebase.net/artist.php?3577
10. http://www.iu.edu/~easc/outreach/educators/literature/workshops/doc/Perry_2005.pdf 11/16/2012
11. http://www.literaturfestival.com/participants/authors/2003/zhang-jie
12. http://contemporary_chinese_culture.academic.ru/952/Zhang_Jie
13. http://www.iu.edu/~easc/outreach/educators/literature/workshops/doc/Perry_2005.pdf

Zhang Jie (born 1937)

2012-12-05T05:49:39Z

Ericaangie: /* Her work */

[[File:Arch002021286b.jpg|400px|thumb|right|Zhang Jie, an artistic photo by Buso. Click [http://www.martabuso.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/5e06319eda06f020e43594a9c230972d/a/r/arch002021286b.jpg here] for original source ]]
== About Zhang Jie ==
A one of a kind and brilliant Chinese Literature writer. She resumed the aspects of socialism and turned it into a novella. In this way she is able to clearly show us what the people in China of all ranks had to suffer and went through during and after those times of communism, what they were left to be entrusted with, to rebuild upon for a new generation in China. Zhang Jie began to write after the access of power began for Deng Xioping (Deputy Minister), the dead of Mao Tseng Tang occurred in 1976 and the fall of the Gang of Four occurred; this gang included Mao’s cruel wife, Jiang Qing, mastermind and political figure that together with Mao authored millions of crimes during the Cultural Revolution.

It was after these events that Zhang Jie began to write. China finally began to experience a relatively more freedom for writers to create, and works of other foreign writers began to make their way into China. China started to get energized catching on the humanistic and artistic works of the world. It was beginning to exit the 10 years confinement of literature and oppression that had suffered during the Cultural Revolution. The extreme ideals of communism lost attention and writers could now use other themes in their stories, other than the working classes or soldiers. Zhang Jie was now 39 years old. She was finally able and experienced to establish her brilliant place in the Chinese Literature.

[[File:Brigitte_lin_book_fair_hk.jpg|400px|thumb|left|Zhang Jie, at a Hong Kong Book fair. They announced her book
'Without Words' will be go to the big screen. Click [http://wiki.vm.rub.de/uvu/images/5/59/Brigitte_lin_book_fair_hk.jpg here] for original source ]]

== Biography ==
'''1937'''
Zhang Jie was born in Beijing in 1937, her mother taught elementary school, she grew up poor even when she was a Manchu Royalty decedent. She had to escape the Japanese army that wanted to kill them. ''"Her mother, Manchurian royalty by birth but reduced to poverty by China's perpetual war and revolt, was a primary school teacher before the Japanese invasion." beijingscene.com.'' A guide that they meet introduced Zhang Jie to western children stories. The stories she read were from The Grimm brothers, Hans Christian Andersen and the fables of Krylov were among her favorites. Although people like to critic her because about this, Zhang Jie said that she is glad to have read these children stories, because they taught her to be consider to other people and not smash others on her way to success ''"I secretly congratulate myself and say that if I have one iota of human feeling, if I do not move up in the world by stepping on other people, do not use others to gain advantage, it is in large part due to the influence of the humanism in classical Western literature.” beijingscene.com''

'''1956'''
She wanted so badly to be a writer but end up studying economics ''"The government, however decided that because of her excellent school record she should study economics” Dillard pag 65.'' Zhang Jie cried about this but went anyways. Zhang Jie was admitted in RENMIN University of China.

'''1960'''
Zhang Jie, graduated and took a job in the Mechanics Engineer Industry that would allowed her a lot of information in this field to later write her Mao Dun Award winning book 'Heavy Wings (Leaden Wings)'. She worked in this industry for eight years.

'''1963'''
She married a colleague and had a daughter called 'Tang Di'

'''1964'''
Mao wanted the writers to experience equality with the rural or less fortunate people, and get rid off any funny ideas of possible superiority they might have ''"In addition to the Socialist Education Movement in the countryside, Mao repeatedly urged the literature and arts circles, as well as the various propaganda arms, to reform their areas.” marxists.org.''

'''1969'''
At the age of 32 Zhang Jie was sent to a farm for four years to be reform to Jiangxi, located southwest if China. Even when they have lost all money and connection of her royal family, because of her royal lineage, she was considered of a privilege class, so according to the teachings of Mao Tseng Tang she needed to be reform and experience the workers life. ''"Because she was the daughter of a right winger, she was forced to participate in re-educational measures at a special school from 1969 to 1972.” culture.base.net.'' During these times, it must have been very hard to be separated of her daughter and mother.

'''1978'''
Zhang Jie published her first children story right after the Culture Revolution called 'Music of the Forests', and won China national award ''"It was at this time that she also began to write. Only after the Cultural Revolution (1966–67) did she publish her first story" 'Die Musik der Wälder' culturebase.net.'' Russian children literature really was her inspiration to begin writing. Also, she was one of the first Modern writers to write about women and love. 'Love must not be forgotten' was her first novel about these issues of love.

'''1979'''
Zhang Jie joined the Chinese Writers Association. Zhang Jie’s work was popular.

'''1980'''
Her acclaim novella 'Heavy Wings' was published and very well received. She had waited for a long time and because of the changes and relatively freedoms that China was experiencing this was the right moment to do it. Zhang Jie joined the Chinese Communist Party.

'''1982'''
She becomes a member of the PEN International. Zhang Jie would travel outside of China for the first time ever to attend a conference in Los Angeles, at UCLA where she would meet American writer and journalist 'Harrison Salisbury'. Dillard, pag 63. Zhang Jie must have been very happy that she can finally write all she wanted.

'''1985'''
She was awarded the Mao Dun Literature Prize for ''Leaden Wings = Heavy Wings''.''"This novel is one of the three which jointly won the 1985 Mao Dun Literary Prize, the most prestigious award for novels in China"jstor.org''

'''2005'''
Zhang Jie was awarded for the second time the Mao Dun Literature Prize for 'Without a Word'. She is the only author to have won this prize twice.

[[File:Zhang-jie-0719L.jpg|500px|thumb|right|In 1985, Zhang Jie won the Mao Dun Prize Click [http://images2.chinatraveldepot.com/Images/Destination/Zhang-jie-0719L.jpg here] for original source ]]

== Faces of Chinese Literature ==
I think it is helpful and important to distinguish 2 faces in Chinese Literature, and which one Zhang Jie belongs too, this way we can comprehend even better the Chinese Literature evolution and what group accompany the author. Together with Zhang Jie, these authors with their writings, will be the ones in charge to lead China into a new direction.

The first face was in the 1920s.- It started with the fall of the Empire and the disintegration of the Old Traditional Literacy. The beginning of the ‘Chinese Literature Modern Classics was born’, the unforgettable Lu Xun, Lao She, Cao Yu, Mao Deng, Ba Jin and others, ''"At that moment the canonical list of modern classics of Chinese literature came out: Lu Xun, Lao She, Cao Yu, Mao Dun, Ba Jin” www.upf.edu .''

The Second face during the 1980s.- A period of relative relaxation begins that allowed the ‘emerge of new climate of cultural creativity’. The distinction of what it was ‘Revolutionary Literature between – Modern Literature’ was well noticed. "The young writers that had to remain silence had been awakening (good morning Zhang Jie)." In this face: we found Zhang Jie, Wang Meng, Liu Xiabo, Wang Shuo, Hao Shaogong and many more.

== Fun Facts about Zhang Jie ==
[[File:Cute.jpg|250px|thumb|left|Zhang Jie, loves cats and was seeing playing with one at UCLA conference. Click [http://www.thedibb.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=662542] for original source ]]
Zhang Jie loves to giggle and to read books. She has a way of looking at you with sarcasm. Zhang Jie also likes Siamese cats a lot. During the UCLA conference, she got a hold of a cat and would not let go of it. People reported that she was holding on to the cat the wrong way, the cat’s behind was facing people, while the face of the cat was facing Zhang Jie’s back, funny way to hold a kitty, and she did it for a while too, ''"Zhang Jie and innovative and controversial young writer, is carrying my Siamese cat aroung the house. She holds it by the armpit, so it faces the couch.” Dillard, pag 61.''
She also loves to speak softly and her work is regularly under fire, '' Zhang Jie , whose own work is regularly under fire, had to defend the Party line.” Dillard, pag 68.''

== Her work ==
[[File:ZHangJieHenryMiller.png|400px|thumb|right|Zhang Jie and American writer 'Henry Miller'in 1984 Click [http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C507t-K16jQ/TguQwhGSIiI/AAAAAAAABF0/FI09ZHvkDT4/s320/ZHangJieHenryMiller.gif here]
Zhang Jie was raised by her mother, her parents were divorced. Probably at a young age witnessed and experienced the discrimination and abuse to the for original source ]]fact that she had no father. In those times single mothers were very lookdown upon and were also discriminated. These facts had to have inspired Zhang Jie into her writings and allowed her to rule when she talks about what women went through during those times, since she had witnessed it herself. A good example of this in one of her books is 'Love must not be forgotten' where she tells a story about a woman that was having doubts about getting marry and finds the diary of her mother. In this diary she finds out that her mother had a secret love. The events of this novel took place during the Cultural Revolution, similar to the fact that Zhang Jie and her mother were going through this situation during the same time ''According to her mother’s wishes, Shanshan did burn the books, but could not part with the diary. As she reads her mother’s words, one of the many things she discovers is that her mother had had a secret love.” www.iu.edu''

'''Why Zhang Jie calls it "Heavy wings"'''
Zhang Jie is a smart writer, strong and brave representative of the new Modern generation. This generation is like a newborn or a new bird representing the Republic of China. Zhang Jie and writers like her are the ones that are responsible to help others break out of the shell, and show them how to fly high. But can they do it? Or, Are the wings of this nation 'too heavy to take off' and begin to fly completely free? You decide. ''She was awarded the Mao Dun Literature Prize in 1985 for Leaden Wings and in 2005 for Without a Word, making her the first writer to receive the award twice” en.wikipedia.org.''

'''Zhang Jie way of writing'''
''By taking us inside the story, Zhang Jie show us how the people of China lives, how they struggle silently hoping for a change that is too slow in the process of happening, like a pregnant mother that is in contractions now, this mother or nation that has been evolving month by month, decade by decade, and is in growing pains of the changes that are taking place, for a new baby, a new nation that is pushing to come out, and by coming out is creating changes in the way of thinking of China, a China that wants to breath loud, that wants to take off flying freely, and wants to reach the stars without having the government teased her and tide her down like a kite. Erica Bazalar-Oaks.''

In this novella, Zhang Jie is brilliant! She takes us inside the society of China in a very personal way. She describes the personalities so well and body movements, their rooms, houses and buildings where they live, and through her words make us feel as spectators that we can be seating right there on a chair, or on the table near by ear dropping on the conversation the characters are having. Zhang Jie shows as a writer her brilliance and experience, when the story just flows. She goes from one story to another in such a subtle way, that you as the reader are not a bit distracted, but pleasingly surprise making you feel like a light feather traveling gently from one side to another. On her words, she also uses European phrases that are well known and demonstrates her past influences in readings, ''pag 95 "Not all high officials rested in their laurels.”'' Also Zhang Jie demonstrates something I found interesting, her unique and personal style of writing when she mixes in one situation, two elements from different backgrounds. She can convey and interesting way of thinking that she cleanly and successfully displays in her novella. A good example is when the character of Zheng was in the car letting the breeze to ruffle his hair, Zheng though to himself, ''pag 102, "Would this speech he had just made, like previous ones, vanish without a trace like a snowflake in the dessert?”'' Here she uses the snowflake that happens on winter season, and combines it with the element of the dessert that portraits a hot weather, two different types of times to explain the feelings of the character of Zheng. I enjoyed that.

[[File:Zhang-jie.png|400px|thumb|left|Zhang Jie very young in her twenties Click [http://digital.library.upenn.edu/women/_gallery/zhang-jie.gif here] for original source ]]

== Analysis of the Book Heavy Wings ==

'''Heavy Wings also call Leaden Wings'''
Heavy/Leaden Wings was published in 1980. Zhang Jie tells us what is happening today in Modern China after the Cultural Revolution, and where they stand in progress in their society and the world. One important thing that she writes about is 'marriage' in a country that is full of traditions, marriage can be one thing that is controversial to discuss. In Heavy Wings, the characters, women and men of different economical classes equally show their struggles in marriage, and fears of the society criticism if they would ever were to get divorce. Zhang Jie has been accused before of being immoral or too westernized, also to work against the party. Zhang Jie herself is divorced; in her work she stands for true love versus tradition. But, 'This also could mean that the author is suggesting that women and men can and should take their time experiencing falling in love! Before they go into rehearse marriage'. Also, this novella centers in the modernization of the Chinese industry and how the citizens are all for modern and bringing outside investments, especially interesting since Chinese people has not favored or trust outside companies. Heavy Wings give us as well an interesting inside of the social classes China has. We have the working classes that work in the industry very hard and barely get by, the middle class with the managers in charge that want to make a difference for their people and the ministers that are the ones that are way involve with the party, make the money and can do good or bad.

'''Modernization of China'''
When she talks about the modernization of China industry, she can give an excellent inside of thoughts about the progress in this organization, since she worked in this field for many years in the past. That means that she probably also witnessed the corruption that goes on; the good people that want to modernize and make a difference in their sector for the better, but encounter corruption with the bad people that only wants to hold on tied to communism rules, so they can benefit themselves and not the workers, that work hard and that need to make more money, to at least better their living conditions, ''pag 86 "To boost production in China you have to improve living conditions.”''

'''Divorce in the Chinese society'''
Heavy wings shows how people therefore might not be in love but because it would look bad on them, they have to put up with it, ''pag 34,"He seldom had free Sunday and they slept in different rooms.”''If they would divorce, for the men in their careers, they could lose their social status and be consider unstable losers, and for the women is far worst, if they became divorcees they can be look down as prostitutes, ''pag 107, "He darted a warning glance at Zheng. To him divorcees ranked with prostitutes.”'' One call only imagine how much Zheng Jie suffered when she was little looking at her mother been mistreated since her mother was divorced, and after loosing all position in society and money, Zheng Jie’s mother had to find a job, protect her daughter and put up with a society that did not protect her but made their lives worst. We can definitely tell that this part in Zhang Jie’s life influenced this writer a lot when she learnt this type of discrimination against her mother, against women in her society.

'''Tender moments'''
There are also great moments of tenderness in this story from Chinese men and women, that will give a better understanding of their deep hearts. ''Pag 79, "Everyone present was watching him in silence. The sight gave him fresh strength. Old Lü’s bearded chin beneath his bleary eyes was quivering. Chen put the dumpling into the old fellow’s mouth. ‘I let you down, Old Lü, he said.”''

[[File:ZhangJieHarrison.png|400px|thumb|right|Zhang Jie, at 45 (First time out of China) with writer Harrison Salisbury
In 1982, at the UCLA, US-Chinese writers conference Click [http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--m26XHdk0so/TguRGQWGs5I/AAAAAAAABF8/lzPMfkPY4Yw/s320/ZhangJieHarrison.gif here] for original source ]]
'''The way Chinese people live'''
We see the working Chinese people struggling to meet ends, with low salaries or enough to get by, and small and/or poor housing, if you can call some of these places mentioned in the story housing. Also there is not much money left, but to only go out for a meal, this is the way of entertainment. They really cannot get out of this type of social class. ''Pag 62, "China really gets its intellectuals on the cheap, Zheng though. Then, remembering the technicians in his ministry and the workers in factories, he reflected, he reflected that China got all its common people on the cheap”'', and the youth has no way of diversion or entertainment but to go out and eat. They could not go out to dance or have money to travel. ''Pag 62, "Zheng glanced round. ‘Apart from the two of us, everybody here’s young. Can’t blame. Eating out is their only diversion. What else can they do!”''

'''The careers that Chinese society forces on their people'''
Zhang show us how Chinese people’s education are not well rounded but are tailor to get jobs that will advance them in society. This situation does not make them happy but it is the way that it has been working for a long time, ''Pag 59, "Looking at his eyes Zheng Ziyun felt a stab of envy. In his young days he had wanted to study anthropology, literature or history, but fate had made him an official.”'' Chinese people dream to experience careers their society does not allow them to have, ''pag 85, "Keeping his eyes on the dark road, Chen said slowly, ‘In middle school I was mad on the violin, thought music the highest form of art. And I wanted to get a PHD in physics. But I’ve ended up a factory manager!” He laughed rather bitterly.''

'''Class struggles, history and beliefs do not let Chinese move forward'''
Zhang Jie let us know that the Chinese people mentality has to change or there will be no progress at all. ''Pag 42, "What they were up against now were deeply ingrained beliefs. These beliefs were like net in which all were caught. History was bound to condemn and eliminate them.”''

'''The Past of the Cultural Revolution = Communism will be remember'''
Zhang Jie made it clear that these abuses and crimes, did happened in China, that her thoughts in this book are not exaggerated or made up, but they come from 'real life events' that mark the Chinese people and their lives. - These events are vital to understand them and what they are fighting for -. During the Cultural Revolution with Mao, all that opposed the Communist government or look like they did, were kill, nearly kill to death, brutally bit up, abuse, persecuted. They could also be send to do 'restitution to these rural places' so they can be re-form, ''pag 45, "The Cultural Revolution brought her fearful anxiety and distress: he was nearly beaten to death. When he came back after several months of confinement in a damp room he could hardly walk for arthritis.”''

'''Zhang Jie calls for a change in the government and the society of China'''.
Heavy wings/ Leaden wings, is a very provocative book and it calls for the Chinese people for a change, to leave once and for all 'old habits' that hold them back, and open themselves to progress with the help of outside markets, ''pag 101, "For some years we studied chairman Mao’s works regardless of the political results. We competed to see who could write the most copious notes or parrot the most quotations. The effectiveness of political work should be judge by the new wealth created. We must run our economy according to economic laws and give up our old egalitarian way of all eating from one big pot. That stifles initiative.”''

'''Zhang Jie speaks about her goals as a writer'''
In September of 1982, Zhang Jie spoke at the UCLA, at the US-Chinese writers conference organized by Norman Cousins about her thoughts in Literature.''*Life should become what humans beings wish it to be*''. When she talks about us, as human beings and what we wish for, it is clear to me that in order to become anything, we must have freedom of choice. Zhang Jie also expressed her feelings of responsibility that she feels the writers have to the world,''*Pure literature as our purpose cannot exist, because the writer’s feeling will have an impact on the material world.* Dillard, Pag 64.'' Zhang Jie then wants freedom to become, but with the understanding that as writers, they have a responsibility to impact the people for a better world.

== Powerpoint Slide ==
[[File:FINAL_DE_Zhang_Jie.pptx|thumb]]

== Disclosure ==
It has been a pleasure to have done this class with Mr Woesler. I had worked hard in my wiki and have done my very best to use the resources available to me in a respectful manner. In doing so, it is my hope that this work can help others 'strengthen the appreciation and knowledge of the Republic of China and their wonderful People'. Erica Bazalar-Oaks. www.bazalar.com

== References ==
1. Book # 1
Encounters With Chinese Writers By Annie Dillard.
http://books.google.com/books?id=g6conZpyrHEC&pg=PA65&lpg=PA65&dq=Zhang+Jie+study+economics&source=bl&ots=KF9QpH8WcC&sig=UDPEQRy0Op_SFaGSG0dOaRLu6hA&hl=en&sa=X&ei=WdS9UK26CYfQygHjrIGoBg&ved=0CFMQ6AEwBQ#v=onepage&q=Zhang%20Jie%20study%20economics&f=false

2. Book # 2
Leaden Wings, Zhang Jie. Published by VIRAGO PRESS Limited 1987. ISBN 0-86068-759-7

3. Book # 3
The Australian Journal of Chinese Affairs. Published by The University of Chicago Press, 1979.ISBN 01567365

4. Faces of Chinese Literature:
http://www.upf.edu/materials/huma/central/historia/lite/temes/6postm.htm

5. Her novel:
http://www.jstor.org/discover/10.2307/2158675?uid=3739928&uid=2129&uid=2&uid=70&uid=4&uid=3739256&sid=21101404588403

6. Biography:
http://www.beijingscene.com/cissue/feature.html

7. http://www.pen-international.org/
8. http://www.marxists.org/history/erol/ncm-7/cwp-cr/part-3.htm
9. http://www.culturebase.net/artist.php?3577
10. http://www.iu.edu/~easc/outreach/educators/literature/workshops/doc/Perry_2005.pdf 11/16/2012
11. http://www.literaturfestival.com/participants/authors/2003/zhang-jie
12. http://contemporary_chinese_culture.academic.ru/952/Zhang_Jie
13. http://www.iu.edu/~easc/outreach/educators/literature/workshops/doc/Perry_2005.pdf

Zhang Jie (born 1937)

2012-12-05T05:47:16Z

Ericaangie: /* Sources */

[[File:Arch002021286b.jpg|400px|thumb|right|Zhang Jie, an artistic photo by Buso. Click [http://www.martabuso.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/5e06319eda06f020e43594a9c230972d/a/r/arch002021286b.jpg here] for original source ]]
== About Zhang Jie ==
A one of a kind and brilliant Chinese Literature writer. She resumed the aspects of socialism and turned it into a novella. In this way she is able to clearly show us what the people in China of all ranks had to suffer and went through during and after those times of communism, what they were left to be entrusted with, to rebuild upon for a new generation in China. Zhang Jie began to write after the access of power began for Deng Xioping (Deputy Minister), the dead of Mao Tseng Tang occurred in 1976 and the fall of the Gang of Four occurred; this gang included Mao’s cruel wife, Jiang Qing, mastermind and political figure that together with Mao authored millions of crimes during the Cultural Revolution.

It was after these events that Zhang Jie began to write. China finally began to experience a relatively more freedom for writers to create, and works of other foreign writers began to make their way into China. China started to get energized catching on the humanistic and artistic works of the world. It was beginning to exit the 10 years confinement of literature and oppression that had suffered during the Cultural Revolution. The extreme ideals of communism lost attention and writers could now use other themes in their stories, other than the working classes or soldiers. Zhang Jie was now 39 years old. She was finally able and experienced to establish her brilliant place in the Chinese Literature.

[[File:Brigitte_lin_book_fair_hk.jpg|400px|thumb|left|Zhang Jie, at a Hong Kong Book fair. They announced her book
'Without Words' will be go to the big screen. Click [http://wiki.vm.rub.de/uvu/images/5/59/Brigitte_lin_book_fair_hk.jpg here] for original source ]]

== Biography ==
'''1937'''
Zhang Jie was born in Beijing in 1937, her mother taught elementary school, she grew up poor even when she was a Manchu Royalty decedent. She had to escape the Japanese army that wanted to kill them. ''"Her mother, Manchurian royalty by birth but reduced to poverty by China's perpetual war and revolt, was a primary school teacher before the Japanese invasion." beijingscene.com.'' A guide that they meet introduced Zhang Jie to western children stories. The stories she read were from The Grimm brothers, Hans Christian Andersen and the fables of Krylov were among her favorites. Although people like to critic her because about this, Zhang Jie said that she is glad to have read these children stories, because they taught her to be consider to other people and not smash others on her way to success ''"I secretly congratulate myself and say that if I have one iota of human feeling, if I do not move up in the world by stepping on other people, do not use others to gain advantage, it is in large part due to the influence of the humanism in classical Western literature.” beijingscene.com''

'''1956'''
She wanted so badly to be a writer but end up studying economics ''"The government, however decided that because of her excellent school record she should study economics” Dillard pag 65.'' Zhang Jie cried about this but went anyways. Zhang Jie was admitted in RENMIN University of China.

'''1960'''
Zhang Jie, graduated and took a job in the Mechanics Engineer Industry that would allowed her a lot of information in this field to later write her Mao Dun Award winning book 'Heavy Wings (Leaden Wings)'. She worked in this industry for eight years.

'''1963'''
She married a colleague and had a daughter called 'Tang Di'

'''1964'''
Mao wanted the writers to experience equality with the rural or less fortunate people, and get rid off any funny ideas of possible superiority they might have ''"In addition to the Socialist Education Movement in the countryside, Mao repeatedly urged the literature and arts circles, as well as the various propaganda arms, to reform their areas.” marxists.org.''

'''1969'''
At the age of 32 Zhang Jie was sent to a farm for four years to be reform to Jiangxi, located southwest if China. Even when they have lost all money and connection of her royal family, because of her royal lineage, she was considered of a privilege class, so according to the teachings of Mao Tseng Tang she needed to be reform and experience the workers life. ''"Because she was the daughter of a right winger, she was forced to participate in re-educational measures at a special school from 1969 to 1972.” culture.base.net.'' During these times, it must have been very hard to be separated of her daughter and mother.

'''1978'''
Zhang Jie published her first children story right after the Culture Revolution called 'Music of the Forests', and won China national award ''"It was at this time that she also began to write. Only after the Cultural Revolution (1966–67) did she publish her first story" 'Die Musik der Wälder' culturebase.net.'' Russian children literature really was her inspiration to begin writing. Also, she was one of the first Modern writers to write about women and love. 'Love must not be forgotten' was her first novel about these issues of love.

'''1979'''
Zhang Jie joined the Chinese Writers Association. Zhang Jie’s work was popular.

'''1980'''
Her acclaim novella 'Heavy Wings' was published and very well received. She had waited for a long time and because of the changes and relatively freedoms that China was experiencing this was the right moment to do it. Zhang Jie joined the Chinese Communist Party.

'''1982'''
She becomes a member of the PEN International. Zhang Jie would travel outside of China for the first time ever to attend a conference in Los Angeles, at UCLA where she would meet American writer and journalist 'Harrison Salisbury'. Dillard, pag 63. Zhang Jie must have been very happy that she can finally write all she wanted.

'''1985'''
She was awarded the Mao Dun Literature Prize for ''Leaden Wings = Heavy Wings''.''"This novel is one of the three which jointly won the 1985 Mao Dun Literary Prize, the most prestigious award for novels in China"jstor.org''

'''2005'''
Zhang Jie was awarded for the second time the Mao Dun Literature Prize for 'Without a Word'. She is the only author to have won this prize twice.

[[File:Zhang-jie-0719L.jpg|500px|thumb|right|In 1985, Zhang Jie won the Mao Dun Prize Click [http://images2.chinatraveldepot.com/Images/Destination/Zhang-jie-0719L.jpg here] for original source ]]

== Faces of Chinese Literature ==
I think it is helpful and important to distinguish 2 faces in Chinese Literature, and which one Zhang Jie belongs too, this way we can comprehend even better the Chinese Literature evolution and what group accompany the author. Together with Zhang Jie, these authors with their writings, will be the ones in charge to lead China into a new direction.

The first face was in the 1920s.- It started with the fall of the Empire and the disintegration of the Old Traditional Literacy. The beginning of the ‘Chinese Literature Modern Classics was born’, the unforgettable Lu Xun, Lao She, Cao Yu, Mao Deng, Ba Jin and others, ''"At that moment the canonical list of modern classics of Chinese literature came out: Lu Xun, Lao She, Cao Yu, Mao Dun, Ba Jin” www.upf.edu .''

The Second face during the 1980s.- A period of relative relaxation begins that allowed the ‘emerge of new climate of cultural creativity’. The distinction of what it was ‘Revolutionary Literature between – Modern Literature’ was well noticed. "The young writers that had to remain silence had been awakening (good morning Zhang Jie)." In this face: we found Zhang Jie, Wang Meng, Liu Xiabo, Wang Shuo, Hao Shaogong and many more.

== Fun Facts about Zhang Jie ==
[[File:Cute.jpg|250px|thumb|left|Zhang Jie, loves cats and was seeing playing with one at UCLA conference. Click [http://www.thedibb.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=662542] for original source ]]
Zhang Jie loves to giggle and to read books. She has a way of looking at you with sarcasm. Zhang Jie also likes Siamese cats a lot. During the UCLA conference, she got a hold of a cat and would not let go of it. People reported that she was holding on to the cat the wrong way, the cat’s behind was facing people, while the face of the cat was facing Zhang Jie’s back, funny way to hold a kitty, and she did it for a while too, ''"Zhang Jie and innovative and controversial young writer, is carrying my Siamese cat aroung the house. She holds it by the armpit, so it faces the couch.” Dillard, pag 61.''
She also loves to speak softly and her work is regularly under fire, '' Zhang Jie , whose own work is regularly under fire, had to defend the Party line.” Dillard, pag 68.''

== Her work ==
[[File:ZHangJieHenryMiller.png|400px|thumb|right|Zhang Jie and American writer 'Henry Miller'in 1984 Click [http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C507t-K16jQ/TguQwhGSIiI/AAAAAAAABF0/FI09ZHvkDT4/s320/ZHangJieHenryMiller.gif here]
Zhang Jie was raised by her mother, her parents were divorced. Probably at a young age witnessed and experienced the discrimination and abuse to the for original source ]]fact that she had no father. In those times single mothers were very lookdown upon and were also discriminated. These facts had to have inspired Zhang Jie into her writings and allowed her to rule when she talks about what women went through during those times, since she had witnessed it herself. A good example of this in one of her books is 'Love must not be forgotten' where she tells a story about a woman that was having doubts about getting marry and finds the diary of her mother. In this diary she finds out that her mother had a secret love. The events of this novel took place during the Cultural Revolution, similar to the fact that Zhang Jie and her mother were going through this situation during the same time ''According to her mother’s wishes, Shanshan did burn the books, but could not part with the diary. As she reads her mother’s words, one of the many things she discovers is that her mother had had a secret love.” www.iu.edu''

'''Why Zhang Jie calls it "Heavy wings"'''
Zhang Jie is a smart writer, strong and brave representative of the new Modern generation. This generation is like a newborn or a new bird representing the Republic of China. Zhang Jie and writers like her are the ones that are responsible to help others break out of the shell, and show them how to fly high. But can they do it? Or, Are the wings of this nation 'too heavy to take off' and begin to fly completely free? You decide. ''She was awarded the Mao Dun Literature Prize in 1985 for Leaden Wings and in 2005 for Without a Word, making her the first writer to receive the award twice” en.wikipedia.org.''

'''Zhang Jie way of writing'''
''By taking us inside the story, Zhang Jie show us how the people of China lives, how they struggle silently hoping for a change that is too slow in the process of happening, like a pregnant mother that is in contractions now, this mother or nation that has been evolving month by month, decade by decade, and is in growing pains of the changes that are taking place, for a new baby, a new nation that is pushing to come out, and by coming out is creating changes in the way of thinking of China, a China that wants to breath loud, that wants to take off flying freely, and wants to reach the stars without having the government teased her and tide her down like a kite. Erica Bazalar-Oaks.''

In this novella, Zhang Jie is brilliant! She takes us inside the society of China in a very personal way. She describes the personalities so well and body movements, their rooms, houses and buildings where they live, and through her words make us feel as spectators that we can be seating right there on a chair, or on the table near by ear dropping on the conversation the characters are having. Zhang Jie shows as a writer her brilliance and experience, when the story just flows. She goes from one story to another in such a subtle way, that you as the reader are not a bit distracted, but pleasingly surprise making you feel like a light feather traveling gently from one side to another. On her words, she also uses European phrases that are well known and demonstrates her past influences in readings, pag 95 ''Not all high officials rested in their laurels.” Also Zhang Jie demonstrates something I found interesting, her unique and personal style of writing when she mixes in one situation, two elements from different backgrounds. She can convey and interesting way of thinking that she cleanly and successfully displays in her novella. A good example is when the character of Zheng was in the car letting the breeze to ruffle his hair, Zheng though to himself, ''pag 102, "Would this speech he had just made, like previous ones, vanish without a trace like a snowflake in the dessert?”'' Here she uses the snowflake that happens on winter season, and combines it with the element of the dessert that portraits a hot weather, two different types of times to explain the feelings of the character of Zheng. I enjoyed that.

[[File:Zhang-jie.png|400px|thumb|left|Zhang Jie very young in her twenties Click [http://digital.library.upenn.edu/women/_gallery/zhang-jie.gif here] for original source ]]

== Analysis of the Book Heavy Wings ==

'''Heavy Wings also call Leaden Wings'''
Heavy/Leaden Wings was published in 1980. Zhang Jie tells us what is happening today in Modern China after the Cultural Revolution, and where they stand in progress in their society and the world. One important thing that she writes about is 'marriage' in a country that is full of traditions, marriage can be one thing that is controversial to discuss. In Heavy Wings, the characters, women and men of different economical classes equally show their struggles in marriage, and fears of the society criticism if they would ever were to get divorce. Zhang Jie has been accused before of being immoral or too westernized, also to work against the party. Zhang Jie herself is divorced; in her work she stands for true love versus tradition. But, 'This also could mean that the author is suggesting that women and men can and should take their time experiencing falling in love! Before they go into rehearse marriage'. Also, this novella centers in the modernization of the Chinese industry and how the citizens are all for modern and bringing outside investments, especially interesting since Chinese people has not favored or trust outside companies. Heavy Wings give us as well an interesting inside of the social classes China has. We have the working classes that work in the industry very hard and barely get by, the middle class with the managers in charge that want to make a difference for their people and the ministers that are the ones that are way involve with the party, make the money and can do good or bad.

'''Modernization of China'''
When she talks about the modernization of China industry, she can give an excellent inside of thoughts about the progress in this organization, since she worked in this field for many years in the past. That means that she probably also witnessed the corruption that goes on; the good people that want to modernize and make a difference in their sector for the better, but encounter corruption with the bad people that only wants to hold on tied to communism rules, so they can benefit themselves and not the workers, that work hard and that need to make more money, to at least better their living conditions, ''pag 86 "To boost production in China you have to improve living conditions.”''

'''Divorce in the Chinese society'''
Heavy wings shows how people therefore might not be in love but because it would look bad on them, they have to put up with it, ''pag 34,"He seldom had free Sunday and they slept in different rooms.”''If they would divorce, for the men in their careers, they could lose their social status and be consider unstable losers, and for the women is far worst, if they became divorcees they can be look down as prostitutes, ''pag 107, "He darted a warning glance at Zheng. To him divorcees ranked with prostitutes.”'' One call only imagine how much Zheng Jie suffered when she was little looking at her mother been mistreated since her mother was divorced, and after loosing all position in society and money, Zheng Jie’s mother had to find a job, protect her daughter and put up with a society that did not protect her but made their lives worst. We can definitely tell that this part in Zhang Jie’s life influenced this writer a lot when she learnt this type of discrimination against her mother, against women in her society.

'''Tender moments'''
There are also great moments of tenderness in this story from Chinese men and women, that will give a better understanding of their deep hearts. ''Pag 79, "Everyone present was watching him in silence. The sight gave him fresh strength. Old Lü’s bearded chin beneath his bleary eyes was quivering. Chen put the dumpling into the old fellow’s mouth. ‘I let you down, Old Lü, he said.”''

[[File:ZhangJieHarrison.png|400px|thumb|right|Zhang Jie, at 45 (First time out of China) with writer Harrison Salisbury
In 1982, at the UCLA, US-Chinese writers conference Click [http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--m26XHdk0so/TguRGQWGs5I/AAAAAAAABF8/lzPMfkPY4Yw/s320/ZhangJieHarrison.gif here] for original source ]]
'''The way Chinese people live'''
We see the working Chinese people struggling to meet ends, with low salaries or enough to get by, and small and/or poor housing, if you can call some of these places mentioned in the story housing. Also there is not much money left, but to only go out for a meal, this is the way of entertainment. They really cannot get out of this type of social class. ''Pag 62, "China really gets its intellectuals on the cheap, Zheng though. Then, remembering the technicians in his ministry and the workers in factories, he reflected, he reflected that China got all its common people on the cheap”'', and the youth has no way of diversion or entertainment but to go out and eat. They could not go out to dance or have money to travel. ''Pag 62, "Zheng glanced round. ‘Apart from the two of us, everybody here’s young. Can’t blame. Eating out is their only diversion. What else can they do!”''

'''The careers that Chinese society forces on their people'''
Zhang show us how Chinese people’s education are not well rounded but are tailor to get jobs that will advance them in society. This situation does not make them happy but it is the way that it has been working for a long time, ''Pag 59, "Looking at his eyes Zheng Ziyun felt a stab of envy. In his young days he had wanted to study anthropology, literature or history, but fate had made him an official.”'' Chinese people dream to experience careers their society does not allow them to have, ''pag 85, "Keeping his eyes on the dark road, Chen said slowly, ‘In middle school I was mad on the violin, thought music the highest form of art. And I wanted to get a PHD in physics. But I’ve ended up a factory manager!” He laughed rather bitterly.''

'''Class struggles, history and beliefs do not let Chinese move forward'''
Zhang Jie let us know that the Chinese people mentality has to change or there will be no progress at all. ''Pag 42, "What they were up against now were deeply ingrained beliefs. These beliefs were like net in which all were caught. History was bound to condemn and eliminate them.”''

'''The Past of the Cultural Revolution = Communism will be remember'''
Zhang Jie made it clear that these abuses and crimes, did happened in China, that her thoughts in this book are not exaggerated or made up, but they come from 'real life events' that mark the Chinese people and their lives. - These events are vital to understand them and what they are fighting for -. During the Cultural Revolution with Mao, all that opposed the Communist government or look like they did, were kill, nearly kill to death, brutally bit up, abuse, persecuted. They could also be send to do 'restitution to these rural places' so they can be re-form, ''pag 45, "The Cultural Revolution brought her fearful anxiety and distress: he was nearly beaten to death. When he came back after several months of confinement in a damp room he could hardly walk for arthritis.”''

'''Zhang Jie calls for a change in the government and the society of China'''.
Heavy wings/ Leaden wings, is a very provocative book and it calls for the Chinese people for a change, to leave once and for all 'old habits' that hold them back, and open themselves to progress with the help of outside markets, ''pag 101, "For some years we studied chairman Mao’s works regardless of the political results. We competed to see who could write the most copious notes or parrot the most quotations. The effectiveness of political work should be judge by the new wealth created. We must run our economy according to economic laws and give up our old egalitarian way of all eating from one big pot. That stifles initiative.”''

'''Zhang Jie speaks about her goals as a writer'''
In September of 1982, Zhang Jie spoke at the UCLA, at the US-Chinese writers conference organized by Norman Cousins about her thoughts in Literature.''*Life should become what humans beings wish it to be*''. When she talks about us, as human beings and what we wish for, it is clear to me that in order to become anything, we must have freedom of choice. Zhang Jie also expressed her feelings of responsibility that she feels the writers have to the world,''*Pure literature as our purpose cannot exist, because the writer’s feeling will have an impact on the material world.* Dillard, Pag 64.'' Zhang Jie then wants freedom to become, but with the understanding that as writers, they have a responsibility to impact the people for a better world.

== Powerpoint Slide ==
[[File:FINAL_DE_Zhang_Jie.pptx|thumb]]

== Disclosure ==
It has been a pleasure to have done this class with Mr Woesler. I had worked hard in my wiki and have done my very best to use the resources available to me in a respectful manner. In doing so, it is my hope that this work can help others 'strengthen the appreciation and knowledge of the Republic of China and their wonderful People'. Erica Bazalar-Oaks. www.bazalar.com

== References ==
1. Book # 1
Encounters With Chinese Writers By Annie Dillard.
http://books.google.com/books?id=g6conZpyrHEC&pg=PA65&lpg=PA65&dq=Zhang+Jie+study+economics&source=bl&ots=KF9QpH8WcC&sig=UDPEQRy0Op_SFaGSG0dOaRLu6hA&hl=en&sa=X&ei=WdS9UK26CYfQygHjrIGoBg&ved=0CFMQ6AEwBQ#v=onepage&q=Zhang%20Jie%20study%20economics&f=false

2. Book # 2
Leaden Wings, Zhang Jie. Published by VIRAGO PRESS Limited 1987. ISBN 0-86068-759-7

3. Book # 3
The Australian Journal of Chinese Affairs. Published by The University of Chicago Press, 1979.ISBN 01567365

4. Faces of Chinese Literature:
http://www.upf.edu/materials/huma/central/historia/lite/temes/6postm.htm

5. Her novel:
http://www.jstor.org/discover/10.2307/2158675?uid=3739928&uid=2129&uid=2&uid=70&uid=4&uid=3739256&sid=21101404588403

6. Biography:
http://www.beijingscene.com/cissue/feature.html

7. http://www.pen-international.org/
8. http://www.marxists.org/history/erol/ncm-7/cwp-cr/part-3.htm
9. http://www.culturebase.net/artist.php?3577
10. http://www.iu.edu/~easc/outreach/educators/literature/workshops/doc/Perry_2005.pdf 11/16/2012
11. http://www.literaturfestival.com/participants/authors/2003/zhang-jie
12. http://contemporary_chinese_culture.academic.ru/952/Zhang_Jie
13. http://www.iu.edu/~easc/outreach/educators/literature/workshops/doc/Perry_2005.pdf

Zhang Jie (born 1937)

2012-12-05T05:46:59Z

Ericaangie: /* References */

[[File:Arch002021286b.jpg|400px|thumb|right|Zhang Jie, an artistic photo by Buso. Click [http://www.martabuso.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/5e06319eda06f020e43594a9c230972d/a/r/arch002021286b.jpg here] for original source ]]
== About Zhang Jie ==
A one of a kind and brilliant Chinese Literature writer. She resumed the aspects of socialism and turned it into a novella. In this way she is able to clearly show us what the people in China of all ranks had to suffer and went through during and after those times of communism, what they were left to be entrusted with, to rebuild upon for a new generation in China. Zhang Jie began to write after the access of power began for Deng Xioping (Deputy Minister), the dead of Mao Tseng Tang occurred in 1976 and the fall of the Gang of Four occurred; this gang included Mao’s cruel wife, Jiang Qing, mastermind and political figure that together with Mao authored millions of crimes during the Cultural Revolution.

It was after these events that Zhang Jie began to write. China finally began to experience a relatively more freedom for writers to create, and works of other foreign writers began to make their way into China. China started to get energized catching on the humanistic and artistic works of the world. It was beginning to exit the 10 years confinement of literature and oppression that had suffered during the Cultural Revolution. The extreme ideals of communism lost attention and writers could now use other themes in their stories, other than the working classes or soldiers. Zhang Jie was now 39 years old. She was finally able and experienced to establish her brilliant place in the Chinese Literature.

[[File:Brigitte_lin_book_fair_hk.jpg|400px|thumb|left|Zhang Jie, at a Hong Kong Book fair. They announced her book
'Without Words' will be go to the big screen. Click [http://wiki.vm.rub.de/uvu/images/5/59/Brigitte_lin_book_fair_hk.jpg here] for original source ]]

== Biography ==
'''1937'''
Zhang Jie was born in Beijing in 1937, her mother taught elementary school, she grew up poor even when she was a Manchu Royalty decedent. She had to escape the Japanese army that wanted to kill them. ''"Her mother, Manchurian royalty by birth but reduced to poverty by China's perpetual war and revolt, was a primary school teacher before the Japanese invasion." beijingscene.com.'' A guide that they meet introduced Zhang Jie to western children stories. The stories she read were from The Grimm brothers, Hans Christian Andersen and the fables of Krylov were among her favorites. Although people like to critic her because about this, Zhang Jie said that she is glad to have read these children stories, because they taught her to be consider to other people and not smash others on her way to success ''"I secretly congratulate myself and say that if I have one iota of human feeling, if I do not move up in the world by stepping on other people, do not use others to gain advantage, it is in large part due to the influence of the humanism in classical Western literature.” beijingscene.com''

'''1956'''
She wanted so badly to be a writer but end up studying economics ''"The government, however decided that because of her excellent school record she should study economics” Dillard pag 65.'' Zhang Jie cried about this but went anyways. Zhang Jie was admitted in RENMIN University of China.

'''1960'''
Zhang Jie, graduated and took a job in the Mechanics Engineer Industry that would allowed her a lot of information in this field to later write her Mao Dun Award winning book 'Heavy Wings (Leaden Wings)'. She worked in this industry for eight years.

'''1963'''
She married a colleague and had a daughter called 'Tang Di'

'''1964'''
Mao wanted the writers to experience equality with the rural or less fortunate people, and get rid off any funny ideas of possible superiority they might have ''"In addition to the Socialist Education Movement in the countryside, Mao repeatedly urged the literature and arts circles, as well as the various propaganda arms, to reform their areas.” marxists.org.''

'''1969'''
At the age of 32 Zhang Jie was sent to a farm for four years to be reform to Jiangxi, located southwest if China. Even when they have lost all money and connection of her royal family, because of her royal lineage, she was considered of a privilege class, so according to the teachings of Mao Tseng Tang she needed to be reform and experience the workers life. ''"Because she was the daughter of a right winger, she was forced to participate in re-educational measures at a special school from 1969 to 1972.” culture.base.net.'' During these times, it must have been very hard to be separated of her daughter and mother.

'''1978'''
Zhang Jie published her first children story right after the Culture Revolution called 'Music of the Forests', and won China national award ''"It was at this time that she also began to write. Only after the Cultural Revolution (1966–67) did she publish her first story" 'Die Musik der Wälder' culturebase.net.'' Russian children literature really was her inspiration to begin writing. Also, she was one of the first Modern writers to write about women and love. 'Love must not be forgotten' was her first novel about these issues of love.

'''1979'''
Zhang Jie joined the Chinese Writers Association. Zhang Jie’s work was popular.

'''1980'''
Her acclaim novella 'Heavy Wings' was published and very well received. She had waited for a long time and because of the changes and relatively freedoms that China was experiencing this was the right moment to do it. Zhang Jie joined the Chinese Communist Party.

'''1982'''
She becomes a member of the PEN International. Zhang Jie would travel outside of China for the first time ever to attend a conference in Los Angeles, at UCLA where she would meet American writer and journalist 'Harrison Salisbury'. Dillard, pag 63. Zhang Jie must have been very happy that she can finally write all she wanted.

'''1985'''
She was awarded the Mao Dun Literature Prize for ''Leaden Wings = Heavy Wings''.''"This novel is one of the three which jointly won the 1985 Mao Dun Literary Prize, the most prestigious award for novels in China"jstor.org''

'''2005'''
Zhang Jie was awarded for the second time the Mao Dun Literature Prize for 'Without a Word'. She is the only author to have won this prize twice.

[[File:Zhang-jie-0719L.jpg|500px|thumb|right|In 1985, Zhang Jie won the Mao Dun Prize Click [http://images2.chinatraveldepot.com/Images/Destination/Zhang-jie-0719L.jpg here] for original source ]]

== Faces of Chinese Literature ==
I think it is helpful and important to distinguish 2 faces in Chinese Literature, and which one Zhang Jie belongs too, this way we can comprehend even better the Chinese Literature evolution and what group accompany the author. Together with Zhang Jie, these authors with their writings, will be the ones in charge to lead China into a new direction.

The first face was in the 1920s.- It started with the fall of the Empire and the disintegration of the Old Traditional Literacy. The beginning of the ‘Chinese Literature Modern Classics was born’, the unforgettable Lu Xun, Lao She, Cao Yu, Mao Deng, Ba Jin and others, ''"At that moment the canonical list of modern classics of Chinese literature came out: Lu Xun, Lao She, Cao Yu, Mao Dun, Ba Jin” www.upf.edu .''

The Second face during the 1980s.- A period of relative relaxation begins that allowed the ‘emerge of new climate of cultural creativity’. The distinction of what it was ‘Revolutionary Literature between – Modern Literature’ was well noticed. "The young writers that had to remain silence had been awakening (good morning Zhang Jie)." In this face: we found Zhang Jie, Wang Meng, Liu Xiabo, Wang Shuo, Hao Shaogong and many more.

== Fun Facts about Zhang Jie ==
[[File:Cute.jpg|250px|thumb|left|Zhang Jie, loves cats and was seeing playing with one at UCLA conference. Click [http://www.thedibb.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=662542] for original source ]]
Zhang Jie loves to giggle and to read books. She has a way of looking at you with sarcasm. Zhang Jie also likes Siamese cats a lot. During the UCLA conference, she got a hold of a cat and would not let go of it. People reported that she was holding on to the cat the wrong way, the cat’s behind was facing people, while the face of the cat was facing Zhang Jie’s back, funny way to hold a kitty, and she did it for a while too, ''"Zhang Jie and innovative and controversial young writer, is carrying my Siamese cat aroung the house. She holds it by the armpit, so it faces the couch.” Dillard, pag 61.''
She also loves to speak softly and her work is regularly under fire, '' Zhang Jie , whose own work is regularly under fire, had to defend the Party line.” Dillard, pag 68.''

== Her work ==
[[File:ZHangJieHenryMiller.png|400px|thumb|right|Zhang Jie and American writer 'Henry Miller'in 1984 Click [http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C507t-K16jQ/TguQwhGSIiI/AAAAAAAABF0/FI09ZHvkDT4/s320/ZHangJieHenryMiller.gif here]
Zhang Jie was raised by her mother, her parents were divorced. Probably at a young age witnessed and experienced the discrimination and abuse to the for original source ]]fact that she had no father. In those times single mothers were very lookdown upon and were also discriminated. These facts had to have inspired Zhang Jie into her writings and allowed her to rule when she talks about what women went through during those times, since she had witnessed it herself. A good example of this in one of her books is 'Love must not be forgotten' where she tells a story about a woman that was having doubts about getting marry and finds the diary of her mother. In this diary she finds out that her mother had a secret love. The events of this novel took place during the Cultural Revolution, similar to the fact that Zhang Jie and her mother were going through this situation during the same time ''According to her mother’s wishes, Shanshan did burn the books, but could not part with the diary. As she reads her mother’s words, one of the many things she discovers is that her mother had had a secret love.” www.iu.edu''

'''Why Zhang Jie calls it "Heavy wings"'''
Zhang Jie is a smart writer, strong and brave representative of the new Modern generation. This generation is like a newborn or a new bird representing the Republic of China. Zhang Jie and writers like her are the ones that are responsible to help others break out of the shell, and show them how to fly high. But can they do it? Or, Are the wings of this nation 'too heavy to take off' and begin to fly completely free? You decide. ''She was awarded the Mao Dun Literature Prize in 1985 for Leaden Wings and in 2005 for Without a Word, making her the first writer to receive the award twice” en.wikipedia.org.''

'''Zhang Jie way of writing'''
''By taking us inside the story, Zhang Jie show us how the people of China lives, how they struggle silently hoping for a change that is too slow in the process of happening, like a pregnant mother that is in contractions now, this mother or nation that has been evolving month by month, decade by decade, and is in growing pains of the changes that are taking place, for a new baby, a new nation that is pushing to come out, and by coming out is creating changes in the way of thinking of China, a China that wants to breath loud, that wants to take off flying freely, and wants to reach the stars without having the government teased her and tide her down like a kite. Erica Bazalar-Oaks.''

In this novella, Zhang Jie is brilliant! She takes us inside the society of China in a very personal way. She describes the personalities so well and body movements, their rooms, houses and buildings where they live, and through her words make us feel as spectators that we can be seating right there on a chair, or on the table near by ear dropping on the conversation the characters are having. Zhang Jie shows as a writer her brilliance and experience, when the story just flows. She goes from one story to another in such a subtle way, that you as the reader are not a bit distracted, but pleasingly surprise making you feel like a light feather traveling gently from one side to another. On her words, she also uses European phrases that are well known and demonstrates her past influences in readings, pag 95 ''Not all high officials rested in their laurels.” Also Zhang Jie demonstrates something I found interesting, her unique and personal style of writing when she mixes in one situation, two elements from different backgrounds. She can convey and interesting way of thinking that she cleanly and successfully displays in her novella. A good example is when the character of Zheng was in the car letting the breeze to ruffle his hair, Zheng though to himself, ''pag 102, "Would this speech he had just made, like previous ones, vanish without a trace like a snowflake in the dessert?”'' Here she uses the snowflake that happens on winter season, and combines it with the element of the dessert that portraits a hot weather, two different types of times to explain the feelings of the character of Zheng. I enjoyed that.

[[File:Zhang-jie.png|400px|thumb|left|Zhang Jie very young in her twenties Click [http://digital.library.upenn.edu/women/_gallery/zhang-jie.gif here] for original source ]]

== Analysis of the Book Heavy Wings ==

'''Heavy Wings also call Leaden Wings'''
Heavy/Leaden Wings was published in 1980. Zhang Jie tells us what is happening today in Modern China after the Cultural Revolution, and where they stand in progress in their society and the world. One important thing that she writes about is 'marriage' in a country that is full of traditions, marriage can be one thing that is controversial to discuss. In Heavy Wings, the characters, women and men of different economical classes equally show their struggles in marriage, and fears of the society criticism if they would ever were to get divorce. Zhang Jie has been accused before of being immoral or too westernized, also to work against the party. Zhang Jie herself is divorced; in her work she stands for true love versus tradition. But, 'This also could mean that the author is suggesting that women and men can and should take their time experiencing falling in love! Before they go into rehearse marriage'. Also, this novella centers in the modernization of the Chinese industry and how the citizens are all for modern and bringing outside investments, especially interesting since Chinese people has not favored or trust outside companies. Heavy Wings give us as well an interesting inside of the social classes China has. We have the working classes that work in the industry very hard and barely get by, the middle class with the managers in charge that want to make a difference for their people and the ministers that are the ones that are way involve with the party, make the money and can do good or bad.

'''Modernization of China'''
When she talks about the modernization of China industry, she can give an excellent inside of thoughts about the progress in this organization, since she worked in this field for many years in the past. That means that she probably also witnessed the corruption that goes on; the good people that want to modernize and make a difference in their sector for the better, but encounter corruption with the bad people that only wants to hold on tied to communism rules, so they can benefit themselves and not the workers, that work hard and that need to make more money, to at least better their living conditions, ''pag 86 "To boost production in China you have to improve living conditions.”''

'''Divorce in the Chinese society'''
Heavy wings shows how people therefore might not be in love but because it would look bad on them, they have to put up with it, ''pag 34,"He seldom had free Sunday and they slept in different rooms.”''If they would divorce, for the men in their careers, they could lose their social status and be consider unstable losers, and for the women is far worst, if they became divorcees they can be look down as prostitutes, ''pag 107, "He darted a warning glance at Zheng. To him divorcees ranked with prostitutes.”'' One call only imagine how much Zheng Jie suffered when she was little looking at her mother been mistreated since her mother was divorced, and after loosing all position in society and money, Zheng Jie’s mother had to find a job, protect her daughter and put up with a society that did not protect her but made their lives worst. We can definitely tell that this part in Zhang Jie’s life influenced this writer a lot when she learnt this type of discrimination against her mother, against women in her society.

'''Tender moments'''
There are also great moments of tenderness in this story from Chinese men and women, that will give a better understanding of their deep hearts. ''Pag 79, "Everyone present was watching him in silence. The sight gave him fresh strength. Old Lü’s bearded chin beneath his bleary eyes was quivering. Chen put the dumpling into the old fellow’s mouth. ‘I let you down, Old Lü, he said.”''

[[File:ZhangJieHarrison.png|400px|thumb|right|Zhang Jie, at 45 (First time out of China) with writer Harrison Salisbury
In 1982, at the UCLA, US-Chinese writers conference Click [http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--m26XHdk0so/TguRGQWGs5I/AAAAAAAABF8/lzPMfkPY4Yw/s320/ZhangJieHarrison.gif here] for original source ]]
'''The way Chinese people live'''
We see the working Chinese people struggling to meet ends, with low salaries or enough to get by, and small and/or poor housing, if you can call some of these places mentioned in the story housing. Also there is not much money left, but to only go out for a meal, this is the way of entertainment. They really cannot get out of this type of social class. ''Pag 62, "China really gets its intellectuals on the cheap, Zheng though. Then, remembering the technicians in his ministry and the workers in factories, he reflected, he reflected that China got all its common people on the cheap”'', and the youth has no way of diversion or entertainment but to go out and eat. They could not go out to dance or have money to travel. ''Pag 62, "Zheng glanced round. ‘Apart from the two of us, everybody here’s young. Can’t blame. Eating out is their only diversion. What else can they do!”''

'''The careers that Chinese society forces on their people'''
Zhang show us how Chinese people’s education are not well rounded but are tailor to get jobs that will advance them in society. This situation does not make them happy but it is the way that it has been working for a long time, ''Pag 59, "Looking at his eyes Zheng Ziyun felt a stab of envy. In his young days he had wanted to study anthropology, literature or history, but fate had made him an official.”'' Chinese people dream to experience careers their society does not allow them to have, ''pag 85, "Keeping his eyes on the dark road, Chen said slowly, ‘In middle school I was mad on the violin, thought music the highest form of art. And I wanted to get a PHD in physics. But I’ve ended up a factory manager!” He laughed rather bitterly.''

'''Class struggles, history and beliefs do not let Chinese move forward'''
Zhang Jie let us know that the Chinese people mentality has to change or there will be no progress at all. ''Pag 42, "What they were up against now were deeply ingrained beliefs. These beliefs were like net in which all were caught. History was bound to condemn and eliminate them.”''

'''The Past of the Cultural Revolution = Communism will be remember'''
Zhang Jie made it clear that these abuses and crimes, did happened in China, that her thoughts in this book are not exaggerated or made up, but they come from 'real life events' that mark the Chinese people and their lives. - These events are vital to understand them and what they are fighting for -. During the Cultural Revolution with Mao, all that opposed the Communist government or look like they did, were kill, nearly kill to death, brutally bit up, abuse, persecuted. They could also be send to do 'restitution to these rural places' so they can be re-form, ''pag 45, "The Cultural Revolution brought her fearful anxiety and distress: he was nearly beaten to death. When he came back after several months of confinement in a damp room he could hardly walk for arthritis.”''

'''Zhang Jie calls for a change in the government and the society of China'''.
Heavy wings/ Leaden wings, is a very provocative book and it calls for the Chinese people for a change, to leave once and for all 'old habits' that hold them back, and open themselves to progress with the help of outside markets, ''pag 101, "For some years we studied chairman Mao’s works regardless of the political results. We competed to see who could write the most copious notes or parrot the most quotations. The effectiveness of political work should be judge by the new wealth created. We must run our economy according to economic laws and give up our old egalitarian way of all eating from one big pot. That stifles initiative.”''

'''Zhang Jie speaks about her goals as a writer'''
In September of 1982, Zhang Jie spoke at the UCLA, at the US-Chinese writers conference organized by Norman Cousins about her thoughts in Literature.''*Life should become what humans beings wish it to be*''. When she talks about us, as human beings and what we wish for, it is clear to me that in order to become anything, we must have freedom of choice. Zhang Jie also expressed her feelings of responsibility that she feels the writers have to the world,''*Pure literature as our purpose cannot exist, because the writer’s feeling will have an impact on the material world.* Dillard, Pag 64.'' Zhang Jie then wants freedom to become, but with the understanding that as writers, they have a responsibility to impact the people for a better world.

== Powerpoint Slide ==
[[File:FINAL_DE_Zhang_Jie.pptx|thumb]]

== Disclosure ==
It has been a pleasure to have done this class with Mr Woesler. I had worked hard in my wiki and have done my very best to use the resources available to me in a respectful manner. In doing so, it is my hope that this work can help others 'strengthen the appreciation and knowledge of the Republic of China and their wonderful People'. Erica Bazalar-Oaks. www.bazalar.com

== Sources ==
1. Book # 1
Encounters With Chinese Writers By Annie Dillard.
http://books.google.com/books?id=g6conZpyrHEC&pg=PA65&lpg=PA65&dq=Zhang+Jie+study+economics&source=bl&ots=KF9QpH8WcC&sig=UDPEQRy0Op_SFaGSG0dOaRLu6hA&hl=en&sa=X&ei=WdS9UK26CYfQygHjrIGoBg&ved=0CFMQ6AEwBQ#v=onepage&q=Zhang%20Jie%20study%20economics&f=false

2. Book # 2
Leaden Wings, Zhang Jie. Published by VIRAGO PRESS Limited 1987. ISBN 0-86068-759-7

3. Book # 3
The Australian Journal of Chinese Affairs. Published by The University of Chicago Press, 1979.ISBN 01567365

4. Faces of Chinese Literature:
http://www.upf.edu/materials/huma/central/historia/lite/temes/6postm.htm

5. Her novel:
http://www.jstor.org/discover/10.2307/2158675?uid=3739928&uid=2129&uid=2&uid=70&uid=4&uid=3739256&sid=21101404588403

6. Biography:
http://www.beijingscene.com/cissue/feature.html

7. http://www.pen-international.org/
8. http://www.marxists.org/history/erol/ncm-7/cwp-cr/part-3.htm
9. http://www.culturebase.net/artist.php?3577
10. http://www.iu.edu/~easc/outreach/educators/literature/workshops/doc/Perry_2005.pdf 11/16/2012
11. http://www.literaturfestival.com/participants/authors/2003/zhang-jie
12. http://contemporary_chinese_culture.academic.ru/952/Zhang_Jie
13. http://www.iu.edu/~easc/outreach/educators/literature/workshops/doc/Perry_2005.pdf

Zhang Jie (born 1937)

2012-12-05T05:46:42Z

Ericaangie: /* Sources */

[[File:Arch002021286b.jpg|400px|thumb|right|Zhang Jie, an artistic photo by Buso. Click [http://www.martabuso.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/5e06319eda06f020e43594a9c230972d/a/r/arch002021286b.jpg here] for original source ]]
== About Zhang Jie ==
A one of a kind and brilliant Chinese Literature writer. She resumed the aspects of socialism and turned it into a novella. In this way she is able to clearly show us what the people in China of all ranks had to suffer and went through during and after those times of communism, what they were left to be entrusted with, to rebuild upon for a new generation in China. Zhang Jie began to write after the access of power began for Deng Xioping (Deputy Minister), the dead of Mao Tseng Tang occurred in 1976 and the fall of the Gang of Four occurred; this gang included Mao’s cruel wife, Jiang Qing, mastermind and political figure that together with Mao authored millions of crimes during the Cultural Revolution.

It was after these events that Zhang Jie began to write. China finally began to experience a relatively more freedom for writers to create, and works of other foreign writers began to make their way into China. China started to get energized catching on the humanistic and artistic works of the world. It was beginning to exit the 10 years confinement of literature and oppression that had suffered during the Cultural Revolution. The extreme ideals of communism lost attention and writers could now use other themes in their stories, other than the working classes or soldiers. Zhang Jie was now 39 years old. She was finally able and experienced to establish her brilliant place in the Chinese Literature.

[[File:Brigitte_lin_book_fair_hk.jpg|400px|thumb|left|Zhang Jie, at a Hong Kong Book fair. They announced her book
'Without Words' will be go to the big screen. Click [http://wiki.vm.rub.de/uvu/images/5/59/Brigitte_lin_book_fair_hk.jpg here] for original source ]]

== Biography ==
'''1937'''
Zhang Jie was born in Beijing in 1937, her mother taught elementary school, she grew up poor even when she was a Manchu Royalty decedent. She had to escape the Japanese army that wanted to kill them. ''"Her mother, Manchurian royalty by birth but reduced to poverty by China's perpetual war and revolt, was a primary school teacher before the Japanese invasion." beijingscene.com.'' A guide that they meet introduced Zhang Jie to western children stories. The stories she read were from The Grimm brothers, Hans Christian Andersen and the fables of Krylov were among her favorites. Although people like to critic her because about this, Zhang Jie said that she is glad to have read these children stories, because they taught her to be consider to other people and not smash others on her way to success ''"I secretly congratulate myself and say that if I have one iota of human feeling, if I do not move up in the world by stepping on other people, do not use others to gain advantage, it is in large part due to the influence of the humanism in classical Western literature.” beijingscene.com''

'''1956'''
She wanted so badly to be a writer but end up studying economics ''"The government, however decided that because of her excellent school record she should study economics” Dillard pag 65.'' Zhang Jie cried about this but went anyways. Zhang Jie was admitted in RENMIN University of China.

'''1960'''
Zhang Jie, graduated and took a job in the Mechanics Engineer Industry that would allowed her a lot of information in this field to later write her Mao Dun Award winning book 'Heavy Wings (Leaden Wings)'. She worked in this industry for eight years.

'''1963'''
She married a colleague and had a daughter called 'Tang Di'

'''1964'''
Mao wanted the writers to experience equality with the rural or less fortunate people, and get rid off any funny ideas of possible superiority they might have ''"In addition to the Socialist Education Movement in the countryside, Mao repeatedly urged the literature and arts circles, as well as the various propaganda arms, to reform their areas.” marxists.org.''

'''1969'''
At the age of 32 Zhang Jie was sent to a farm for four years to be reform to Jiangxi, located southwest if China. Even when they have lost all money and connection of her royal family, because of her royal lineage, she was considered of a privilege class, so according to the teachings of Mao Tseng Tang she needed to be reform and experience the workers life. ''"Because she was the daughter of a right winger, she was forced to participate in re-educational measures at a special school from 1969 to 1972.” culture.base.net.'' During these times, it must have been very hard to be separated of her daughter and mother.

'''1978'''
Zhang Jie published her first children story right after the Culture Revolution called 'Music of the Forests', and won China national award ''"It was at this time that she also began to write. Only after the Cultural Revolution (1966–67) did she publish her first story" 'Die Musik der Wälder' culturebase.net.'' Russian children literature really was her inspiration to begin writing. Also, she was one of the first Modern writers to write about women and love. 'Love must not be forgotten' was her first novel about these issues of love.

'''1979'''
Zhang Jie joined the Chinese Writers Association. Zhang Jie’s work was popular.

'''1980'''
Her acclaim novella 'Heavy Wings' was published and very well received. She had waited for a long time and because of the changes and relatively freedoms that China was experiencing this was the right moment to do it. Zhang Jie joined the Chinese Communist Party.

'''1982'''
She becomes a member of the PEN International. Zhang Jie would travel outside of China for the first time ever to attend a conference in Los Angeles, at UCLA where she would meet American writer and journalist 'Harrison Salisbury'. Dillard, pag 63. Zhang Jie must have been very happy that she can finally write all she wanted.

'''1985'''
She was awarded the Mao Dun Literature Prize for ''Leaden Wings = Heavy Wings''.''"This novel is one of the three which jointly won the 1985 Mao Dun Literary Prize, the most prestigious award for novels in China"jstor.org''

'''2005'''
Zhang Jie was awarded for the second time the Mao Dun Literature Prize for 'Without a Word'. She is the only author to have won this prize twice.

[[File:Zhang-jie-0719L.jpg|500px|thumb|right|In 1985, Zhang Jie won the Mao Dun Prize Click [http://images2.chinatraveldepot.com/Images/Destination/Zhang-jie-0719L.jpg here] for original source ]]

== Faces of Chinese Literature ==
I think it is helpful and important to distinguish 2 faces in Chinese Literature, and which one Zhang Jie belongs too, this way we can comprehend even better the Chinese Literature evolution and what group accompany the author. Together with Zhang Jie, these authors with their writings, will be the ones in charge to lead China into a new direction.

The first face was in the 1920s.- It started with the fall of the Empire and the disintegration of the Old Traditional Literacy. The beginning of the ‘Chinese Literature Modern Classics was born’, the unforgettable Lu Xun, Lao She, Cao Yu, Mao Deng, Ba Jin and others, ''"At that moment the canonical list of modern classics of Chinese literature came out: Lu Xun, Lao She, Cao Yu, Mao Dun, Ba Jin” www.upf.edu .''

The Second face during the 1980s.- A period of relative relaxation begins that allowed the ‘emerge of new climate of cultural creativity’. The distinction of what it was ‘Revolutionary Literature between – Modern Literature’ was well noticed. "The young writers that had to remain silence had been awakening (good morning Zhang Jie)." In this face: we found Zhang Jie, Wang Meng, Liu Xiabo, Wang Shuo, Hao Shaogong and many more.

== Fun Facts about Zhang Jie ==
[[File:Cute.jpg|250px|thumb|left|Zhang Jie, loves cats and was seeing playing with one at UCLA conference. Click [http://www.thedibb.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=662542] for original source ]]
Zhang Jie loves to giggle and to read books. She has a way of looking at you with sarcasm. Zhang Jie also likes Siamese cats a lot. During the UCLA conference, she got a hold of a cat and would not let go of it. People reported that she was holding on to the cat the wrong way, the cat’s behind was facing people, while the face of the cat was facing Zhang Jie’s back, funny way to hold a kitty, and she did it for a while too, ''"Zhang Jie and innovative and controversial young writer, is carrying my Siamese cat aroung the house. She holds it by the armpit, so it faces the couch.” Dillard, pag 61.''
She also loves to speak softly and her work is regularly under fire, '' Zhang Jie , whose own work is regularly under fire, had to defend the Party line.” Dillard, pag 68.''

== Her work ==
[[File:ZHangJieHenryMiller.png|400px|thumb|right|Zhang Jie and American writer 'Henry Miller'in 1984 Click [http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C507t-K16jQ/TguQwhGSIiI/AAAAAAAABF0/FI09ZHvkDT4/s320/ZHangJieHenryMiller.gif here]
Zhang Jie was raised by her mother, her parents were divorced. Probably at a young age witnessed and experienced the discrimination and abuse to the for original source ]]fact that she had no father. In those times single mothers were very lookdown upon and were also discriminated. These facts had to have inspired Zhang Jie into her writings and allowed her to rule when she talks about what women went through during those times, since she had witnessed it herself. A good example of this in one of her books is 'Love must not be forgotten' where she tells a story about a woman that was having doubts about getting marry and finds the diary of her mother. In this diary she finds out that her mother had a secret love. The events of this novel took place during the Cultural Revolution, similar to the fact that Zhang Jie and her mother were going through this situation during the same time ''According to her mother’s wishes, Shanshan did burn the books, but could not part with the diary. As she reads her mother’s words, one of the many things she discovers is that her mother had had a secret love.” www.iu.edu''

'''Why Zhang Jie calls it "Heavy wings"'''
Zhang Jie is a smart writer, strong and brave representative of the new Modern generation. This generation is like a newborn or a new bird representing the Republic of China. Zhang Jie and writers like her are the ones that are responsible to help others break out of the shell, and show them how to fly high. But can they do it? Or, Are the wings of this nation 'too heavy to take off' and begin to fly completely free? You decide. ''She was awarded the Mao Dun Literature Prize in 1985 for Leaden Wings and in 2005 for Without a Word, making her the first writer to receive the award twice” en.wikipedia.org.''

'''Zhang Jie way of writing'''
''By taking us inside the story, Zhang Jie show us how the people of China lives, how they struggle silently hoping for a change that is too slow in the process of happening, like a pregnant mother that is in contractions now, this mother or nation that has been evolving month by month, decade by decade, and is in growing pains of the changes that are taking place, for a new baby, a new nation that is pushing to come out, and by coming out is creating changes in the way of thinking of China, a China that wants to breath loud, that wants to take off flying freely, and wants to reach the stars without having the government teased her and tide her down like a kite. Erica Bazalar-Oaks.''

In this novella, Zhang Jie is brilliant! She takes us inside the society of China in a very personal way. She describes the personalities so well and body movements, their rooms, houses and buildings where they live, and through her words make us feel as spectators that we can be seating right there on a chair, or on the table near by ear dropping on the conversation the characters are having. Zhang Jie shows as a writer her brilliance and experience, when the story just flows. She goes from one story to another in such a subtle way, that you as the reader are not a bit distracted, but pleasingly surprise making you feel like a light feather traveling gently from one side to another. On her words, she also uses European phrases that are well known and demonstrates her past influences in readings, pag 95 ''Not all high officials rested in their laurels.” Also Zhang Jie demonstrates something I found interesting, her unique and personal style of writing when she mixes in one situation, two elements from different backgrounds. She can convey and interesting way of thinking that she cleanly and successfully displays in her novella. A good example is when the character of Zheng was in the car letting the breeze to ruffle his hair, Zheng though to himself, ''pag 102, "Would this speech he had just made, like previous ones, vanish without a trace like a snowflake in the dessert?”'' Here she uses the snowflake that happens on winter season, and combines it with the element of the dessert that portraits a hot weather, two different types of times to explain the feelings of the character of Zheng. I enjoyed that.

[[File:Zhang-jie.png|400px|thumb|left|Zhang Jie very young in her twenties Click [http://digital.library.upenn.edu/women/_gallery/zhang-jie.gif here] for original source ]]

== Analysis of the Book Heavy Wings ==

'''Heavy Wings also call Leaden Wings'''
Heavy/Leaden Wings was published in 1980. Zhang Jie tells us what is happening today in Modern China after the Cultural Revolution, and where they stand in progress in their society and the world. One important thing that she writes about is 'marriage' in a country that is full of traditions, marriage can be one thing that is controversial to discuss. In Heavy Wings, the characters, women and men of different economical classes equally show their struggles in marriage, and fears of the society criticism if they would ever were to get divorce. Zhang Jie has been accused before of being immoral or too westernized, also to work against the party. Zhang Jie herself is divorced; in her work she stands for true love versus tradition. But, 'This also could mean that the author is suggesting that women and men can and should take their time experiencing falling in love! Before they go into rehearse marriage'. Also, this novella centers in the modernization of the Chinese industry and how the citizens are all for modern and bringing outside investments, especially interesting since Chinese people has not favored or trust outside companies. Heavy Wings give us as well an interesting inside of the social classes China has. We have the working classes that work in the industry very hard and barely get by, the middle class with the managers in charge that want to make a difference for their people and the ministers that are the ones that are way involve with the party, make the money and can do good or bad.

'''Modernization of China'''
When she talks about the modernization of China industry, she can give an excellent inside of thoughts about the progress in this organization, since she worked in this field for many years in the past. That means that she probably also witnessed the corruption that goes on; the good people that want to modernize and make a difference in their sector for the better, but encounter corruption with the bad people that only wants to hold on tied to communism rules, so they can benefit themselves and not the workers, that work hard and that need to make more money, to at least better their living conditions, ''pag 86 "To boost production in China you have to improve living conditions.”''

'''Divorce in the Chinese society'''
Heavy wings shows how people therefore might not be in love but because it would look bad on them, they have to put up with it, ''pag 34,"He seldom had free Sunday and they slept in different rooms.”''If they would divorce, for the men in their careers, they could lose their social status and be consider unstable losers, and for the women is far worst, if they became divorcees they can be look down as prostitutes, ''pag 107, "He darted a warning glance at Zheng. To him divorcees ranked with prostitutes.”'' One call only imagine how much Zheng Jie suffered when she was little looking at her mother been mistreated since her mother was divorced, and after loosing all position in society and money, Zheng Jie’s mother had to find a job, protect her daughter and put up with a society that did not protect her but made their lives worst. We can definitely tell that this part in Zhang Jie’s life influenced this writer a lot when she learnt this type of discrimination against her mother, against women in her society.

'''Tender moments'''
There are also great moments of tenderness in this story from Chinese men and women, that will give a better understanding of their deep hearts. ''Pag 79, "Everyone present was watching him in silence. The sight gave him fresh strength. Old Lü’s bearded chin beneath his bleary eyes was quivering. Chen put the dumpling into the old fellow’s mouth. ‘I let you down, Old Lü, he said.”''

[[File:ZhangJieHarrison.png|400px|thumb|right|Zhang Jie, at 45 (First time out of China) with writer Harrison Salisbury
In 1982, at the UCLA, US-Chinese writers conference Click [http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--m26XHdk0so/TguRGQWGs5I/AAAAAAAABF8/lzPMfkPY4Yw/s320/ZhangJieHarrison.gif here] for original source ]]
'''The way Chinese people live'''
We see the working Chinese people struggling to meet ends, with low salaries or enough to get by, and small and/or poor housing, if you can call some of these places mentioned in the story housing. Also there is not much money left, but to only go out for a meal, this is the way of entertainment. They really cannot get out of this type of social class. ''Pag 62, "China really gets its intellectuals on the cheap, Zheng though. Then, remembering the technicians in his ministry and the workers in factories, he reflected, he reflected that China got all its common people on the cheap”'', and the youth has no way of diversion or entertainment but to go out and eat. They could not go out to dance or have money to travel. ''Pag 62, "Zheng glanced round. ‘Apart from the two of us, everybody here’s young. Can’t blame. Eating out is their only diversion. What else can they do!”''

'''The careers that Chinese society forces on their people'''
Zhang show us how Chinese people’s education are not well rounded but are tailor to get jobs that will advance them in society. This situation does not make them happy but it is the way that it has been working for a long time, ''Pag 59, "Looking at his eyes Zheng Ziyun felt a stab of envy. In his young days he had wanted to study anthropology, literature or history, but fate had made him an official.”'' Chinese people dream to experience careers their society does not allow them to have, ''pag 85, "Keeping his eyes on the dark road, Chen said slowly, ‘In middle school I was mad on the violin, thought music the highest form of art. And I wanted to get a PHD in physics. But I’ve ended up a factory manager!” He laughed rather bitterly.''

'''Class struggles, history and beliefs do not let Chinese move forward'''
Zhang Jie let us know that the Chinese people mentality has to change or there will be no progress at all. ''Pag 42, "What they were up against now were deeply ingrained beliefs. These beliefs were like net in which all were caught. History was bound to condemn and eliminate them.”''

'''The Past of the Cultural Revolution = Communism will be remember'''
Zhang Jie made it clear that these abuses and crimes, did happened in China, that her thoughts in this book are not exaggerated or made up, but they come from 'real life events' that mark the Chinese people and their lives. - These events are vital to understand them and what they are fighting for -. During the Cultural Revolution with Mao, all that opposed the Communist government or look like they did, were kill, nearly kill to death, brutally bit up, abuse, persecuted. They could also be send to do 'restitution to these rural places' so they can be re-form, ''pag 45, "The Cultural Revolution brought her fearful anxiety and distress: he was nearly beaten to death. When he came back after several months of confinement in a damp room he could hardly walk for arthritis.”''

'''Zhang Jie calls for a change in the government and the society of China'''.
Heavy wings/ Leaden wings, is a very provocative book and it calls for the Chinese people for a change, to leave once and for all 'old habits' that hold them back, and open themselves to progress with the help of outside markets, ''pag 101, "For some years we studied chairman Mao’s works regardless of the political results. We competed to see who could write the most copious notes or parrot the most quotations. The effectiveness of political work should be judge by the new wealth created. We must run our economy according to economic laws and give up our old egalitarian way of all eating from one big pot. That stifles initiative.”''

'''Zhang Jie speaks about her goals as a writer'''
In September of 1982, Zhang Jie spoke at the UCLA, at the US-Chinese writers conference organized by Norman Cousins about her thoughts in Literature.''*Life should become what humans beings wish it to be*''. When she talks about us, as human beings and what we wish for, it is clear to me that in order to become anything, we must have freedom of choice. Zhang Jie also expressed her feelings of responsibility that she feels the writers have to the world,''*Pure literature as our purpose cannot exist, because the writer’s feeling will have an impact on the material world.* Dillard, Pag 64.'' Zhang Jie then wants freedom to become, but with the understanding that as writers, they have a responsibility to impact the people for a better world.

== Powerpoint Slide ==
[[File:FINAL_DE_Zhang_Jie.pptx|thumb]]

== Disclosure ==
It has been a pleasure to have done this class with Mr Woesler. I had worked hard in my wiki and have done my very best to use the resources available to me in a respectful manner. In doing so, it is my hope that this work can help others 'strengthen the appreciation and knowledge of the Republic of China and their wonderful People'. Erica Bazalar-Oaks. www.bazalar.com

== References ==
[1]Zhang Jie, International Literature Festival Berlin 2003, see Website: [http://www.literaturfestival.com/bios1_3_6_292.html]

== Sources ==
1. Book # 1
Encounters With Chinese Writers By Annie Dillard.
http://books.google.com/books?id=g6conZpyrHEC&pg=PA65&lpg=PA65&dq=Zhang+Jie+study+economics&source=bl&ots=KF9QpH8WcC&sig=UDPEQRy0Op_SFaGSG0dOaRLu6hA&hl=en&sa=X&ei=WdS9UK26CYfQygHjrIGoBg&ved=0CFMQ6AEwBQ#v=onepage&q=Zhang%20Jie%20study%20economics&f=false

2. Book # 2
Leaden Wings, Zhang Jie. Published by VIRAGO PRESS Limited 1987. ISBN 0-86068-759-7

3. Book # 3
The Australian Journal of Chinese Affairs. Published by The University of Chicago Press, 1979.ISBN 01567365

4. Faces of Chinese Literature:
http://www.upf.edu/materials/huma/central/historia/lite/temes/6postm.htm

5. Her novel:
http://www.jstor.org/discover/10.2307/2158675?uid=3739928&uid=2129&uid=2&uid=70&uid=4&uid=3739256&sid=21101404588403

6. Biography:
http://www.beijingscene.com/cissue/feature.html

7. http://www.pen-international.org/
8. http://www.marxists.org/history/erol/ncm-7/cwp-cr/part-3.htm
9. http://www.culturebase.net/artist.php?3577
10. http://www.iu.edu/~easc/outreach/educators/literature/workshops/doc/Perry_2005.pdf 11/16/2012
11. http://www.literaturfestival.com/participants/authors/2003/zhang-jie
12. http://contemporary_chinese_culture.academic.ru/952/Zhang_Jie
13. http://www.iu.edu/~easc/outreach/educators/literature/workshops/doc/Perry_2005.pdf

Zhang Jie (born 1937)

2012-12-05T05:12:10Z

Ericaangie:

[[File:Arch002021286b.jpg|400px|thumb|right|Zhang Jie, an artistic photo by Buso. Click [http://www.martabuso.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/5e06319eda06f020e43594a9c230972d/a/r/arch002021286b.jpg here] for original source ]]
== About Zhang Jie ==
A one of a kind and brilliant Chinese Literature writer. She resumed the aspects of socialism and turned it into a novella. In this way she is able to clearly show us what the people in China of all ranks had to suffer and went through during and after those times of communism, what they were left to be entrusted with, to rebuild upon for a new generation in China. Zhang Jie began to write after the access of power began for Deng Xioping (Deputy Minister), the dead of Mao Tseng Tang occurred in 1976 and the fall of the Gang of Four occurred; this gang included Mao’s cruel wife, Jiang Qing, mastermind and political figure that together with Mao authored millions of crimes during the Cultural Revolution.

It was after these events that Zhang Jie began to write. China finally began to experience a relatively more freedom for writers to create, and works of other foreign writers began to make their way into China. China started to get energized catching on the humanistic and artistic works of the world. It was beginning to exit the 10 years confinement of literature and oppression that had suffered during the Cultural Revolution. The extreme ideals of communism lost attention and writers could now use other themes in their stories, other than the working classes or soldiers. Zhang Jie was now 39 years old. She was finally able and experienced to establish her brilliant place in the Chinese Literature.

[[File:Brigitte_lin_book_fair_hk.jpg|400px|thumb|left|Zhang Jie, at a Hong Kong Book fair. They announced her book
'Without Words' will be go to the big screen. Click [http://wiki.vm.rub.de/uvu/images/5/59/Brigitte_lin_book_fair_hk.jpg here] for original source ]]

== Biography ==
'''1937'''
Zhang Jie was born in Beijing in 1937, her mother taught elementary school, she grew up poor even when she was a Manchu Royalty decedent. She had to escape the Japanese army that wanted to kill them. ''"Her mother, Manchurian royalty by birth but reduced to poverty by China's perpetual war and revolt, was a primary school teacher before the Japanese invasion." beijingscene.com.'' A guide that they meet introduced Zhang Jie to western children stories. The stories she read were from The Grimm brothers, Hans Christian Andersen and the fables of Krylov were among her favorites. Although people like to critic her because about this, Zhang Jie said that she is glad to have read these children stories, because they taught her to be consider to other people and not smash others on her way to success ''"I secretly congratulate myself and say that if I have one iota of human feeling, if I do not move up in the world by stepping on other people, do not use others to gain advantage, it is in large part due to the influence of the humanism in classical Western literature.” beijingscene.com''

'''1956'''
She wanted so badly to be a writer but end up studying economics ''"The government, however decided that because of her excellent school record she should study economics” Dillard pag 65.'' Zhang Jie cried about this but went anyways. Zhang Jie was admitted in RENMIN University of China.

'''1960'''
Zhang Jie, graduated and took a job in the Mechanics Engineer Industry that would allowed her a lot of information in this field to later write her Mao Dun Award winning book 'Heavy Wings (Leaden Wings)'. She worked in this industry for eight years.

'''1963'''
She married a colleague and had a daughter called 'Tang Di'

'''1964'''
Mao wanted the writers to experience equality with the rural or less fortunate people, and get rid off any funny ideas of possible superiority they might have ''"In addition to the Socialist Education Movement in the countryside, Mao repeatedly urged the literature and arts circles, as well as the various propaganda arms, to reform their areas.” marxists.org.''

'''1969'''
At the age of 32 Zhang Jie was sent to a farm for four years to be reform to Jiangxi, located southwest if China. Even when they have lost all money and connection of her royal family, because of her royal lineage, she was considered of a privilege class, so according to the teachings of Mao Tseng Tang she needed to be reform and experience the workers life. ''"Because she was the daughter of a right winger, she was forced to participate in re-educational measures at a special school from 1969 to 1972.” culture.base.net.'' During these times, it must have been very hard to be separated of her daughter and mother.

'''1978'''
Zhang Jie published her first children story right after the Culture Revolution called 'Music of the Forests', and won China national award ''"It was at this time that she also began to write. Only after the Cultural Revolution (1966–67) did she publish her first story" 'Die Musik der Wälder' culturebase.net.'' Russian children literature really was her inspiration to begin writing. Also, she was one of the first Modern writers to write about women and love. 'Love must not be forgotten' was her first novel about these issues of love.

'''1979'''
Zhang Jie joined the Chinese Writers Association. Zhang Jie’s work was popular.

'''1980'''
Her acclaim novella 'Heavy Wings' was published and very well received. She had waited for a long time and because of the changes and relatively freedoms that China was experiencing this was the right moment to do it. Zhang Jie joined the Chinese Communist Party.

'''1982'''
She becomes a member of the PEN International. Zhang Jie would travel outside of China for the first time ever to attend a conference in Los Angeles, at UCLA where she would meet American writer and journalist 'Harrison Salisbury'. Dillard, pag 63. Zhang Jie must have been very happy that she can finally write all she wanted.

'''1985'''
She was awarded the Mao Dun Literature Prize for ''Leaden Wings = Heavy Wings''.''"This novel is one of the three which jointly won the 1985 Mao Dun Literary Prize, the most prestigious award for novels in China"jstor.org''

'''2005'''
Zhang Jie was awarded for the second time the Mao Dun Literature Prize for 'Without a Word'. She is the only author to have won this prize twice.

[[File:Zhang-jie-0719L.jpg|500px|thumb|right|In 1985, Zhang Jie won the Mao Dun Prize Click [http://images2.chinatraveldepot.com/Images/Destination/Zhang-jie-0719L.jpg here] for original source ]]

== Faces of Chinese Literature ==
I think it is helpful and important to distinguish 2 faces in Chinese Literature, and which one Zhang Jie belongs too, this way we can comprehend even better the Chinese Literature evolution and what group accompany the author. Together with Zhang Jie, these authors with their writings, will be the ones in charge to lead China into a new direction.

The first face was in the 1920s.- It started with the fall of the Empire and the disintegration of the Old Traditional Literacy. The beginning of the ‘Chinese Literature Modern Classics was born’, the unforgettable Lu Xun, Lao She, Cao Yu, Mao Deng, Ba Jin and others, ''"At that moment the canonical list of modern classics of Chinese literature came out: Lu Xun, Lao She, Cao Yu, Mao Dun, Ba Jin” www.upf.edu .''

The Second face during the 1980s.- A period of relative relaxation begins that allowed the ‘emerge of new climate of cultural creativity’. The distinction of what it was ‘Revolutionary Literature between – Modern Literature’ was well noticed. "The young writers that had to remain silence had been awakening (good morning Zhang Jie)." In this face: we found Zhang Jie, Wang Meng, Liu Xiabo, Wang Shuo, Hao Shaogong and many more.

== Fun Facts about Zhang Jie ==
[[File:Cute.jpg|250px|thumb|left|Zhang Jie, loves cats and was seeing playing with one at UCLA conference. Click [http://www.thedibb.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=662542] for original source ]]
Zhang Jie loves to giggle and to read books. She has a way of looking at you with sarcasm. Zhang Jie also likes Siamese cats a lot. During the UCLA conference, she got a hold of a cat and would not let go of it. People reported that she was holding on to the cat the wrong way, the cat’s behind was facing people, while the face of the cat was facing Zhang Jie’s back, funny way to hold a kitty, and she did it for a while too, ''"Zhang Jie and innovative and controversial young writer, is carrying my Siamese cat aroung the house. She holds it by the armpit, so it faces the couch.” Dillard, pag 61.''
She also loves to speak softly and her work is regularly under fire, '' Zhang Jie , whose own work is regularly under fire, had to defend the Party line.” Dillard, pag 68.''

== Her work ==
[[File:ZHangJieHenryMiller.png|400px|thumb|right|Zhang Jie and American writer 'Henry Miller'in 1984 Click [http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C507t-K16jQ/TguQwhGSIiI/AAAAAAAABF0/FI09ZHvkDT4/s320/ZHangJieHenryMiller.gif here]
Zhang Jie was raised by her mother, her parents were divorced. Probably at a young age witnessed and experienced the discrimination and abuse to the for original source ]]fact that she had no father. In those times single mothers were very lookdown upon and were also discriminated. These facts had to have inspired Zhang Jie into her writings and allowed her to rule when she talks about what women went through during those times, since she had witnessed it herself. A good example of this in one of her books is 'Love must not be forgotten' where she tells a story about a woman that was having doubts about getting marry and finds the diary of her mother. In this diary she finds out that her mother had a secret love. The events of this novel took place during the Cultural Revolution, similar to the fact that Zhang Jie and her mother were going through this situation during the same time ''According to her mother’s wishes, Shanshan did burn the books, but could not part with the diary. As she reads her mother’s words, one of the many things she discovers is that her mother had had a secret love.” www.iu.edu''

'''Why Zhang Jie calls it "Heavy wings"'''
Zhang Jie is a smart writer, strong and brave representative of the new Modern generation. This generation is like a newborn or a new bird representing the Republic of China. Zhang Jie and writers like her are the ones that are responsible to help others break out of the shell, and show them how to fly high. But can they do it? Or, Are the wings of this nation 'too heavy to take off' and begin to fly completely free? You decide. ''She was awarded the Mao Dun Literature Prize in 1985 for Leaden Wings and in 2005 for Without a Word, making her the first writer to receive the award twice” en.wikipedia.org.''

'''Zhang Jie way of writing'''
''By taking us inside the story, Zhang Jie show us how the people of China lives, how they struggle silently hoping for a change that is too slow in the process of happening, like a pregnant mother that is in contractions now, this mother or nation that has been evolving month by month, decade by decade, and is in growing pains of the changes that are taking place, for a new baby, a new nation that is pushing to come out, and by coming out is creating changes in the way of thinking of China, a China that wants to breath loud, that wants to take off flying freely, and wants to reach the stars without having the government teased her and tide her down like a kite. Erica Bazalar-Oaks.''

In this novella, Zhang Jie is brilliant! She takes us inside the society of China in a very personal way. She describes the personalities so well and body movements, their rooms, houses and buildings where they live, and through her words make us feel as spectators that we can be seating right there on a chair, or on the table near by ear dropping on the conversation the characters are having. Zhang Jie shows as a writer her brilliance and experience, when the story just flows. She goes from one story to another in such a subtle way, that you as the reader are not a bit distracted, but pleasingly surprise making you feel like a light feather traveling gently from one side to another. On her words, she also uses European phrases that are well known and demonstrates her past influences in readings, pag 95 ''Not all high officials rested in their laurels.” Also Zhang Jie demonstrates something I found interesting, her unique and personal style of writing when she mixes in one situation, two elements from different backgrounds. She can convey and interesting way of thinking that she cleanly and successfully displays in her novella. A good example is when the character of Zheng was in the car letting the breeze to ruffle his hair, Zheng though to himself, ''pag 102, "Would this speech he had just made, like previous ones, vanish without a trace like a snowflake in the dessert?”'' Here she uses the snowflake that happens on winter season, and combines it with the element of the dessert that portraits a hot weather, two different types of times to explain the feelings of the character of Zheng. I enjoyed that.

[[File:Zhang-jie.png|400px|thumb|left|Zhang Jie very young in her twenties Click [http://digital.library.upenn.edu/women/_gallery/zhang-jie.gif here] for original source ]]

== Analysis of the Book Heavy Wings ==

'''Heavy Wings also call Leaden Wings'''
Heavy/Leaden Wings was published in 1980. Zhang Jie tells us what is happening today in Modern China after the Cultural Revolution, and where they stand in progress in their society and the world. One important thing that she writes about is 'marriage' in a country that is full of traditions, marriage can be one thing that is controversial to discuss. In Heavy Wings, the characters, women and men of different economical classes equally show their struggles in marriage, and fears of the society criticism if they would ever were to get divorce. Zhang Jie has been accused before of being immoral or too westernized, also to work against the party. Zhang Jie herself is divorced; in her work she stands for true love versus tradition. But, 'This also could mean that the author is suggesting that women and men can and should take their time experiencing falling in love! Before they go into rehearse marriage'. Also, this novella centers in the modernization of the Chinese industry and how the citizens are all for modern and bringing outside investments, especially interesting since Chinese people has not favored or trust outside companies. Heavy Wings give us as well an interesting inside of the social classes China has. We have the working classes that work in the industry very hard and barely get by, the middle class with the managers in charge that want to make a difference for their people and the ministers that are the ones that are way involve with the party, make the money and can do good or bad.

'''Modernization of China'''
When she talks about the modernization of China industry, she can give an excellent inside of thoughts about the progress in this organization, since she worked in this field for many years in the past. That means that she probably also witnessed the corruption that goes on; the good people that want to modernize and make a difference in their sector for the better, but encounter corruption with the bad people that only wants to hold on tied to communism rules, so they can benefit themselves and not the workers, that work hard and that need to make more money, to at least better their living conditions, ''pag 86 "To boost production in China you have to improve living conditions.”''

'''Divorce in the Chinese society'''
Heavy wings shows how people therefore might not be in love but because it would look bad on them, they have to put up with it, ''pag 34,"He seldom had free Sunday and they slept in different rooms.”''If they would divorce, for the men in their careers, they could lose their social status and be consider unstable losers, and for the women is far worst, if they became divorcees they can be look down as prostitutes, ''pag 107, "He darted a warning glance at Zheng. To him divorcees ranked with prostitutes.”'' One call only imagine how much Zheng Jie suffered when she was little looking at her mother been mistreated since her mother was divorced, and after loosing all position in society and money, Zheng Jie’s mother had to find a job, protect her daughter and put up with a society that did not protect her but made their lives worst. We can definitely tell that this part in Zhang Jie’s life influenced this writer a lot when she learnt this type of discrimination against her mother, against women in her society.

'''Tender moments'''
There are also great moments of tenderness in this story from Chinese men and women, that will give a better understanding of their deep hearts. ''Pag 79, "Everyone present was watching him in silence. The sight gave him fresh strength. Old Lü’s bearded chin beneath his bleary eyes was quivering. Chen put the dumpling into the old fellow’s mouth. ‘I let you down, Old Lü, he said.”''

[[File:ZhangJieHarrison.png|400px|thumb|right|Zhang Jie, at 45 (First time out of China) with writer Harrison Salisbury
In 1982, at the UCLA, US-Chinese writers conference Click [http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--m26XHdk0so/TguRGQWGs5I/AAAAAAAABF8/lzPMfkPY4Yw/s320/ZhangJieHarrison.gif here] for original source ]]
'''The way Chinese people live'''
We see the working Chinese people struggling to meet ends, with low salaries or enough to get by, and small and/or poor housing, if you can call some of these places mentioned in the story housing. Also there is not much money left, but to only go out for a meal, this is the way of entertainment. They really cannot get out of this type of social class. ''Pag 62, "China really gets its intellectuals on the cheap, Zheng though. Then, remembering the technicians in his ministry and the workers in factories, he reflected, he reflected that China got all its common people on the cheap”'', and the youth has no way of diversion or entertainment but to go out and eat. They could not go out to dance or have money to travel. ''Pag 62, "Zheng glanced round. ‘Apart from the two of us, everybody here’s young. Can’t blame. Eating out is their only diversion. What else can they do!”''

'''The careers that Chinese society forces on their people'''
Zhang show us how Chinese people’s education are not well rounded but are tailor to get jobs that will advance them in society. This situation does not make them happy but it is the way that it has been working for a long time, ''Pag 59, "Looking at his eyes Zheng Ziyun felt a stab of envy. In his young days he had wanted to study anthropology, literature or history, but fate had made him an official.”'' Chinese people dream to experience careers their society does not allow them to have, ''pag 85, "Keeping his eyes on the dark road, Chen said slowly, ‘In middle school I was mad on the violin, thought music the highest form of art. And I wanted to get a PHD in physics. But I’ve ended up a factory manager!” He laughed rather bitterly.''

'''Class struggles, history and beliefs do not let Chinese move forward'''
Zhang Jie let us know that the Chinese people mentality has to change or there will be no progress at all. ''Pag 42, "What they were up against now were deeply ingrained beliefs. These beliefs were like net in which all were caught. History was bound to condemn and eliminate them.”''

'''The Past of the Cultural Revolution = Communism will be remember'''
Zhang Jie made it clear that these abuses and crimes, did happened in China, that her thoughts in this book are not exaggerated or made up, but they come from 'real life events' that mark the Chinese people and their lives. - These events are vital to understand them and what they are fighting for -. During the Cultural Revolution with Mao, all that opposed the Communist government or look like they did, were kill, nearly kill to death, brutally bit up, abuse, persecuted. They could also be send to do 'restitution to these rural places' so they can be re-form, ''pag 45, "The Cultural Revolution brought her fearful anxiety and distress: he was nearly beaten to death. When he came back after several months of confinement in a damp room he could hardly walk for arthritis.”''

'''Zhang Jie calls for a change in the government and the society of China'''.
Heavy wings/ Leaden wings, is a very provocative book and it calls for the Chinese people for a change, to leave once and for all 'old habits' that hold them back, and open themselves to progress with the help of outside markets, ''pag 101, "For some years we studied chairman Mao’s works regardless of the political results. We competed to see who could write the most copious notes or parrot the most quotations. The effectiveness of political work should be judge by the new wealth created. We must run our economy according to economic laws and give up our old egalitarian way of all eating from one big pot. That stifles initiative.”''

'''Zhang Jie speaks about her goals as a writer'''
In September of 1982, Zhang Jie spoke at the UCLA, at the US-Chinese writers conference organized by Norman Cousins about her thoughts in Literature.''*Life should become what humans beings wish it to be*''. When she talks about us, as human beings and what we wish for, it is clear to me that in order to become anything, we must have freedom of choice. Zhang Jie also expressed her feelings of responsibility that she feels the writers have to the world,''*Pure literature as our purpose cannot exist, because the writer’s feeling will have an impact on the material world.* Dillard, Pag 64.'' Zhang Jie then wants freedom to become, but with the understanding that as writers, they have a responsibility to impact the people for a better world.

== Powerpoint Slide ==
[[File:FINAL_DE_Zhang_Jie.pptx|thumb]]

== Disclosure ==
It has been a pleasure to have done this class with Mr Woesler. I had worked hard in my wiki and have done my very best to use the resources available to me in a respectful manner. In doing so, it is my hope that this work can help others 'strengthen the appreciation and knowledge of the Republic of China and their wonderful People'. Erica Bazalar-Oaks. www.bazalar.com

== References ==
[1]Zhang Jie, International Literature Festival Berlin 2003, see Website: [http://www.literaturfestival.com/bios1_3_6_292.html]

== Sources ==
1. Book # 1
Encounters With Chinese Writers By Annie Dillard.
http://books.google.com/books?id=g6conZpyrHEC&pg=PA65&lpg=PA65&dq=Zhang+Jie+study+economics&source=bl&ots=KF9QpH8WcC&sig=UDPEQRy0Op_SFaGSG0dOaRLu6hA&hl=en&sa=X&ei=WdS9UK26CYfQygHjrIGoBg&ved=0CFMQ6AEwBQ#v=onepage&q=Zhang%20Jie%20study%20economics&f=false
2. Book # 2
Leaden Wings, Zhang Jie. Published by VIRAGO PRESS Limited 1987. ISBN 0-86068-759-7
3. Book # 3
The Australian Journal of Chinese Affairs. Published by The University of Chicago Press, 1979.ISBN 01567365
4. Faces of Chinese Literature:
http://www.upf.edu/materials/huma/central/historia/lite/temes/6postm.htm
5. Her novel:
http://www.jstor.org/discover/10.2307/2158675?uid=3739928&uid=2129&uid=2&uid=70&uid=4&uid=3739256&sid=21101404588403
6. Biography:
http://www.beijingscene.com/cissue/feature.html
7. http://www.pen-international.org/
8. http://www.marxists.org/history/erol/ncm-7/cwp-cr/part-3.htm
9. http://www.culturebase.net/artist.php?3577
10. http://www.iu.edu/~easc/outreach/educators/literature/workshops/doc/Perry_2005.pdf 11/16/2012
11. http://www.literaturfestival.com/participants/authors/2003/zhang-jie
12. http://contemporary_chinese_culture.academic.ru/952/Zhang_Jie
13. http://www.iu.edu/~easc/outreach/educators/literature/workshops/doc/Perry_2005.pdf

Zhang Jie (born 1937)

2012-12-05T05:07:47Z

Ericaangie:

[[File:Arch002021286b.jpg|400px|thumb|right|Zhang Jie, an artistic photo by Buso. Click [http://www.martabuso.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/5e06319eda06f020e43594a9c230972d/a/r/arch002021286b.jpg here] for original source ]]
== About Zhang Jie ==
A one of a kind and brilliant Chinese Literature writer. She resumed the aspects of socialism and turned it into a novella. In this way she is able to clearly show us what the people in China of all ranks had to suffer and went through during and after those times of communism, what they were left to be entrusted with, to rebuild upon for a new generation in China. Zhang Jie began to write after the access of power began for Deng Xioping (Deputy Minister), the dead of Mao Tseng Tang occurred in 1976 and the fall of the Gang of Four occurred; this gang included Mao’s cruel wife, Jiang Qing, mastermind and political figure that together with Mao authored millions of crimes during the Cultural Revolution.

It was after these events that Zhang Jie began to write. China finally began to experience a relatively more freedom for writers to create, and works of other foreign writers began to make their way into China. China started to get energized catching on the humanistic and artistic works of the world. It was beginning to exit the 10 years confinement of literature and oppression that had suffered during the Cultural Revolution. The extreme ideals of communism lost attention and writers could now use other themes in their stories, other than the working classes or soldiers. Zhang Jie was now 39 years old. She was finally able and experienced to establish her brilliant place in the Chinese Literature.

[[File:Brigitte_lin_book_fair_hk.jpg|400px|thumb|left|Zhang Jie, at a Hong Kong Book fair. They announced her book
'Without Words' will be go to the big screen. Click [http://wiki.vm.rub.de/uvu/images/5/59/Brigitte_lin_book_fair_hk.jpg here] for original source ]]

== Biography ==
'''1937'''
Zhang Jie was born in Beijing in 1937, her mother taught elementary school, she grew up poor even when she was a Manchu Royalty decedent. She had to escape the Japanese army that wanted to kill them. ''"Her mother, Manchurian royalty by birth but reduced to poverty by China's perpetual war and revolt, was a primary school teacher before the Japanese invasion." beijingscene.com.'' A guide that they meet introduced Zhang Jie to western children stories. The stories she read were from The Grimm brothers, Hans Christian Andersen and the fables of Krylov were among her favorites. Although people like to critic her because about this, Zhang Jie said that she is glad to have read these children stories, because they taught her to be consider to other people and not smash others on her way to success ''"I secretly congratulate myself and say that if I have one iota of human feeling, if I do not move up in the world by stepping on other people, do not use others to gain advantage, it is in large part due to the influence of the humanism in classical Western literature.” beijingscene.com''

'''1956'''
She wanted so badly to be a writer but end up studying economics ''"The government, however decided that because of her excellent school record she should study economics” Dillard pag 65.'' Zhang Jie cried about this but went anyways. Zhang Jie was admitted in RENMIN University of China.

'''1960'''
Zhang Jie, graduated and took a job in the Mechanics Engineer Industry that would allowed her a lot of information in this field to later write her Mao Dun Award winning book 'Heavy Wings (Leaden Wings)'. She worked in this industry for eight years.

'''1963'''
She married a colleague and had a daughter called 'Tang Di'

'''1964'''
Mao wanted the writers to experience equality with the rural or less fortunate people, and get rid off any funny ideas of possible superiority they might have ''"In addition to the Socialist Education Movement in the countryside, Mao repeatedly urged the literature and arts circles, as well as the various propaganda arms, to reform their areas.” marxists.org.''

'''1969'''
At the age of 32 Zhang Jie was sent to a farm for four years to be reform to Jiangxi, located southwest if China. Even when they have lost all money and connection of her royal family, because of her royal lineage, she was considered of a privilege class, so according to the teachings of Mao Tseng Tang she needed to be reform and experience the workers life. ''"Because she was the daughter of a right winger, she was forced to participate in re-educational measures at a special school from 1969 to 1972.” culture.base.net.'' During these times, it must have been very hard to be separated of her daughter and mother.

'''1978'''
Zhang Jie published her first children story right after the Culture Revolution called 'Music of the Forests', and won China national award ''"It was at this time that she also began to write. Only after the Cultural Revolution (1966–67) did she publish her first story" 'Die Musik der Wälder' culturebase.net.'' Russian children literature really was her inspiration to begin writing. Also, she was one of the first Modern writers to write about women and love. 'Love must not be forgotten' was her first novel about these issues of love.

'''1979'''
Zhang Jie joined the Chinese Writers Association. Zhang Jie’s work was popular.

'''1980'''
Her acclaim novella 'Heavy Wings' was published and very well received. She had waited for a long time and because of the changes and relatively freedoms that China was experiencing this was the right moment to do it. Zhang Jie joined the Chinese Communist Party.

'''1982'''
She becomes a member of the PEN International. Zhang Jie would travel outside of China for the first time ever to attend a conference in Los Angeles, at UCLA where she would meet American writer and journalist 'Harrison Salisbury'. Dillard, pag 63. Zhang Jie must have been very happy that she can finally write all she wanted.

'''1985'''
She was awarded the Mao Dun Literature Prize for ''Leaden Wings = Heavy Wings''.''"This novel is one of the three which jointly won the 1985 Mao Dun Literary Prize, the most prestigious award for novels in China"jstor.org''

'''2005'''
Zhang Jie was awarded for the second time the Mao Dun Literature Prize for 'Without a Word'. She is the only author to have won this prize twice.

[[File:Zhang-jie-0719L.jpg|500px|thumb|right|In 1985, Zhang Jie won the Mao Dun Prize Click [http://images2.chinatraveldepot.com/Images/Destination/Zhang-jie-0719L.jpg here] for original source ]]

== Faces of Chinese Literature ==
I think it is helpful and important to distinguish 2 faces in Chinese Literature, and which one Zhang Jie belongs too, this way we can comprehend even better the Chinese Literature evolution and what group accompany the author. Together with Zhang Jie, these authors with their writings, will be the ones in charge to lead China into a new direction.

The first face was in the 1920s.- It started with the fall of the Empire and the disintegration of the Old Traditional Literacy. The beginning of the ‘Chinese Literature Modern Classics was born’, the unforgettable Lu Xun, Lao She, Cao Yu, Mao Deng, Ba Jin and others, ''"At that moment the canonical list of modern classics of Chinese literature came out: Lu Xun, Lao She, Cao Yu, Mao Dun, Ba Jin” www.upf.edu .''

The Second face during the 1980s.- A period of relative relaxation begins that allowed the ‘emerge of new climate of cultural creativity’. The distinction of what it was ‘Revolutionary Literature between – Modern Literature’ was well noticed. "The young writers that had to remain silence had been awakening (good morning Zhang Jie)." In this face: we found Zhang Jie, Wang Meng, Liu Xiabo, Wang Shuo, Hao Shaogong and many more.

== Fun Facts about Zhang Jie ==
[[File:Cute.jpg|250px|thumb|left|Zhang Jie, loves cats and was seeing playing with one at UCLA conference. Click [http://www.thedibb.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=662542] for original source ]]
Zhang Jie loves to giggle and to read books. She has a way of looking at you with sarcasm. Zhang Jie also likes Siamese cats a lot. During the UCLA conference, she got a hold of a cat and would not let go of it. People reported that she was holding on to the cat the wrong way, the cat’s behind was facing people, while the face of the cat was facing Zhang Jie’s back, funny way to hold a kitty, and she did it for a while too, ''"Zhang Jie and innovative and controversial young writer, is carrying my Siamese cat aroung the house. She holds it by the armpit, so it faces the couch.” Dillard, pag 61.''
She also loves to speak softly and her work is regularly under fire, '' Zhang Jie , whose own work is regularly under fire, had to defend the Party line.” Dillard, pag 68.''

== Her work ==
[[File:ZHangJieHenryMiller.png|400px|thumb|right|Zhang Jie and American writer 'Henry Miller'in 1984 Click [http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C507t-K16jQ/TguQwhGSIiI/AAAAAAAABF0/FI09ZHvkDT4/s320/ZHangJieHenryMiller.gif here]
Zhang Jie was raised by her mother, her parents were divorced. Probably at a young age witnessed and experienced the discrimination and abuse to the for original source ]]fact that she had no father. In those times single mothers were very lookdown upon and were also discriminated. These facts had to have inspired Zhang Jie into her writings and allowed her to rule when she talks about what women went through during those times, since she had witnessed it herself. A good example of this in one of her books is 'Love must not be forgotten' where she tells a story about a woman that was having doubts about getting marry and finds the diary of her mother. In this diary she finds out that her mother had a secret love. The events of this novel took place during the Cultural Revolution, similar to the fact that Zhang Jie and her mother were going through this situation during the same time ''According to her mother’s wishes, Shanshan did burn the books, but could not part with the diary. As she reads her mother’s words, one of the many things she discovers is that her mother had had a secret love.” www.iu.edu''

'''Why Zhang Jie calls it "Heavy wings"'''
Zhang Jie is a smart writer, strong and brave representative of the new Modern generation. This generation is like a newborn or a new bird representing the Republic of China. Zhang Jie and writers like her are the ones that are responsible to help others break out of the shell, and show them how to fly high. But can they do it? Or, Are the wings of this nation 'too heavy to take off' and begin to fly completely free? You decide. ''She was awarded the Mao Dun Literature Prize in 1985 for Leaden Wings and in 2005 for Without a Word, making her the first writer to receive the award twice” en.wikipedia.org.''

'''Zhang Jie way of writing'''
''By taking us inside the story, Zhang Jie show us how the people of China lives, how they struggle silently hoping for a change that is too slow in the process of happening, like a pregnant mother that is in contractions now, this mother or nation that has been evolving month by month, decade by decade, and is in growing pains of the changes that are taking place, for a new baby, a new nation that is pushing to come out, and by coming out is creating changes in the way of thinking of China, a China that wants to breath loud, that wants to take off flying freely, and wants to reach the stars without having the government teased her and tide her down like a kite. Erica Bazalar-Oaks.''

In this novella, Zhang Jie is brilliant! She takes us inside the society of China in a very personal way. She describes the personalities so well and body movements, their rooms, houses and buildings where they live, and through her words make us feel as spectators that we can be seating right there on a chair, or on the table near by ear dropping on the conversation the characters are having. Zhang Jie shows as a writer her brilliance and experience, when the story just flows. She goes from one story to another in such a subtle way, that you as the reader are not a bit distracted, but pleasingly surprise making you feel like a light feather traveling gently from one side to another. On her words, she also uses European phrases that are well known and demonstrates her past influences in readings, pag 95 ''Not all high officials rested in their laurels.” Also Zhang Jie demonstrates something I found interesting, her unique and personal style of writing when she mixes in one situation, two elements from different backgrounds. She can convey and interesting way of thinking that she cleanly and successfully displays in her novella. A good example is when the character of Zheng was in the car letting the breeze to ruffle his hair, Zheng though to himself, ''pag 102, "Would this speech he had just made, like previous ones, vanish without a trace like a snowflake in the dessert?”'' Here she uses the snowflake that happens on winter season, and combines it with the element of the dessert that portraits a hot weather, two different types of times to explain the feelings of the character of Zheng. I enjoyed that.

[[File:Zhang-jie.png|400px|thumb|left|Zhang Jie very young in her twenties Click [http://digital.library.upenn.edu/women/_gallery/zhang-jie.gif here] for original source ]]

== Analysis of the Book Heavy Wings ==

'''Heavy Wings also call Leaden Wings'''
Heavy/Leaden Wings was published in 1980. Zhang Jie tells us what is happening today in Modern China after the Cultural Revolution, and where they stand in progress in their society and the world. One important thing that she writes about is 'marriage' in a country that is full of traditions, marriage can be one thing that is controversial to discuss. In Heavy Wings, the characters, women and men of different economical classes equally show their struggles in marriage, and fears of the society criticism if they would ever were to get divorce. Zhang Jie has been accused before of being immoral or too westernized, also to work against the party. Zhang Jie herself is divorced; in her work she stands for true love versus tradition. But, 'This also could mean that the author is suggesting that women and men can and should take their time experiencing falling in love! Before they go into rehearse marriage'. Also, this novella centers in the modernization of the Chinese industry and how the citizens are all for modern and bringing outside investments, especially interesting since Chinese people has not favored or trust outside companies. Heavy Wings give us as well an interesting inside of the social classes China has. We have the working classes that work in the industry very hard and barely get by, the middle class with the managers in charge that want to make a difference for their people and the ministers that are the ones that are way involve with the party, make the money and can do good or bad.

'''Modernization of China'''
When she talks about the modernization of China industry, she can give an excellent inside of thoughts about the progress in this organization, since she worked in this field for many years in the past. That means that she probably also witnessed the corruption that goes on; the good people that want to modernize and make a difference in their sector for the better, but encounter corruption with the bad people that only wants to hold on tied to communism rules, so they can benefit themselves and not the workers, that work hard and that need to make more money, to at least better their living conditions, ''pag 86 "To boost production in China you have to improve living conditions.”''

'''Divorce in the Chinese society'''
Heavy wings shows how people therefore might not be in love but because it would look bad on them, they have to put up with it, ''pag 34,"He seldom had free Sunday and they slept in different rooms.”''If they would divorce, for the men in their careers, they could lose their social status and be consider unstable losers, and for the women is far worst, if they became divorcees they can be look down as prostitutes, ''pag 107, "He darted a warning glance at Zheng. To him divorcees ranked with prostitutes.”'' One call only imagine how much Zheng Jie suffered when she was little looking at her mother been mistreated since her mother was divorced, and after loosing all position in society and money, Zheng Jie’s mother had to find a job, protect her daughter and put up with a society that did not protect her but made their lives worst. We can definitely tell that this part in Zhang Jie’s life influenced this writer a lot when she learnt this type of discrimination against her mother, against women in her society.

'''Tender moments'''
There are also great moments of tenderness in this story from Chinese men and women, that will give a better understanding of their deep hearts. ''Pag 79, "Everyone present was watching him in silence. The sight gave him fresh strength. Old Lü’s bearded chin beneath his bleary eyes was quivering. Chen put the dumpling into the old fellow’s mouth. ‘I let you down, Old Lü, he said.”''

[[File:ZhangJieHarrison.png|400px|thumb|right|Zhang Jie, at 45 (First time out of China) with writer Harrison Salisbury
In 1982, at the UCLA, US-Chinese writers conference Click [http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--m26XHdk0so/TguRGQWGs5I/AAAAAAAABF8/lzPMfkPY4Yw/s320/ZhangJieHarrison.gif here] for original source ]]
'''The way Chinese people live'''
We see the working Chinese people struggling to meet ends, with low salaries or enough to get by, and small and/or poor housing, if you can call some of these places mentioned in the story housing. Also there is not much money left, but to only go out for a meal, this is the way of entertainment. They really cannot get out of this type of social class. ''Pag 62, "China really gets its intellectuals on the cheap, Zheng though. Then, remembering the technicians in his ministry and the workers in factories, he reflected, he reflected that China got all its common people on the cheap”'', and the youth has no way of diversion or entertainment but to go out and eat. They could not go out to dance or have money to travel. ''Pag 62, "Zheng glanced round. ‘Apart from the two of us, everybody here’s young. Can’t blame. Eating out is their only diversion. What else can they do!”''

'''The careers that Chinese society forces on their people'''
Zhang show us how Chinese people’s education are not well rounded but are tailor to get jobs that will advance them in society. This situation does not make them happy but it is the way that it has been working for a long time, ''Pag 59, "Looking at his eyes Zheng Ziyun felt a stab of envy. In his young days he had wanted to study anthropology, literature or history, but fate had made him an official.”'' Chinese people dream to experience careers their society does not allow them to have, ''pag 85, "Keeping his eyes on the dark road, Chen said slowly, ‘In middle school I was mad on the violin, thought music the highest form of art. And I wanted to get a PHD in physics. But I’ve ended up a factory manager!” He laughed rather bitterly.''

'''Class struggles, history and beliefs do not let Chinese move forward'''
Zhang Jie let us know that the Chinese people mentality has to change or there will be no progress at all. ''Pag 42, "What they were up against now were deeply ingrained beliefs. These beliefs were like net in which all were caught. History was bound to condemn and eliminate them.”''

'''The Past of the Cultural Revolution = Communism will be remember'''
Zhang Jie made it clear that these abuses and crimes, did happened in China, that her thoughts in this book are not exaggerated or made up, but they come from 'real life events' that mark the Chinese people and their lives. - These events are vital to understand them and what they are fighting for -. During the Cultural Revolution with Mao, all that opposed the Communist government or look like they did, were kill, nearly kill to death, brutally bit up, abuse, persecuted. They could also be send to do 'restitution to these rural places' so they can be re-form, ''pag 45, "The Cultural Revolution brought her fearful anxiety and distress: he was nearly beaten to death. When he came back after several months of confinement in a damp room he could hardly walk for arthritis.”''

'''Zhang Jie calls for a change in the government and the society of China'''.
Heavy wings/ Leaden wings, is a very provocative book and it calls for the Chinese people for a change, to leave once and for all 'old habits' that hold them back, and open themselves to progress with the help of outside markets, ''pag 101, "For some years we studied chairman Mao’s works regardless of the political results. We competed to see who could write the most copious notes or parrot the most quotations. The effectiveness of political work should be judge by the new wealth created. We must run our economy according to economic laws and give up our old egalitarian way of all eating from one big pot. That stifles initiative.”''

'''Zhang Jie speaks about her goals as a writer'''
In September of 1982, Zhang Jie spoke at the UCLA, at the US-Chinese writers conference organized by Norman Cousins about her thoughts in Literature.''*Life should become what humans beings wish it to be*''. When she talks about us, as human beings and what we wish for, it is clear to me that in order to become anything, we must have freedom of choice. Zhang Jie also expressed her feelings of responsibility that she feels the writers have to the world,''*Pure literature as our purpose cannot exist, because the writer’s feeling will have an impact on the material world.* Dillard, Pag 64.'' Zhang Jie then wants freedom to become, but with the understanding that as writers, they have a responsibility to impact the people for a better world.

== Powerpoint Slide ==
[[File:FINAL_DE_Zhang_Jie.pptx|thumb]]

== Disclosure ==
It has been a pleasure to have done this class with Mr Woesler. I had worked hard in my wiki and have done my very best to use the resources available to me in a respectful manner. In doing so, it is my hope that this work can help others 'strengthen the appreciation and knowledge of the Republic of China and their wonderful People'. Erica Bazalar-Oaks. www.bazalar.com

== References ==
[1]Zhang Jie, International Literature Festival Berlin 2003, see Website: [http://www.literaturfestival.com/bios1_3_6_292.html]

== Sources ==
1. Book # 1 Encounters With Chinese Writers By Annie Dillard. http://books.google.com/books?id=g6conZpyrHEC&pg=PA65&lpg=PA65&dq=Zhang+Jie+study+economics&source=bl&ots=KF9QpH8WcC&sig=UDPEQRy0Op_SFaGSG0dOaRLu6hA&hl=en&sa=X&ei=WdS9UK26CYfQygHjrIGoBg&ved=0CFMQ6AEwBQ#v=onepage&q=Zhang%20Jie%20study%20economics&f=false

2. Book # 2 Leaden Wings, Zhang Jie. Published by VIRAGO PRESS Limited 1987. ISBN 0-86068-759-7

3. Faces of Chinese Literature:

4. http://www.upf.edu/materials/huma/central/historia/lite/temes/6postm.htm

5. Her novel:
http://www.jstor.org/discover/10.2307/2158675?uid=3739928&uid=2129&uid=2&uid=70&uid=4&uid=3739256&sid=21101404588403

6. Biography: http://www.beijingscene.com/cissue/feature.html

7. http://www.pen-international.org/

8. http://www.marxists.org/history/erol/ncm-7/cwp-cr/part-3.htm

9. http://www.culturebase.net/artist.php?3577

10. http://www.iu.edu/~easc/outreach/educators/literature/workshops/doc/Perry_2005.pdf 11/16/2012

11. http://www.literaturfestival.com/participants/authors/2003/zhang-jie

12. http://contemporary_chinese_culture.academic.ru/952/Zhang_Jie

13. http://www.iu.edu/~easc/outreach/educators/literature/workshops/doc/Perry_2005.pdf

Zhang Jie (born 1937)

2012-12-05T04:57:26Z

Ericaangie: /* Her work */

[[File:Arch002021286b.jpg|400px|thumb|right|Zhang Jie, an artistic photo by Buso. Click [http://www.martabuso.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/5e06319eda06f020e43594a9c230972d/a/r/arch002021286b.jpg here] for original source ]]
== About Zhang Jie ==
A one of a kind and brilliant Chinese Literature writer. She resumed the aspects of socialism and turned it into a novella. In this way she is able to clearly show us what the people in China of all ranks had to suffer and went through during and after those times of communism, what they were left to be entrusted with, to rebuild upon for a new generation in China. Zhang Jie began to write after the access of power began for Deng Xioping (Deputy Minister), the dead of Mao Tseng Tang occurred in 1976 and the fall of the Gang of Four occurred; this gang included Mao’s cruel wife, Jiang Qing, mastermind and political figure that together with Mao authored millions of crimes during the Cultural Revolution.

It was after these events that Zhang Jie began to write. China finally began to experience a relatively more freedom for writers to create, and works of other foreign writers began to make their way into China. China started to get energized catching on the humanistic and artistic works of the world. It was beginning to exit the 10 years confinement of literature and oppression that had suffered during the Cultural Revolution. The extreme ideals of communism lost attention and writers could now use other themes in their stories, other than the working classes or soldiers. Zhang Jie was now 39 years old. She was finally able and experienced to establish her brilliant place in the Chinese Literature.

[[File:Brigitte_lin_book_fair_hk.jpg|400px|thumb|left|Zhang Jie, at a Hong Kong Book fair. They announced her book
'Without Words' will be go to the big screen. Click [http://wiki.vm.rub.de/uvu/images/5/59/Brigitte_lin_book_fair_hk.jpg here] for original source ]]

== Biography ==
'''1937'''
Zhang Jie was born in Beijing in 1937, her mother taught elementary school, she grew up poor even when she was a Manchu Royalty decedent. She had to escape the Japanese army that wanted to kill them. ''"Her mother, Manchurian royalty by birth but reduced to poverty by China's perpetual war and revolt, was a primary school teacher before the Japanese invasion." beijingscene.com.'' A guide that they meet introduced Zhang Jie to western children stories. The stories she read were from The Grimm brothers, Hans Christian Andersen and the fables of Krylov were among her favorites. Although people like to critic her because about this, Zhang Jie said that she is glad to have read these children stories, because they taught her to be consider to other people and not smash others on her way to success ''"I secretly congratulate myself and say that if I have one iota of human feeling, if I do not move up in the world by stepping on other people, do not use others to gain advantage, it is in large part due to the influence of the humanism in classical Western literature.” beijingscene.com''

'''1956'''
She wanted so badly to be a writer but end up studying economics ''"The government, however decided that because of her excellent school record she should study economics” Dillard pag 65.'' Zhang Jie cried about this but went anyways. Zhang Jie was admitted in RENMIN University of China.

'''1960'''
Zhang Jie, graduated and took a job in the Mechanics Engineer Industry that would allowed her a lot of information in this field to later write her Mao Dun Award winning book 'Heavy Wings (Leaden Wings)'. She worked in this industry for eight years.

'''1963'''
She married a colleague and had a daughter called 'Tang Di'

'''1964'''
Mao wanted the writers to experience equality with the rural or less fortunate people, and get rid off any funny ideas of possible superiority they might have ''"In addition to the Socialist Education Movement in the countryside, Mao repeatedly urged the literature and arts circles, as well as the various propaganda arms, to reform their areas.” marxists.org.''

'''1969'''
At the age of 32 Zhang Jie was sent to a farm for four years to be reform to Jiangxi, located southwest if China. Even when they have lost all money and connection of her royal family, because of her royal lineage, she was considered of a privilege class, so according to the teachings of Mao Tseng Tang she needed to be reform and experience the workers life. ''"Because she was the daughter of a right winger, she was forced to participate in re-educational measures at a special school from 1969 to 1972.” culture.base.net.'' During these times, it must have been very hard to be separated of her daughter and mother.

'''1978'''
Zhang Jie published her first children story right after the Culture Revolution called 'Music of the Forests', and won China national award ''"It was at this time that she also began to write. Only after the Cultural Revolution (1966–67) did she publish her first story" 'Die Musik der Wälder' culturebase.net.'' Russian children literature really was her inspiration to begin writing. Also, she was one of the first Modern writers to write about women and love. 'Love must not be forgotten' was her first novel about these issues of love.

'''1979'''
Zhang Jie joined the Chinese Writers Association. Zhang Jie’s work was popular.

'''1980'''
Her acclaim novella 'Heavy Wings' was published and very well received. She had waited for a long time and because of the changes and relatively freedoms that China was experiencing this was the right moment to do it. Zhang Jie joined the Chinese Communist Party.

'''1982'''
She becomes a member of the PEN International. Zhang Jie would travel outside of China for the first time ever to attend a conference in Los Angeles, at UCLA where she would meet American writer and journalist 'Harrison Salisbury'. Dillard, pag 63. Zhang Jie must have been very happy that she can finally write all she wanted.

'''1985'''
She was awarded the Mao Dun Literature Prize for ''Leaden Wings = Heavy Wings''.''"She was awarded the Mao Dun Literature Prize in 1985 for Leaden Wings and in 2005 for Without a Word, making her the first writer to receive the award twice." .[1]

'''2005'''
Zhang Jie was awarded for the second time the Mao Dun Literature Prize for 'Without a Word'.

[[File:Zhang-jie-0719L.jpg|500px|thumb|right|In 1985, Zhang Jie won the Mao Dun Prize Click [http://images2.chinatraveldepot.com/Images/Destination/Zhang-jie-0719L.jpg here] for original source ]]

== Faces of Chinese Literature ==
I think it is helpful and important to distinguish 2 faces in Chinese Literature, and which one Zhang Jie belongs too, this way we can comprehend even better the Chinese Literature evolution and what group accompany the author. Together with Zhang Jie, these authors with their writings, will be the ones in charge to lead China into a new direction.

The first face was in the 1920s.- It started with the fall of the Empire and the disintegration of the Old Traditional Literacy. The beginning of the ‘Chinese Literature Modern Classics was born’, the unforgettable Lu Xun, Lao She, Cao Yu, Mao Deng, Ba Jin and others, ''"At that moment the canonical list of modern classics of Chinese literature came out: Lu Xun, Lao She, Cao Yu, Mao Dun, Ba Jin” www.upf.edu .''

The Second face during the 1980s.- A period of relative relaxation begins that allowed the ‘emerge of new climate of cultural creativity’. The distinction of what it was ‘Revolutionary Literature between – Modern Literature’ was well noticed. "The young writers that had to remain silence had been awakening (good morning Zhang Jie)." In this face: we found Zhang Jie, Wang Meng, Liu Xiabo, Wang Shuo, Hao Shaogong and many more.

== Fun Facts about Zhang Jie ==
[[File:Cute.jpg|250px|thumb|left|Zhang Jie, loves cats and was seeing playing with one at UCLA conference. Click [http://www.thedibb.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=662542] for original source ]]
Zhang Jie loves to giggle and to read books. She has a way of looking at you with sarcasm. Zhang Jie also likes Siamese cats a lot. During the UCLA conference, she got a hold of a cat and would not let go of it. People reported that she was holding on to the cat the wrong way, the cat’s behind was facing people, while the face of the cat was facing Zhang Jie’s back, funny way to hold a kitty, and she did it for a while too, ''"Zhang Jie and innovative and controversial young writer, is carrying my Siamese cat aroung the house. She holds it by the armpit, so it faces the couch.” Dillard, pag 61.''
She also loves to speak softly and her work is regularly under fire, '' Zhang Jie , whose own work is regularly under fire, had to defend the Party line.” Dillard, pag 68.''

== Her work ==
[[File:ZHangJieHenryMiller.png|400px|thumb|right|Zhang Jie and American writer 'Henry Miller'in 1984 Click [http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C507t-K16jQ/TguQwhGSIiI/AAAAAAAABF0/FI09ZHvkDT4/s320/ZHangJieHenryMiller.gif here]
Zhang Jie was raised by her mother, her parents were divorced. Probably at a young age witnessed and experienced the discrimination and abuse to the for original source ]]fact that she had no father. In those times single mothers were very lookdown upon and were also discriminated. These facts had to have inspired Zhang Jie into her writings and allowed her to rule when she talks about what women went through during those times, since she had witnessed it herself. A good example of this in one of her books is 'Love must not be forgotten' where she tells a story about a woman that was having doubts about getting marry and finds the diary of her mother. In this diary she finds out that her mother had a secret love. The events of this novel took place during the Cultural Revolution, similar to the fact that Zhang Jie and her mother were going through this situation during the same time ''According to her mother’s wishes, Shanshan did burn the books, but could not part with the diary. As she reads her mother’s words, one of the many things she discovers is that her mother had had a secret love.” www.iu.edu''

'''Why Zhang Jie calls it "Heavy wings"'''
Zhang Jie is a smart writer, strong and brave representative of the new Modern generation. This generation is like a newborn or a new bird representing the Republic of China. Zhang Jie and writers like her are the ones that are responsible to help others break out of the shell, and show them how to fly high. But can they do it? Or, Are the wings of this nation 'too heavy to take off' and begin to fly completely free? You decide. ''She was awarded the Mao Dun Literature Prize in 1985 for Leaden Wings and in 2005 for Without a Word, making her the first writer to receive the award twice” en.wikipedia.org.''

'''Zhang Jie way of writing'''
''By taking us inside the story, Zhang Jie show us how the people of China lives, how they struggle silently hoping for a change that is too slow in the process of happening, like a pregnant mother that is in contractions now, this mother or nation that has been evolving month by month, decade by decade, and is in growing pains of the changes that are taking place, for a new baby, a new nation that is pushing to come out, and by coming out is creating changes in the way of thinking of China, a China that wants to breath loud, that wants to take off flying freely, and wants to reach the stars without having the government teased her and tide her down like a kite. Erica Bazalar-Oaks.''

In this novella, Zhang Jie is brilliant! She takes us inside the society of China in a very personal way. She describes the personalities so well and body movements, their rooms, houses and buildings where they live, and through her words make us feel as spectators that we can be seating right there on a chair, or on the table near by ear dropping on the conversation the characters are having. Zhang Jie shows as a writer her brilliance and experience, when the story just flows. She goes from one story to another in such a subtle way, that you as the reader are not a bit distracted, but pleasingly surprise making you feel like a light feather traveling gently from one side to another. On her words, she also uses European phrases that are well known and demonstrates her past influences in readings, pag 95 ''Not all high officials rested in their laurels.” Also Zhang Jie demonstrates something I found interesting, her unique and personal style of writing when she mixes in one situation, two elements from different backgrounds. She can convey and interesting way of thinking that she cleanly and successfully displays in her novella. A good example is when the character of Zheng was in the car letting the breeze to ruffle his hair, Zheng though to himself, ''pag 102, "Would this speech he had just made, like previous ones, vanish without a trace like a snowflake in the dessert?”'' Here she uses the snowflake that happens on winter season, and combines it with the element of the dessert that portraits a hot weather, two different types of times to explain the feelings of the character of Zheng. I enjoyed that.

[[File:Zhang-jie.png|400px|thumb|left|Zhang Jie very young in her twenties Click [http://digital.library.upenn.edu/women/_gallery/zhang-jie.gif here] for original source ]]

== Analysis of the Book Heavy Wings ==

'''Heavy Wings also call Leaden Wings'''
Heavy/Leaden Wings was published in 1980. Zhang Jie tells us what is happening today in Modern China after the Cultural Revolution, and where they stand in progress in their society and the world. One important thing that she writes about is 'marriage' in a country that is full of traditions, marriage can be one thing that is controversial to discuss. In Heavy Wings, the characters, women and men of different economical classes equally show their struggles in marriage, and fears of the society criticism if they would ever were to get divorce. Zhang Jie has been accused before of being immoral or too westernized, also to work against the party. Zhang Jie herself is divorced; in her work she stands for true love versus tradition. But, 'This also could mean that the author is suggesting that women and men can and should take their time experiencing falling in love! Before they go into rehearse marriage'. Also, this novella centers in the modernization of the Chinese industry and how the citizens are all for modern and bringing outside investments, especially interesting since Chinese people has not favored or trust outside companies. Heavy Wings give us as well an interesting inside of the social classes China has. We have the working classes that work in the industry very hard and barely get by, the middle class with the managers in charge that want to make a difference for their people and the ministers that are the ones that are way involve with the party, make the money and can do good or bad.

'''Modernization of China'''
When she talks about the modernization of China industry, she can give an excellent inside of thoughts about the progress in this organization, since she worked in this field for many years in the past. That means that she probably also witnessed the corruption that goes on; the good people that want to modernize and make a difference in their sector for the better, but encounter corruption with the bad people that only wants to hold on tied to communism rules, so they can benefit themselves and not the workers, that work hard and that need to make more money, to at least better their living conditions, ''pag 86 "To boost production in China you have to improve living conditions.”''

'''Divorce in the Chinese society'''
Heavy wings shows how people therefore might not be in love but because it would look bad on them, they have to put up with it, ''pag 34,"He seldom had free Sunday and they slept in different rooms.”''If they would divorce, for the men in their careers, they could lose their social status and be consider unstable losers, and for the women is far worst, if they became divorcees they can be look down as prostitutes, ''pag 107, "He darted a warning glance at Zheng. To him divorcees ranked with prostitutes.”'' One call only imagine how much Zheng Jie suffered when she was little looking at her mother been mistreated since her mother was divorced, and after loosing all position in society and money, Zheng Jie’s mother had to find a job, protect her daughter and put up with a society that did not protect her but made their lives worst. We can definitely tell that this part in Zhang Jie’s life influenced this writer a lot when she learnt this type of discrimination against her mother, against women in her society.

'''Tender moments'''
There are also great moments of tenderness in this story from Chinese men and women, that will give a better understanding of their deep hearts. ''Pag 79, "Everyone present was watching him in silence. The sight gave him fresh strength. Old Lü’s bearded chin beneath his bleary eyes was quivering. Chen put the dumpling into the old fellow’s mouth. ‘I let you down, Old Lü, he said.”''

[[File:ZhangJieHarrison.png|400px|thumb|right|Zhang Jie, at 45 (First time out of China) with writer Harrison Salisbury
In 1982, at the UCLA, US-Chinese writers conference Click [http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--m26XHdk0so/TguRGQWGs5I/AAAAAAAABF8/lzPMfkPY4Yw/s320/ZhangJieHarrison.gif here] for original source ]]
'''The way Chinese people live'''
We see the working Chinese people struggling to meet ends, with low salaries or enough to get by, and small and/or poor housing, if you can call some of these places mentioned in the story housing. Also there is not much money left, but to only go out for a meal, this is the way of entertainment. They really cannot get out of this type of social class. ''Pag 62, "China really gets its intellectuals on the cheap, Zheng though. Then, remembering the technicians in his ministry and the workers in factories, he reflected, he reflected that China got all its common people on the cheap”'', and the youth has no way of diversion or entertainment but to go out and eat. They could not go out to dance or have money to travel. ''Pag 62, "Zheng glanced round. ‘Apart from the two of us, everybody here’s young. Can’t blame. Eating out is their only diversion. What else can they do!”''

'''The careers that Chinese society forces on their people'''
Zhang show us how Chinese people’s education are not well rounded but are tailor to get jobs that will advance them in society. This situation does not make them happy but it is the way that it has been working for a long time, ''Pag 59, "Looking at his eyes Zheng Ziyun felt a stab of envy. In his young days he had wanted to study anthropology, literature or history, but fate had made him an official.”'' Chinese people dream to experience careers their society does not allow them to have, ''pag 85, "Keeping his eyes on the dark road, Chen said slowly, ‘In middle school I was mad on the violin, thought music the highest form of art. And I wanted to get a PHD in physics. But I’ve ended up a factory manager!” He laughed rather bitterly.''

'''Class struggles, history and beliefs do not let Chinese move forward'''
Zhang Jie let us know that the Chinese people mentality has to change or there will be no progress at all. ''Pag 42, "What they were up against now were deeply ingrained beliefs. These beliefs were like net in which all were caught. History was bound to condemn and eliminate them.”''

'''The Past of the Cultural Revolution = Communism will be remember'''
Zhang Jie made it clear that these abuses and crimes, did happened in China, that her thoughts in this book are not exaggerated or made up, but they come from 'real life events' that mark the Chinese people and their lives. - These events are vital to understand them and what they are fighting for -. During the Cultural Revolution with Mao, all that opposed the Communist government or look like they did, were kill, nearly kill to death, brutally bit up, abuse, persecuted. They could also be send to do 'restitution to these rural places' so they can be re-form, ''pag 45, "The Cultural Revolution brought her fearful anxiety and distress: he was nearly beaten to death. When he came back after several months of confinement in a damp room he could hardly walk for arthritis.”''

'''Zhang Jie calls for a change in the government and the society of China'''.
Heavy wings/ Leaden wings, is a very provocative book and it calls for the Chinese people for a change, to leave once and for all 'old habits' that hold them back, and open themselves to progress with the help of outside markets, ''pag 101, "For some years we studied chairman Mao’s works regardless of the political results. We competed to see who could write the most copious notes or parrot the most quotations. The effectiveness of political work should be judge by the new wealth created. We must run our economy according to economic laws and give up our old egalitarian way of all eating from one big pot. That stifles initiative.”''

'''Zhang Jie speaks about her goals as a writer'''
In September of 1982, Zhang Jie spoke at the UCLA, at the US-Chinese writers conference organized by Norman Cousins about her thoughts in Literature.''*Life should become what humans beings wish it to be*''. When she talks about us, as human beings and what we wish for, it is clear to me that in order to become anything, we must have freedom of choice. Zhang Jie also expressed her feelings of responsibility that she feels the writers have to the world,''*Pure literature as our purpose cannot exist, because the writer’s feeling will have an impact on the material world.* Dillard, Pag 64.'' Zhang Jie then wants freedom to become, but with the understanding that as writers, they have a responsibility to impact the people for a better world.

== Powerpoint Slide ==
[[File:FINAL_DE_Zhang_Jie.pptx|thumb]]

== Disclosure ==
It has been a pleasure to have done this class with Mr Woesler. I had worked hard in my wiki and have done my very best to use the resources available to me in a respectful manner. In doing so, it is my hope that this work can help others 'strengthen the appreciation and knowledge of the Republic of China and their wonderful People'. Erica Bazalar-Oaks. www.bazalar.com

== References ==
[1]Zhang Jie, International Literature Festival Berlin 2003, see Website: [http://www.literaturfestival.com/bios1_3_6_292.html]

== Sources ==
1. Book # 1 Encounters With Chinese Writers By Annie Dillard. http://books.google.com/books?id=g6conZpyrHEC&pg=PA65&lpg=PA65&dq=Zhang+Jie+study+economics&source=bl&ots=KF9QpH8WcC&sig=UDPEQRy0Op_SFaGSG0dOaRLu6hA&hl=en&sa=X&ei=WdS9UK26CYfQygHjrIGoBg&ved=0CFMQ6AEwBQ#v=onepage&q=Zhang%20Jie%20study%20economics&f=false

2. Book # 2 Leaden Wings, Zhang Jie. Published by VIRAGO PRESS Limited 1987. ISBN 0-86068-759-7

3. Faces of Chinese Literature:

4. http://www.upf.edu/materials/huma/central/historia/lite/temes/6postm.htm

5. Her novel: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zhang_Jie_%28writer%29

6. Biography: http://www.beijingscene.com/cissue/feature.html

7. http://www.pen-international.org/

8. http://www.marxists.org/history/erol/ncm-7/cwp-cr/part-3.htm

9. http://www.culturebase.net/artist.php?3577

10. http://www.iu.edu/~easc/outreach/educators/literature/workshops/doc/Perry_2005.pdf 11/16/2012

11. http://www.literaturfestival.com/participants/authors/2003/zhang-jie

12. http://contemporary_chinese_culture.academic.ru/952/Zhang_Jie

13. http://www.iu.edu/~easc/outreach/educators/literature/workshops/doc/Perry_2005.pdf

Zhang Jie (born 1937)

2012-12-05T04:56:45Z

Ericaangie: /* Faces of Chinese Literature */

[[File:Arch002021286b.jpg|400px|thumb|right|Zhang Jie, an artistic photo by Buso. Click [http://www.martabuso.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/5e06319eda06f020e43594a9c230972d/a/r/arch002021286b.jpg here] for original source ]]
== About Zhang Jie ==
A one of a kind and brilliant Chinese Literature writer. She resumed the aspects of socialism and turned it into a novella. In this way she is able to clearly show us what the people in China of all ranks had to suffer and went through during and after those times of communism, what they were left to be entrusted with, to rebuild upon for a new generation in China. Zhang Jie began to write after the access of power began for Deng Xioping (Deputy Minister), the dead of Mao Tseng Tang occurred in 1976 and the fall of the Gang of Four occurred; this gang included Mao’s cruel wife, Jiang Qing, mastermind and political figure that together with Mao authored millions of crimes during the Cultural Revolution.

It was after these events that Zhang Jie began to write. China finally began to experience a relatively more freedom for writers to create, and works of other foreign writers began to make their way into China. China started to get energized catching on the humanistic and artistic works of the world. It was beginning to exit the 10 years confinement of literature and oppression that had suffered during the Cultural Revolution. The extreme ideals of communism lost attention and writers could now use other themes in their stories, other than the working classes or soldiers. Zhang Jie was now 39 years old. She was finally able and experienced to establish her brilliant place in the Chinese Literature.

[[File:Brigitte_lin_book_fair_hk.jpg|400px|thumb|left|Zhang Jie, at a Hong Kong Book fair. They announced her book
'Without Words' will be go to the big screen. Click [http://wiki.vm.rub.de/uvu/images/5/59/Brigitte_lin_book_fair_hk.jpg here] for original source ]]

== Biography ==
'''1937'''
Zhang Jie was born in Beijing in 1937, her mother taught elementary school, she grew up poor even when she was a Manchu Royalty decedent. She had to escape the Japanese army that wanted to kill them. ''"Her mother, Manchurian royalty by birth but reduced to poverty by China's perpetual war and revolt, was a primary school teacher before the Japanese invasion." beijingscene.com.'' A guide that they meet introduced Zhang Jie to western children stories. The stories she read were from The Grimm brothers, Hans Christian Andersen and the fables of Krylov were among her favorites. Although people like to critic her because about this, Zhang Jie said that she is glad to have read these children stories, because they taught her to be consider to other people and not smash others on her way to success ''"I secretly congratulate myself and say that if I have one iota of human feeling, if I do not move up in the world by stepping on other people, do not use others to gain advantage, it is in large part due to the influence of the humanism in classical Western literature.” beijingscene.com''

'''1956'''
She wanted so badly to be a writer but end up studying economics ''"The government, however decided that because of her excellent school record she should study economics” Dillard pag 65.'' Zhang Jie cried about this but went anyways. Zhang Jie was admitted in RENMIN University of China.

'''1960'''
Zhang Jie, graduated and took a job in the Mechanics Engineer Industry that would allowed her a lot of information in this field to later write her Mao Dun Award winning book 'Heavy Wings (Leaden Wings)'. She worked in this industry for eight years.

'''1963'''
She married a colleague and had a daughter called 'Tang Di'

'''1964'''
Mao wanted the writers to experience equality with the rural or less fortunate people, and get rid off any funny ideas of possible superiority they might have ''"In addition to the Socialist Education Movement in the countryside, Mao repeatedly urged the literature and arts circles, as well as the various propaganda arms, to reform their areas.” marxists.org.''

'''1969'''
At the age of 32 Zhang Jie was sent to a farm for four years to be reform to Jiangxi, located southwest if China. Even when they have lost all money and connection of her royal family, because of her royal lineage, she was considered of a privilege class, so according to the teachings of Mao Tseng Tang she needed to be reform and experience the workers life. ''"Because she was the daughter of a right winger, she was forced to participate in re-educational measures at a special school from 1969 to 1972.” culture.base.net.'' During these times, it must have been very hard to be separated of her daughter and mother.

'''1978'''
Zhang Jie published her first children story right after the Culture Revolution called 'Music of the Forests', and won China national award ''"It was at this time that she also began to write. Only after the Cultural Revolution (1966–67) did she publish her first story" 'Die Musik der Wälder' culturebase.net.'' Russian children literature really was her inspiration to begin writing. Also, she was one of the first Modern writers to write about women and love. 'Love must not be forgotten' was her first novel about these issues of love.

'''1979'''
Zhang Jie joined the Chinese Writers Association. Zhang Jie’s work was popular.

'''1980'''
Her acclaim novella 'Heavy Wings' was published and very well received. She had waited for a long time and because of the changes and relatively freedoms that China was experiencing this was the right moment to do it. Zhang Jie joined the Chinese Communist Party.

'''1982'''
She becomes a member of the PEN International. Zhang Jie would travel outside of China for the first time ever to attend a conference in Los Angeles, at UCLA where she would meet American writer and journalist 'Harrison Salisbury'. Dillard, pag 63. Zhang Jie must have been very happy that she can finally write all she wanted.

'''1985'''
She was awarded the Mao Dun Literature Prize for ''Leaden Wings = Heavy Wings''.''"She was awarded the Mao Dun Literature Prize in 1985 for Leaden Wings and in 2005 for Without a Word, making her the first writer to receive the award twice." .[1]

'''2005'''
Zhang Jie was awarded for the second time the Mao Dun Literature Prize for 'Without a Word'.

[[File:Zhang-jie-0719L.jpg|500px|thumb|right|In 1985, Zhang Jie won the Mao Dun Prize Click [http://images2.chinatraveldepot.com/Images/Destination/Zhang-jie-0719L.jpg here] for original source ]]

== Faces of Chinese Literature ==
I think it is helpful and important to distinguish 2 faces in Chinese Literature, and which one Zhang Jie belongs too, this way we can comprehend even better the Chinese Literature evolution and what group accompany the author. Together with Zhang Jie, these authors with their writings, will be the ones in charge to lead China into a new direction.

The first face was in the 1920s.- It started with the fall of the Empire and the disintegration of the Old Traditional Literacy. The beginning of the ‘Chinese Literature Modern Classics was born’, the unforgettable Lu Xun, Lao She, Cao Yu, Mao Deng, Ba Jin and others, ''"At that moment the canonical list of modern classics of Chinese literature came out: Lu Xun, Lao She, Cao Yu, Mao Dun, Ba Jin” www.upf.edu .''

The Second face during the 1980s.- A period of relative relaxation begins that allowed the ‘emerge of new climate of cultural creativity’. The distinction of what it was ‘Revolutionary Literature between – Modern Literature’ was well noticed. "The young writers that had to remain silence had been awakening (good morning Zhang Jie)." In this face: we found Zhang Jie, Wang Meng, Liu Xiabo, Wang Shuo, Hao Shaogong and many more.

== Fun Facts about Zhang Jie ==
[[File:Cute.jpg|250px|thumb|left|Zhang Jie, loves cats and was seeing playing with one at UCLA conference. Click [http://www.thedibb.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=662542] for original source ]]
Zhang Jie loves to giggle and to read books. She has a way of looking at you with sarcasm. Zhang Jie also likes Siamese cats a lot. During the UCLA conference, she got a hold of a cat and would not let go of it. People reported that she was holding on to the cat the wrong way, the cat’s behind was facing people, while the face of the cat was facing Zhang Jie’s back, funny way to hold a kitty, and she did it for a while too, ''"Zhang Jie and innovative and controversial young writer, is carrying my Siamese cat aroung the house. She holds it by the armpit, so it faces the couch.” Dillard, pag 61.''
She also loves to speak softly and her work is regularly under fire, '' Zhang Jie , whose own work is regularly under fire, had to defend the Party line.” Dillard, pag 68.''

== Her work ==
Zhang Jie was raised by her mother, her parents were divorced. Probably at a young age witnessed and experienced the discrimination and abuse to the [[File:ZHangJieHenryMiller.png|400px|thumb|right|Zhang Jie and American writer 'Henry Miller'in 1984 Click [http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C507t-K16jQ/TguQwhGSIiI/AAAAAAAABF0/FI09ZHvkDT4/s320/ZHangJieHenryMiller.gif here] for original source ]]fact that she had no father. In those times single mothers were very lookdown upon and were also discriminated. These facts had to have inspired Zhang Jie into her writings and allowed her to rule when she talks about what women went through during those times, since she had witnessed it herself. A good example of this in one of her books is 'Love must not be forgotten' where she tells a story about a woman that was having doubts about getting marry and finds the diary of her mother. In this diary she finds out that her mother had a secret love. The events of this novel took place during the Cultural Revolution, similar to the fact that Zhang Jie and her mother were going through this situation during the same time ''According to her mother’s wishes, Shanshan did burn the books, but could not part with the diary. As she reads her mother’s words, one of the many things she discovers is that her mother had had a secret love.” www.iu.edu''

'''Why Zhang Jie calls it "Heavy wings"'''
Zhang Jie is a smart writer, strong and brave representative of the new Modern generation. This generation is like a newborn or a new bird representing the Republic of China. Zhang Jie and writers like her are the ones that are responsible to help others break out of the shell, and show them how to fly high. But can they do it? Or, Are the wings of this nation 'too heavy to take off' and begin to fly completely free? You decide. ''She was awarded the Mao Dun Literature Prize in 1985 for Leaden Wings and in 2005 for Without a Word, making her the first writer to receive the award twice” en.wikipedia.org.''

'''Zhang Jie way of writing'''
''By taking us inside the story, Zhang Jie show us how the people of China lives, how they struggle silently hoping for a change that is too slow in the process of happening, like a pregnant mother that is in contractions now, this mother or nation that has been evolving month by month, decade by decade, and is in growing pains of the changes that are taking place, for a new baby, a new nation that is pushing to come out, and by coming out is creating changes in the way of thinking of China, a China that wants to breath loud, that wants to take off flying freely, and wants to reach the stars without having the government teased her and tide her down like a kite. Erica Bazalar-Oaks.''

In this novella, Zhang Jie is brilliant! She takes us inside the society of China in a very personal way. She describes the personalities so well and body movements, their rooms, houses and buildings where they live, and through her words make us feel as spectators that we can be seating right there on a chair, or on the table near by ear dropping on the conversation the characters are having. Zhang Jie shows as a writer her brilliance and experience, when the story just flows. She goes from one story to another in such a subtle way, that you as the reader are not a bit distracted, but pleasingly surprise making you feel like a light feather traveling gently from one side to another. On her words, she also uses European phrases that are well known and demonstrates her past influences in readings, pag 95 ''Not all high officials rested in their laurels.” Also Zhang Jie demonstrates something I found interesting, her unique and personal style of writing when she mixes in one situation, two elements from different backgrounds. She can convey and interesting way of thinking that she cleanly and successfully displays in her novella. A good example is when the character of Zheng was in the car letting the breeze to ruffle his hair, Zheng though to himself, ''pag 102, "Would this speech he had just made, like previous ones, vanish without a trace like a snowflake in the dessert?”'' Here she uses the snowflake that happens on winter season, and combines it with the element of the dessert that portraits a hot weather, two different types of times to explain the feelings of the character of Zheng. I enjoyed that.

[[File:Zhang-jie.png|400px|thumb|left|Zhang Jie very young in her twenties Click [http://digital.library.upenn.edu/women/_gallery/zhang-jie.gif here] for original source ]]

== Analysis of the Book Heavy Wings ==

'''Heavy Wings also call Leaden Wings'''
Heavy/Leaden Wings was published in 1980. Zhang Jie tells us what is happening today in Modern China after the Cultural Revolution, and where they stand in progress in their society and the world. One important thing that she writes about is 'marriage' in a country that is full of traditions, marriage can be one thing that is controversial to discuss. In Heavy Wings, the characters, women and men of different economical classes equally show their struggles in marriage, and fears of the society criticism if they would ever were to get divorce. Zhang Jie has been accused before of being immoral or too westernized, also to work against the party. Zhang Jie herself is divorced; in her work she stands for true love versus tradition. But, 'This also could mean that the author is suggesting that women and men can and should take their time experiencing falling in love! Before they go into rehearse marriage'. Also, this novella centers in the modernization of the Chinese industry and how the citizens are all for modern and bringing outside investments, especially interesting since Chinese people has not favored or trust outside companies. Heavy Wings give us as well an interesting inside of the social classes China has. We have the working classes that work in the industry very hard and barely get by, the middle class with the managers in charge that want to make a difference for their people and the ministers that are the ones that are way involve with the party, make the money and can do good or bad.

'''Modernization of China'''
When she talks about the modernization of China industry, she can give an excellent inside of thoughts about the progress in this organization, since she worked in this field for many years in the past. That means that she probably also witnessed the corruption that goes on; the good people that want to modernize and make a difference in their sector for the better, but encounter corruption with the bad people that only wants to hold on tied to communism rules, so they can benefit themselves and not the workers, that work hard and that need to make more money, to at least better their living conditions, ''pag 86 "To boost production in China you have to improve living conditions.”''

'''Divorce in the Chinese society'''
Heavy wings shows how people therefore might not be in love but because it would look bad on them, they have to put up with it, ''pag 34,"He seldom had free Sunday and they slept in different rooms.”''If they would divorce, for the men in their careers, they could lose their social status and be consider unstable losers, and for the women is far worst, if they became divorcees they can be look down as prostitutes, ''pag 107, "He darted a warning glance at Zheng. To him divorcees ranked with prostitutes.”'' One call only imagine how much Zheng Jie suffered when she was little looking at her mother been mistreated since her mother was divorced, and after loosing all position in society and money, Zheng Jie’s mother had to find a job, protect her daughter and put up with a society that did not protect her but made their lives worst. We can definitely tell that this part in Zhang Jie’s life influenced this writer a lot when she learnt this type of discrimination against her mother, against women in her society.

'''Tender moments'''
There are also great moments of tenderness in this story from Chinese men and women, that will give a better understanding of their deep hearts. ''Pag 79, "Everyone present was watching him in silence. The sight gave him fresh strength. Old Lü’s bearded chin beneath his bleary eyes was quivering. Chen put the dumpling into the old fellow’s mouth. ‘I let you down, Old Lü, he said.”''

[[File:ZhangJieHarrison.png|400px|thumb|right|Zhang Jie, at 45 (First time out of China) with writer Harrison Salisbury
In 1982, at the UCLA, US-Chinese writers conference Click [http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--m26XHdk0so/TguRGQWGs5I/AAAAAAAABF8/lzPMfkPY4Yw/s320/ZhangJieHarrison.gif here] for original source ]]
'''The way Chinese people live'''
We see the working Chinese people struggling to meet ends, with low salaries or enough to get by, and small and/or poor housing, if you can call some of these places mentioned in the story housing. Also there is not much money left, but to only go out for a meal, this is the way of entertainment. They really cannot get out of this type of social class. ''Pag 62, "China really gets its intellectuals on the cheap, Zheng though. Then, remembering the technicians in his ministry and the workers in factories, he reflected, he reflected that China got all its common people on the cheap”'', and the youth has no way of diversion or entertainment but to go out and eat. They could not go out to dance or have money to travel. ''Pag 62, "Zheng glanced round. ‘Apart from the two of us, everybody here’s young. Can’t blame. Eating out is their only diversion. What else can they do!”''

'''The careers that Chinese society forces on their people'''
Zhang show us how Chinese people’s education are not well rounded but are tailor to get jobs that will advance them in society. This situation does not make them happy but it is the way that it has been working for a long time, ''Pag 59, "Looking at his eyes Zheng Ziyun felt a stab of envy. In his young days he had wanted to study anthropology, literature or history, but fate had made him an official.”'' Chinese people dream to experience careers their society does not allow them to have, ''pag 85, "Keeping his eyes on the dark road, Chen said slowly, ‘In middle school I was mad on the violin, thought music the highest form of art. And I wanted to get a PHD in physics. But I’ve ended up a factory manager!” He laughed rather bitterly.''

'''Class struggles, history and beliefs do not let Chinese move forward'''
Zhang Jie let us know that the Chinese people mentality has to change or there will be no progress at all. ''Pag 42, "What they were up against now were deeply ingrained beliefs. These beliefs were like net in which all were caught. History was bound to condemn and eliminate them.”''

'''The Past of the Cultural Revolution = Communism will be remember'''
Zhang Jie made it clear that these abuses and crimes, did happened in China, that her thoughts in this book are not exaggerated or made up, but they come from 'real life events' that mark the Chinese people and their lives. - These events are vital to understand them and what they are fighting for -. During the Cultural Revolution with Mao, all that opposed the Communist government or look like they did, were kill, nearly kill to death, brutally bit up, abuse, persecuted. They could also be send to do 'restitution to these rural places' so they can be re-form, ''pag 45, "The Cultural Revolution brought her fearful anxiety and distress: he was nearly beaten to death. When he came back after several months of confinement in a damp room he could hardly walk for arthritis.”''

'''Zhang Jie calls for a change in the government and the society of China'''.
Heavy wings/ Leaden wings, is a very provocative book and it calls for the Chinese people for a change, to leave once and for all 'old habits' that hold them back, and open themselves to progress with the help of outside markets, ''pag 101, "For some years we studied chairman Mao’s works regardless of the political results. We competed to see who could write the most copious notes or parrot the most quotations. The effectiveness of political work should be judge by the new wealth created. We must run our economy according to economic laws and give up our old egalitarian way of all eating from one big pot. That stifles initiative.”''

'''Zhang Jie speaks about her goals as a writer'''
In September of 1982, Zhang Jie spoke at the UCLA, at the US-Chinese writers conference organized by Norman Cousins about her thoughts in Literature.''*Life should become what humans beings wish it to be*''. When she talks about us, as human beings and what we wish for, it is clear to me that in order to become anything, we must have freedom of choice. Zhang Jie also expressed her feelings of responsibility that she feels the writers have to the world,''*Pure literature as our purpose cannot exist, because the writer’s feeling will have an impact on the material world.* Dillard, Pag 64.'' Zhang Jie then wants freedom to become, but with the understanding that as writers, they have a responsibility to impact the people for a better world.

== Powerpoint Slide ==
[[File:FINAL_DE_Zhang_Jie.pptx|thumb]]

== Disclosure ==
It has been a pleasure to have done this class with Mr Woesler. I had worked hard in my wiki and have done my very best to use the resources available to me in a respectful manner. In doing so, it is my hope that this work can help others 'strengthen the appreciation and knowledge of the Republic of China and their wonderful People'. Erica Bazalar-Oaks. www.bazalar.com

== References ==
[1]Zhang Jie, International Literature Festival Berlin 2003, see Website: [http://www.literaturfestival.com/bios1_3_6_292.html]

== Sources ==
1. Book # 1 Encounters With Chinese Writers By Annie Dillard. http://books.google.com/books?id=g6conZpyrHEC&pg=PA65&lpg=PA65&dq=Zhang+Jie+study+economics&source=bl&ots=KF9QpH8WcC&sig=UDPEQRy0Op_SFaGSG0dOaRLu6hA&hl=en&sa=X&ei=WdS9UK26CYfQygHjrIGoBg&ved=0CFMQ6AEwBQ#v=onepage&q=Zhang%20Jie%20study%20economics&f=false

2. Book # 2 Leaden Wings, Zhang Jie. Published by VIRAGO PRESS Limited 1987. ISBN 0-86068-759-7

3. Faces of Chinese Literature:

4. http://www.upf.edu/materials/huma/central/historia/lite/temes/6postm.htm

5. Her novel: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zhang_Jie_%28writer%29

6. Biography: http://www.beijingscene.com/cissue/feature.html

7. http://www.pen-international.org/

8. http://www.marxists.org/history/erol/ncm-7/cwp-cr/part-3.htm

9. http://www.culturebase.net/artist.php?3577

10. http://www.iu.edu/~easc/outreach/educators/literature/workshops/doc/Perry_2005.pdf 11/16/2012

11. http://www.literaturfestival.com/participants/authors/2003/zhang-jie

12. http://contemporary_chinese_culture.academic.ru/952/Zhang_Jie

13. http://www.iu.edu/~easc/outreach/educators/literature/workshops/doc/Perry_2005.pdf

Zhang Jie (born 1937)

2012-12-05T04:53:31Z

Ericaangie: /* Faces of Chinese Literature */

[[File:Arch002021286b.jpg|400px|thumb|right|Zhang Jie, an artistic photo by Buso. Click [http://www.martabuso.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/5e06319eda06f020e43594a9c230972d/a/r/arch002021286b.jpg here] for original source ]]
== About Zhang Jie ==
A one of a kind and brilliant Chinese Literature writer. She resumed the aspects of socialism and turned it into a novella. In this way she is able to clearly show us what the people in China of all ranks had to suffer and went through during and after those times of communism, what they were left to be entrusted with, to rebuild upon for a new generation in China. Zhang Jie began to write after the access of power began for Deng Xioping (Deputy Minister), the dead of Mao Tseng Tang occurred in 1976 and the fall of the Gang of Four occurred; this gang included Mao’s cruel wife, Jiang Qing, mastermind and political figure that together with Mao authored millions of crimes during the Cultural Revolution.

It was after these events that Zhang Jie began to write. China finally began to experience a relatively more freedom for writers to create, and works of other foreign writers began to make their way into China. China started to get energized catching on the humanistic and artistic works of the world. It was beginning to exit the 10 years confinement of literature and oppression that had suffered during the Cultural Revolution. The extreme ideals of communism lost attention and writers could now use other themes in their stories, other than the working classes or soldiers. Zhang Jie was now 39 years old. She was finally able and experienced to establish her brilliant place in the Chinese Literature.

[[File:Brigitte_lin_book_fair_hk.jpg|400px|thumb|left|Zhang Jie, at a Hong Kong Book fair. They announced her book
'Without Words' will be go to the big screen. Click [http://wiki.vm.rub.de/uvu/images/5/59/Brigitte_lin_book_fair_hk.jpg here] for original source ]]

== Biography ==
'''1937'''
Zhang Jie was born in Beijing in 1937, her mother taught elementary school, she grew up poor even when she was a Manchu Royalty decedent. She had to escape the Japanese army that wanted to kill them. ''"Her mother, Manchurian royalty by birth but reduced to poverty by China's perpetual war and revolt, was a primary school teacher before the Japanese invasion." beijingscene.com.'' A guide that they meet introduced Zhang Jie to western children stories. The stories she read were from The Grimm brothers, Hans Christian Andersen and the fables of Krylov were among her favorites. Although people like to critic her because about this, Zhang Jie said that she is glad to have read these children stories, because they taught her to be consider to other people and not smash others on her way to success ''"I secretly congratulate myself and say that if I have one iota of human feeling, if I do not move up in the world by stepping on other people, do not use others to gain advantage, it is in large part due to the influence of the humanism in classical Western literature.” beijingscene.com''

'''1956'''
She wanted so badly to be a writer but end up studying economics ''"The government, however decided that because of her excellent school record she should study economics” Dillard pag 65.'' Zhang Jie cried about this but went anyways. Zhang Jie was admitted in RENMIN University of China.

'''1960'''
Zhang Jie, graduated and took a job in the Mechanics Engineer Industry that would allowed her a lot of information in this field to later write her Mao Dun Award winning book 'Heavy Wings (Leaden Wings)'. She worked in this industry for eight years.

'''1963'''
She married a colleague and had a daughter called 'Tang Di'

'''1964'''
Mao wanted the writers to experience equality with the rural or less fortunate people, and get rid off any funny ideas of possible superiority they might have ''"In addition to the Socialist Education Movement in the countryside, Mao repeatedly urged the literature and arts circles, as well as the various propaganda arms, to reform their areas.” marxists.org.''

'''1969'''
At the age of 32 Zhang Jie was sent to a farm for four years to be reform to Jiangxi, located southwest if China. Even when they have lost all money and connection of her royal family, because of her royal lineage, she was considered of a privilege class, so according to the teachings of Mao Tseng Tang she needed to be reform and experience the workers life. ''"Because she was the daughter of a right winger, she was forced to participate in re-educational measures at a special school from 1969 to 1972.” culture.base.net.'' During these times, it must have been very hard to be separated of her daughter and mother.

'''1978'''
Zhang Jie published her first children story right after the Culture Revolution called 'Music of the Forests', and won China national award ''"It was at this time that she also began to write. Only after the Cultural Revolution (1966–67) did she publish her first story" 'Die Musik der Wälder' culturebase.net.'' Russian children literature really was her inspiration to begin writing. Also, she was one of the first Modern writers to write about women and love. 'Love must not be forgotten' was her first novel about these issues of love.

'''1979'''
Zhang Jie joined the Chinese Writers Association. Zhang Jie’s work was popular.

'''1980'''
Her acclaim novella 'Heavy Wings' was published and very well received. She had waited for a long time and because of the changes and relatively freedoms that China was experiencing this was the right moment to do it. Zhang Jie joined the Chinese Communist Party.

'''1982'''
She becomes a member of the PEN International. Zhang Jie would travel outside of China for the first time ever to attend a conference in Los Angeles, at UCLA where she would meet American writer and journalist 'Harrison Salisbury'. Dillard, pag 63. Zhang Jie must have been very happy that she can finally write all she wanted.

'''1985'''
She was awarded the Mao Dun Literature Prize for ''Leaden Wings = Heavy Wings''.''"She was awarded the Mao Dun Literature Prize in 1985 for Leaden Wings and in 2005 for Without a Word, making her the first writer to receive the award twice." .[1]

'''2005'''
Zhang Jie was awarded for the second time the Mao Dun Literature Prize for 'Without a Word'.

[[File:Zhang-jie-0719L.jpg|500px|thumb|right|In 1985, Zhang Jie won the Mao Dun Prize Click [http://images2.chinatraveldepot.com/Images/Destination/Zhang-jie-0719L.jpg here] for original source ]]

== Faces of Chinese Literature ==
I think it is helpful and important to distinguish 2 faces in Chinese Literature, and which one Zhang Jie belongs too, this way we can comprehend even better the Chinese Literature evolution and what group accompany the author. Together with Zhang Jie, these authors will be the ones in charge to lead China into a new direction.

The first face was in the 1920s.- It started with the fall of the Empire and the disintegration of the Old Traditional Literacy. The beginning of the ‘Chinese Literature Modern Classics was born’, Lu Xun, Lao She, Cao Yu, Mao Deng, Ba Jin and others, ''"At that moment the canonical list of modern classics of Chinese literature came out: Lu Xun, Lao She, Cao Yu, Mao Dun, Ba Jin” www.upf.edu .''
The Second face during the 1980s.- A period of relative relaxation begins that allowed the ‘emerge of new climate of cultural creativity’. The distinction of what it was ‘Revolutionary Literature between – Modern Literature’ was well noticed. "The young writers that had to remain silence had been awakening (good morning Zhang Jie)." In this face: we found Zhang Jie, Wang Meng, Liu Xiabo, Wang Shuo, Hao Shaogong and many more.

== Fun Facts about Zhang Jie ==
[[File:Cute.jpg|250px|thumb|left|Zhang Jie, loves cats and was seeing playing with one at UCLA conference. Click [http://www.thedibb.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=662542] for original source ]]
Zhang Jie loves to giggle and to read books. She has a way of looking at you with sarcasm. Zhang Jie also likes Siamese cats a lot. During the UCLA conference, she got a hold of a cat and would not let go of it. People reported that she was holding on to the cat the wrong way, the cat’s behind was facing people, while the face of the cat was facing Zhang Jie’s back, funny way to hold a kitty, and she did it for a while too, ''"Zhang Jie and innovative and controversial young writer, is carrying my Siamese cat aroung the house. She holds it by the armpit, so it faces the couch.” Dillard, pag 61.''
She also loves to speak softly and her work is regularly under fire, '' Zhang Jie , whose own work is regularly under fire, had to defend the Party line.” Dillard, pag 68.''

== Her work ==
Zhang Jie was raised by her mother, her parents were divorced. Probably at a young age witnessed and experienced the discrimination and abuse to the [[File:ZHangJieHenryMiller.png|400px|thumb|right|Zhang Jie and American writer 'Henry Miller'in 1984 Click [http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C507t-K16jQ/TguQwhGSIiI/AAAAAAAABF0/FI09ZHvkDT4/s320/ZHangJieHenryMiller.gif here] for original source ]]fact that she had no father. In those times single mothers were very lookdown upon and were also discriminated. These facts had to have inspired Zhang Jie into her writings and allowed her to rule when she talks about what women went through during those times, since she had witnessed it herself. A good example of this in one of her books is 'Love must not be forgotten' where she tells a story about a woman that was having doubts about getting marry and finds the diary of her mother. In this diary she finds out that her mother had a secret love. The events of this novel took place during the Cultural Revolution, similar to the fact that Zhang Jie and her mother were going through this situation during the same time ''According to her mother’s wishes, Shanshan did burn the books, but could not part with the diary. As she reads her mother’s words, one of the many things she discovers is that her mother had had a secret love.” www.iu.edu''

'''Why Zhang Jie calls it "Heavy wings"'''
Zhang Jie is a smart writer, strong and brave representative of the new Modern generation. This generation is like a newborn or a new bird representing the Republic of China. Zhang Jie and writers like her are the ones that are responsible to help others break out of the shell, and show them how to fly high. But can they do it? Or, Are the wings of this nation 'too heavy to take off' and begin to fly completely free? You decide. ''She was awarded the Mao Dun Literature Prize in 1985 for Leaden Wings and in 2005 for Without a Word, making her the first writer to receive the award twice” en.wikipedia.org.''

'''Zhang Jie way of writing'''
''By taking us inside the story, Zhang Jie show us how the people of China lives, how they struggle silently hoping for a change that is too slow in the process of happening, like a pregnant mother that is in contractions now, this mother or nation that has been evolving month by month, decade by decade, and is in growing pains of the changes that are taking place, for a new baby, a new nation that is pushing to come out, and by coming out is creating changes in the way of thinking of China, a China that wants to breath loud, that wants to take off flying freely, and wants to reach the stars without having the government teased her and tide her down like a kite. Erica Bazalar-Oaks.''

In this novella, Zhang Jie is brilliant! She takes us inside the society of China in a very personal way. She describes the personalities so well and body movements, their rooms, houses and buildings where they live, and through her words make us feel as spectators that we can be seating right there on a chair, or on the table near by ear dropping on the conversation the characters are having. Zhang Jie shows as a writer her brilliance and experience, when the story just flows. She goes from one story to another in such a subtle way, that you as the reader are not a bit distracted, but pleasingly surprise making you feel like a light feather traveling gently from one side to another. On her words, she also uses European phrases that are well known and demonstrates her past influences in readings, pag 95 ''Not all high officials rested in their laurels.” Also Zhang Jie demonstrates something I found interesting, her unique and personal style of writing when she mixes in one situation, two elements from different backgrounds. She can convey and interesting way of thinking that she cleanly and successfully displays in her novella. A good example is when the character of Zheng was in the car letting the breeze to ruffle his hair, Zheng though to himself, ''pag 102, "Would this speech he had just made, like previous ones, vanish without a trace like a snowflake in the dessert?”'' Here she uses the snowflake that happens on winter season, and combines it with the element of the dessert that portraits a hot weather, two different types of times to explain the feelings of the character of Zheng. I enjoyed that.

[[File:Zhang-jie.png|400px|thumb|left|Zhang Jie very young in her twenties Click [http://digital.library.upenn.edu/women/_gallery/zhang-jie.gif here] for original source ]]

== Analysis of the Book Heavy Wings ==

'''Heavy Wings also call Leaden Wings'''
Heavy/Leaden Wings was published in 1980. Zhang Jie tells us what is happening today in Modern China after the Cultural Revolution, and where they stand in progress in their society and the world. One important thing that she writes about is 'marriage' in a country that is full of traditions, marriage can be one thing that is controversial to discuss. In Heavy Wings, the characters, women and men of different economical classes equally show their struggles in marriage, and fears of the society criticism if they would ever were to get divorce. Zhang Jie has been accused before of being immoral or too westernized, also to work against the party. Zhang Jie herself is divorced; in her work she stands for true love versus tradition. But, 'This also could mean that the author is suggesting that women and men can and should take their time experiencing falling in love! Before they go into rehearse marriage'. Also, this novella centers in the modernization of the Chinese industry and how the citizens are all for modern and bringing outside investments, especially interesting since Chinese people has not favored or trust outside companies. Heavy Wings give us as well an interesting inside of the social classes China has. We have the working classes that work in the industry very hard and barely get by, the middle class with the managers in charge that want to make a difference for their people and the ministers that are the ones that are way involve with the party, make the money and can do good or bad.

'''Modernization of China'''
When she talks about the modernization of China industry, she can give an excellent inside of thoughts about the progress in this organization, since she worked in this field for many years in the past. That means that she probably also witnessed the corruption that goes on; the good people that want to modernize and make a difference in their sector for the better, but encounter corruption with the bad people that only wants to hold on tied to communism rules, so they can benefit themselves and not the workers, that work hard and that need to make more money, to at least better their living conditions, ''pag 86 "To boost production in China you have to improve living conditions.”''

'''Divorce in the Chinese society'''
Heavy wings shows how people therefore might not be in love but because it would look bad on them, they have to put up with it, ''pag 34,"He seldom had free Sunday and they slept in different rooms.”''If they would divorce, for the men in their careers, they could lose their social status and be consider unstable losers, and for the women is far worst, if they became divorcees they can be look down as prostitutes, ''pag 107, "He darted a warning glance at Zheng. To him divorcees ranked with prostitutes.”'' One call only imagine how much Zheng Jie suffered when she was little looking at her mother been mistreated since her mother was divorced, and after loosing all position in society and money, Zheng Jie’s mother had to find a job, protect her daughter and put up with a society that did not protect her but made their lives worst. We can definitely tell that this part in Zhang Jie’s life influenced this writer a lot when she learnt this type of discrimination against her mother, against women in her society.

'''Tender moments'''
There are also great moments of tenderness in this story from Chinese men and women, that will give a better understanding of their deep hearts. ''Pag 79, "Everyone present was watching him in silence. The sight gave him fresh strength. Old Lü’s bearded chin beneath his bleary eyes was quivering. Chen put the dumpling into the old fellow’s mouth. ‘I let you down, Old Lü, he said.”''

[[File:ZhangJieHarrison.png|400px|thumb|right|Zhang Jie, at 45 (First time out of China) with writer Harrison Salisbury
In 1982, at the UCLA, US-Chinese writers conference Click [http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--m26XHdk0so/TguRGQWGs5I/AAAAAAAABF8/lzPMfkPY4Yw/s320/ZhangJieHarrison.gif here] for original source ]]
'''The way Chinese people live'''
We see the working Chinese people struggling to meet ends, with low salaries or enough to get by, and small and/or poor housing, if you can call some of these places mentioned in the story housing. Also there is not much money left, but to only go out for a meal, this is the way of entertainment. They really cannot get out of this type of social class. ''Pag 62, "China really gets its intellectuals on the cheap, Zheng though. Then, remembering the technicians in his ministry and the workers in factories, he reflected, he reflected that China got all its common people on the cheap”'', and the youth has no way of diversion or entertainment but to go out and eat. They could not go out to dance or have money to travel. ''Pag 62, "Zheng glanced round. ‘Apart from the two of us, everybody here’s young. Can’t blame. Eating out is their only diversion. What else can they do!”''

'''The careers that Chinese society forces on their people'''
Zhang show us how Chinese people’s education are not well rounded but are tailor to get jobs that will advance them in society. This situation does not make them happy but it is the way that it has been working for a long time, ''Pag 59, "Looking at his eyes Zheng Ziyun felt a stab of envy. In his young days he had wanted to study anthropology, literature or history, but fate had made him an official.”'' Chinese people dream to experience careers their society does not allow them to have, ''pag 85, "Keeping his eyes on the dark road, Chen said slowly, ‘In middle school I was mad on the violin, thought music the highest form of art. And I wanted to get a PHD in physics. But I’ve ended up a factory manager!” He laughed rather bitterly.''

'''Class struggles, history and beliefs do not let Chinese move forward'''
Zhang Jie let us know that the Chinese people mentality has to change or there will be no progress at all. ''Pag 42, "What they were up against now were deeply ingrained beliefs. These beliefs were like net in which all were caught. History was bound to condemn and eliminate them.”''

'''The Past of the Cultural Revolution = Communism will be remember'''
Zhang Jie made it clear that these abuses and crimes, did happened in China, that her thoughts in this book are not exaggerated or made up, but they come from 'real life events' that mark the Chinese people and their lives. - These events are vital to understand them and what they are fighting for -. During the Cultural Revolution with Mao, all that opposed the Communist government or look like they did, were kill, nearly kill to death, brutally bit up, abuse, persecuted. They could also be send to do 'restitution to these rural places' so they can be re-form, ''pag 45, "The Cultural Revolution brought her fearful anxiety and distress: he was nearly beaten to death. When he came back after several months of confinement in a damp room he could hardly walk for arthritis.”''

'''Zhang Jie calls for a change in the government and the society of China'''.
Heavy wings/ Leaden wings, is a very provocative book and it calls for the Chinese people for a change, to leave once and for all 'old habits' that hold them back, and open themselves to progress with the help of outside markets, ''pag 101, "For some years we studied chairman Mao’s works regardless of the political results. We competed to see who could write the most copious notes or parrot the most quotations. The effectiveness of political work should be judge by the new wealth created. We must run our economy according to economic laws and give up our old egalitarian way of all eating from one big pot. That stifles initiative.”''

'''Zhang Jie speaks about her goals as a writer'''
In September of 1982, Zhang Jie spoke at the UCLA, at the US-Chinese writers conference organized by Norman Cousins about her thoughts in Literature.''*Life should become what humans beings wish it to be*''. When she talks about us, as human beings and what we wish for, it is clear to me that in order to become anything, we must have freedom of choice. Zhang Jie also expressed her feelings of responsibility that she feels the writers have to the world,''*Pure literature as our purpose cannot exist, because the writer’s feeling will have an impact on the material world.* Dillard, Pag 64.'' Zhang Jie then wants freedom to become, but with the understanding that as writers, they have a responsibility to impact the people for a better world.

== Powerpoint Slide ==
[[File:FINAL_DE_Zhang_Jie.pptx|thumb]]

== Disclosure ==
It has been a pleasure to have done this class with Mr Woesler. I had worked hard in my wiki and have done my very best to use the resources available to me in a respectful manner. In doing so, it is my hope that this work can help others 'strengthen the appreciation and knowledge of the Republic of China and their wonderful People'. Erica Bazalar-Oaks. www.bazalar.com

== References ==
[1]Zhang Jie, International Literature Festival Berlin 2003, see Website: [http://www.literaturfestival.com/bios1_3_6_292.html]

== Sources ==
1. Book # 1 Encounters With Chinese Writers By Annie Dillard. http://books.google.com/books?id=g6conZpyrHEC&pg=PA65&lpg=PA65&dq=Zhang+Jie+study+economics&source=bl&ots=KF9QpH8WcC&sig=UDPEQRy0Op_SFaGSG0dOaRLu6hA&hl=en&sa=X&ei=WdS9UK26CYfQygHjrIGoBg&ved=0CFMQ6AEwBQ#v=onepage&q=Zhang%20Jie%20study%20economics&f=false

2. Book # 2 Leaden Wings, Zhang Jie. Published by VIRAGO PRESS Limited 1987. ISBN 0-86068-759-7

3. Faces of Chinese Literature:

4. http://www.upf.edu/materials/huma/central/historia/lite/temes/6postm.htm

5. Her novel: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zhang_Jie_%28writer%29

6. Biography: http://www.beijingscene.com/cissue/feature.html

7. http://www.pen-international.org/

8. http://www.marxists.org/history/erol/ncm-7/cwp-cr/part-3.htm

9. http://www.culturebase.net/artist.php?3577

10. http://www.iu.edu/~easc/outreach/educators/literature/workshops/doc/Perry_2005.pdf 11/16/2012

11. http://www.literaturfestival.com/participants/authors/2003/zhang-jie

12. http://contemporary_chinese_culture.academic.ru/952/Zhang_Jie

13. http://www.iu.edu/~easc/outreach/educators/literature/workshops/doc/Perry_2005.pdf

Zhang Jie (born 1937)

2012-12-05T04:53:11Z

Ericaangie: /* Faces of Chinese Literature */

[[File:Arch002021286b.jpg|400px|thumb|right|Zhang Jie, an artistic photo by Buso. Click [http://www.martabuso.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/5e06319eda06f020e43594a9c230972d/a/r/arch002021286b.jpg here] for original source ]]
== About Zhang Jie ==
A one of a kind and brilliant Chinese Literature writer. She resumed the aspects of socialism and turned it into a novella. In this way she is able to clearly show us what the people in China of all ranks had to suffer and went through during and after those times of communism, what they were left to be entrusted with, to rebuild upon for a new generation in China. Zhang Jie began to write after the access of power began for Deng Xioping (Deputy Minister), the dead of Mao Tseng Tang occurred in 1976 and the fall of the Gang of Four occurred; this gang included Mao’s cruel wife, Jiang Qing, mastermind and political figure that together with Mao authored millions of crimes during the Cultural Revolution.

It was after these events that Zhang Jie began to write. China finally began to experience a relatively more freedom for writers to create, and works of other foreign writers began to make their way into China. China started to get energized catching on the humanistic and artistic works of the world. It was beginning to exit the 10 years confinement of literature and oppression that had suffered during the Cultural Revolution. The extreme ideals of communism lost attention and writers could now use other themes in their stories, other than the working classes or soldiers. Zhang Jie was now 39 years old. She was finally able and experienced to establish her brilliant place in the Chinese Literature.

[[File:Brigitte_lin_book_fair_hk.jpg|400px|thumb|left|Zhang Jie, at a Hong Kong Book fair. They announced her book
'Without Words' will be go to the big screen. Click [http://wiki.vm.rub.de/uvu/images/5/59/Brigitte_lin_book_fair_hk.jpg here] for original source ]]

== Biography ==
'''1937'''
Zhang Jie was born in Beijing in 1937, her mother taught elementary school, she grew up poor even when she was a Manchu Royalty decedent. She had to escape the Japanese army that wanted to kill them. ''"Her mother, Manchurian royalty by birth but reduced to poverty by China's perpetual war and revolt, was a primary school teacher before the Japanese invasion." beijingscene.com.'' A guide that they meet introduced Zhang Jie to western children stories. The stories she read were from The Grimm brothers, Hans Christian Andersen and the fables of Krylov were among her favorites. Although people like to critic her because about this, Zhang Jie said that she is glad to have read these children stories, because they taught her to be consider to other people and not smash others on her way to success ''"I secretly congratulate myself and say that if I have one iota of human feeling, if I do not move up in the world by stepping on other people, do not use others to gain advantage, it is in large part due to the influence of the humanism in classical Western literature.” beijingscene.com''

'''1956'''
She wanted so badly to be a writer but end up studying economics ''"The government, however decided that because of her excellent school record she should study economics” Dillard pag 65.'' Zhang Jie cried about this but went anyways. Zhang Jie was admitted in RENMIN University of China.

'''1960'''
Zhang Jie, graduated and took a job in the Mechanics Engineer Industry that would allowed her a lot of information in this field to later write her Mao Dun Award winning book 'Heavy Wings (Leaden Wings)'. She worked in this industry for eight years.

'''1963'''
She married a colleague and had a daughter called 'Tang Di'

'''1964'''
Mao wanted the writers to experience equality with the rural or less fortunate people, and get rid off any funny ideas of possible superiority they might have ''"In addition to the Socialist Education Movement in the countryside, Mao repeatedly urged the literature and arts circles, as well as the various propaganda arms, to reform their areas.” marxists.org.''

'''1969'''
At the age of 32 Zhang Jie was sent to a farm for four years to be reform to Jiangxi, located southwest if China. Even when they have lost all money and connection of her royal family, because of her royal lineage, she was considered of a privilege class, so according to the teachings of Mao Tseng Tang she needed to be reform and experience the workers life. ''"Because she was the daughter of a right winger, she was forced to participate in re-educational measures at a special school from 1969 to 1972.” culture.base.net.'' During these times, it must have been very hard to be separated of her daughter and mother.

'''1978'''
Zhang Jie published her first children story right after the Culture Revolution called 'Music of the Forests', and won China national award ''"It was at this time that she also began to write. Only after the Cultural Revolution (1966–67) did she publish her first story" 'Die Musik der Wälder' culturebase.net.'' Russian children literature really was her inspiration to begin writing. Also, she was one of the first Modern writers to write about women and love. 'Love must not be forgotten' was her first novel about these issues of love.

'''1979'''
Zhang Jie joined the Chinese Writers Association. Zhang Jie’s work was popular.

'''1980'''
Her acclaim novella 'Heavy Wings' was published and very well received. She had waited for a long time and because of the changes and relatively freedoms that China was experiencing this was the right moment to do it. Zhang Jie joined the Chinese Communist Party.

'''1982'''
She becomes a member of the PEN International. Zhang Jie would travel outside of China for the first time ever to attend a conference in Los Angeles, at UCLA where she would meet American writer and journalist 'Harrison Salisbury'. Dillard, pag 63. Zhang Jie must have been very happy that she can finally write all she wanted.

'''1985'''
She was awarded the Mao Dun Literature Prize for ''Leaden Wings = Heavy Wings''.''"She was awarded the Mao Dun Literature Prize in 1985 for Leaden Wings and in 2005 for Without a Word, making her the first writer to receive the award twice." .[1]

'''2005'''
Zhang Jie was awarded for the second time the Mao Dun Literature Prize for 'Without a Word'.

[[File:Zhang-jie-0719L.jpg|500px|thumb|right|In 1985, Zhang Jie won the Mao Dun Prize Click [http://images2.chinatraveldepot.com/Images/Destination/Zhang-jie-0719L.jpg here] for original source ]]

== Faces of Chinese Literature ==
I think it is helpful and important to distinguish 2 faces in Chinese Literature, and which one Zhang Jie belongs too, this way we can comprehend even better the Chinese Literature evolution and what group accompany the author. Together with Zhang Jie, these authors will be the ones in charge to lead China into a new direction.

The first face was in the 1920s.- It started with the fall of the Empire and the disintegration of the Old Traditional Literacy. The beginning of the ‘Chinese Literature Modern Classics was born’, Lu Xun, Lao She, Cao Yu, Mao Deng, Ba Jin and others, ''"At that moment the canonical list of modern classics of Chinese literature came out: Lu Xun, Lao She, Cao Yu, Mao Dun, Ba Jin” www.upf.edu .''

The Second face during the 1980s.- A period of relative relaxation begins that allowed the ‘emerge of new climate of cultural creativity’. The distinction of what it was ‘Revolutionary Literature between – Modern Literature’ was well noticed. "The young writers that had to remain silence had been awakening (good morning Zhang Jie)." In this face: we found Zhang Jie, Wang Meng, Liu Xiabo, Wang Shuo, Hao Shaogong and many more.

== Fun Facts about Zhang Jie ==
[[File:Cute.jpg|250px|thumb|left|Zhang Jie, loves cats and was seeing playing with one at UCLA conference. Click [http://www.thedibb.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=662542] for original source ]]
Zhang Jie loves to giggle and to read books. She has a way of looking at you with sarcasm. Zhang Jie also likes Siamese cats a lot. During the UCLA conference, she got a hold of a cat and would not let go of it. People reported that she was holding on to the cat the wrong way, the cat’s behind was facing people, while the face of the cat was facing Zhang Jie’s back, funny way to hold a kitty, and she did it for a while too, ''"Zhang Jie and innovative and controversial young writer, is carrying my Siamese cat aroung the house. She holds it by the armpit, so it faces the couch.” Dillard, pag 61.''
She also loves to speak softly and her work is regularly under fire, '' Zhang Jie , whose own work is regularly under fire, had to defend the Party line.” Dillard, pag 68.''

== Her work ==
Zhang Jie was raised by her mother, her parents were divorced. Probably at a young age witnessed and experienced the discrimination and abuse to the [[File:ZHangJieHenryMiller.png|400px|thumb|right|Zhang Jie and American writer 'Henry Miller'in 1984 Click [http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C507t-K16jQ/TguQwhGSIiI/AAAAAAAABF0/FI09ZHvkDT4/s320/ZHangJieHenryMiller.gif here] for original source ]]fact that she had no father. In those times single mothers were very lookdown upon and were also discriminated. These facts had to have inspired Zhang Jie into her writings and allowed her to rule when she talks about what women went through during those times, since she had witnessed it herself. A good example of this in one of her books is 'Love must not be forgotten' where she tells a story about a woman that was having doubts about getting marry and finds the diary of her mother. In this diary she finds out that her mother had a secret love. The events of this novel took place during the Cultural Revolution, similar to the fact that Zhang Jie and her mother were going through this situation during the same time ''According to her mother’s wishes, Shanshan did burn the books, but could not part with the diary. As she reads her mother’s words, one of the many things she discovers is that her mother had had a secret love.” www.iu.edu''

'''Why Zhang Jie calls it "Heavy wings"'''
Zhang Jie is a smart writer, strong and brave representative of the new Modern generation. This generation is like a newborn or a new bird representing the Republic of China. Zhang Jie and writers like her are the ones that are responsible to help others break out of the shell, and show them how to fly high. But can they do it? Or, Are the wings of this nation 'too heavy to take off' and begin to fly completely free? You decide. ''She was awarded the Mao Dun Literature Prize in 1985 for Leaden Wings and in 2005 for Without a Word, making her the first writer to receive the award twice” en.wikipedia.org.''

'''Zhang Jie way of writing'''
''By taking us inside the story, Zhang Jie show us how the people of China lives, how they struggle silently hoping for a change that is too slow in the process of happening, like a pregnant mother that is in contractions now, this mother or nation that has been evolving month by month, decade by decade, and is in growing pains of the changes that are taking place, for a new baby, a new nation that is pushing to come out, and by coming out is creating changes in the way of thinking of China, a China that wants to breath loud, that wants to take off flying freely, and wants to reach the stars without having the government teased her and tide her down like a kite. Erica Bazalar-Oaks.''

In this novella, Zhang Jie is brilliant! She takes us inside the society of China in a very personal way. She describes the personalities so well and body movements, their rooms, houses and buildings where they live, and through her words make us feel as spectators that we can be seating right there on a chair, or on the table near by ear dropping on the conversation the characters are having. Zhang Jie shows as a writer her brilliance and experience, when the story just flows. She goes from one story to another in such a subtle way, that you as the reader are not a bit distracted, but pleasingly surprise making you feel like a light feather traveling gently from one side to another. On her words, she also uses European phrases that are well known and demonstrates her past influences in readings, pag 95 ''Not all high officials rested in their laurels.” Also Zhang Jie demonstrates something I found interesting, her unique and personal style of writing when she mixes in one situation, two elements from different backgrounds. She can convey and interesting way of thinking that she cleanly and successfully displays in her novella. A good example is when the character of Zheng was in the car letting the breeze to ruffle his hair, Zheng though to himself, ''pag 102, "Would this speech he had just made, like previous ones, vanish without a trace like a snowflake in the dessert?”'' Here she uses the snowflake that happens on winter season, and combines it with the element of the dessert that portraits a hot weather, two different types of times to explain the feelings of the character of Zheng. I enjoyed that.

[[File:Zhang-jie.png|400px|thumb|left|Zhang Jie very young in her twenties Click [http://digital.library.upenn.edu/women/_gallery/zhang-jie.gif here] for original source ]]

== Analysis of the Book Heavy Wings ==

'''Heavy Wings also call Leaden Wings'''
Heavy/Leaden Wings was published in 1980. Zhang Jie tells us what is happening today in Modern China after the Cultural Revolution, and where they stand in progress in their society and the world. One important thing that she writes about is 'marriage' in a country that is full of traditions, marriage can be one thing that is controversial to discuss. In Heavy Wings, the characters, women and men of different economical classes equally show their struggles in marriage, and fears of the society criticism if they would ever were to get divorce. Zhang Jie has been accused before of being immoral or too westernized, also to work against the party. Zhang Jie herself is divorced; in her work she stands for true love versus tradition. But, 'This also could mean that the author is suggesting that women and men can and should take their time experiencing falling in love! Before they go into rehearse marriage'. Also, this novella centers in the modernization of the Chinese industry and how the citizens are all for modern and bringing outside investments, especially interesting since Chinese people has not favored or trust outside companies. Heavy Wings give us as well an interesting inside of the social classes China has. We have the working classes that work in the industry very hard and barely get by, the middle class with the managers in charge that want to make a difference for their people and the ministers that are the ones that are way involve with the party, make the money and can do good or bad.

'''Modernization of China'''
When she talks about the modernization of China industry, she can give an excellent inside of thoughts about the progress in this organization, since she worked in this field for many years in the past. That means that she probably also witnessed the corruption that goes on; the good people that want to modernize and make a difference in their sector for the better, but encounter corruption with the bad people that only wants to hold on tied to communism rules, so they can benefit themselves and not the workers, that work hard and that need to make more money, to at least better their living conditions, ''pag 86 "To boost production in China you have to improve living conditions.”''

'''Divorce in the Chinese society'''
Heavy wings shows how people therefore might not be in love but because it would look bad on them, they have to put up with it, ''pag 34,"He seldom had free Sunday and they slept in different rooms.”''If they would divorce, for the men in their careers, they could lose their social status and be consider unstable losers, and for the women is far worst, if they became divorcees they can be look down as prostitutes, ''pag 107, "He darted a warning glance at Zheng. To him divorcees ranked with prostitutes.”'' One call only imagine how much Zheng Jie suffered when she was little looking at her mother been mistreated since her mother was divorced, and after loosing all position in society and money, Zheng Jie’s mother had to find a job, protect her daughter and put up with a society that did not protect her but made their lives worst. We can definitely tell that this part in Zhang Jie’s life influenced this writer a lot when she learnt this type of discrimination against her mother, against women in her society.

'''Tender moments'''
There are also great moments of tenderness in this story from Chinese men and women, that will give a better understanding of their deep hearts. ''Pag 79, "Everyone present was watching him in silence. The sight gave him fresh strength. Old Lü’s bearded chin beneath his bleary eyes was quivering. Chen put the dumpling into the old fellow’s mouth. ‘I let you down, Old Lü, he said.”''

[[File:ZhangJieHarrison.png|400px|thumb|right|Zhang Jie, at 45 (First time out of China) with writer Harrison Salisbury
In 1982, at the UCLA, US-Chinese writers conference Click [http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--m26XHdk0so/TguRGQWGs5I/AAAAAAAABF8/lzPMfkPY4Yw/s320/ZhangJieHarrison.gif here] for original source ]]
'''The way Chinese people live'''
We see the working Chinese people struggling to meet ends, with low salaries or enough to get by, and small and/or poor housing, if you can call some of these places mentioned in the story housing. Also there is not much money left, but to only go out for a meal, this is the way of entertainment. They really cannot get out of this type of social class. ''Pag 62, "China really gets its intellectuals on the cheap, Zheng though. Then, remembering the technicians in his ministry and the workers in factories, he reflected, he reflected that China got all its common people on the cheap”'', and the youth has no way of diversion or entertainment but to go out and eat. They could not go out to dance or have money to travel. ''Pag 62, "Zheng glanced round. ‘Apart from the two of us, everybody here’s young. Can’t blame. Eating out is their only diversion. What else can they do!”''

'''The careers that Chinese society forces on their people'''
Zhang show us how Chinese people’s education are not well rounded but are tailor to get jobs that will advance them in society. This situation does not make them happy but it is the way that it has been working for a long time, ''Pag 59, "Looking at his eyes Zheng Ziyun felt a stab of envy. In his young days he had wanted to study anthropology, literature or history, but fate had made him an official.”'' Chinese people dream to experience careers their society does not allow them to have, ''pag 85, "Keeping his eyes on the dark road, Chen said slowly, ‘In middle school I was mad on the violin, thought music the highest form of art. And I wanted to get a PHD in physics. But I’ve ended up a factory manager!” He laughed rather bitterly.''

'''Class struggles, history and beliefs do not let Chinese move forward'''
Zhang Jie let us know that the Chinese people mentality has to change or there will be no progress at all. ''Pag 42, "What they were up against now were deeply ingrained beliefs. These beliefs were like net in which all were caught. History was bound to condemn and eliminate them.”''

'''The Past of the Cultural Revolution = Communism will be remember'''
Zhang Jie made it clear that these abuses and crimes, did happened in China, that her thoughts in this book are not exaggerated or made up, but they come from 'real life events' that mark the Chinese people and their lives. - These events are vital to understand them and what they are fighting for -. During the Cultural Revolution with Mao, all that opposed the Communist government or look like they did, were kill, nearly kill to death, brutally bit up, abuse, persecuted. They could also be send to do 'restitution to these rural places' so they can be re-form, ''pag 45, "The Cultural Revolution brought her fearful anxiety and distress: he was nearly beaten to death. When he came back after several months of confinement in a damp room he could hardly walk for arthritis.”''

'''Zhang Jie calls for a change in the government and the society of China'''.
Heavy wings/ Leaden wings, is a very provocative book and it calls for the Chinese people for a change, to leave once and for all 'old habits' that hold them back, and open themselves to progress with the help of outside markets, ''pag 101, "For some years we studied chairman Mao’s works regardless of the political results. We competed to see who could write the most copious notes or parrot the most quotations. The effectiveness of political work should be judge by the new wealth created. We must run our economy according to economic laws and give up our old egalitarian way of all eating from one big pot. That stifles initiative.”''

'''Zhang Jie speaks about her goals as a writer'''
In September of 1982, Zhang Jie spoke at the UCLA, at the US-Chinese writers conference organized by Norman Cousins about her thoughts in Literature.''*Life should become what humans beings wish it to be*''. When she talks about us, as human beings and what we wish for, it is clear to me that in order to become anything, we must have freedom of choice. Zhang Jie also expressed her feelings of responsibility that she feels the writers have to the world,''*Pure literature as our purpose cannot exist, because the writer’s feeling will have an impact on the material world.* Dillard, Pag 64.'' Zhang Jie then wants freedom to become, but with the understanding that as writers, they have a responsibility to impact the people for a better world.

== Powerpoint Slide ==
[[File:FINAL_DE_Zhang_Jie.pptx|thumb]]

== Disclosure ==
It has been a pleasure to have done this class with Mr Woesler. I had worked hard in my wiki and have done my very best to use the resources available to me in a respectful manner. In doing so, it is my hope that this work can help others 'strengthen the appreciation and knowledge of the Republic of China and their wonderful People'. Erica Bazalar-Oaks. www.bazalar.com

== References ==
[1]Zhang Jie, International Literature Festival Berlin 2003, see Website: [http://www.literaturfestival.com/bios1_3_6_292.html]

== Sources ==
1. Book # 1 Encounters With Chinese Writers By Annie Dillard. http://books.google.com/books?id=g6conZpyrHEC&pg=PA65&lpg=PA65&dq=Zhang+Jie+study+economics&source=bl&ots=KF9QpH8WcC&sig=UDPEQRy0Op_SFaGSG0dOaRLu6hA&hl=en&sa=X&ei=WdS9UK26CYfQygHjrIGoBg&ved=0CFMQ6AEwBQ#v=onepage&q=Zhang%20Jie%20study%20economics&f=false

2. Book # 2 Leaden Wings, Zhang Jie. Published by VIRAGO PRESS Limited 1987. ISBN 0-86068-759-7

3. Faces of Chinese Literature:

4. http://www.upf.edu/materials/huma/central/historia/lite/temes/6postm.htm

5. Her novel: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zhang_Jie_%28writer%29

6. Biography: http://www.beijingscene.com/cissue/feature.html

7. http://www.pen-international.org/

8. http://www.marxists.org/history/erol/ncm-7/cwp-cr/part-3.htm

9. http://www.culturebase.net/artist.php?3577

10. http://www.iu.edu/~easc/outreach/educators/literature/workshops/doc/Perry_2005.pdf 11/16/2012

11. http://www.literaturfestival.com/participants/authors/2003/zhang-jie

12. http://contemporary_chinese_culture.academic.ru/952/Zhang_Jie

13. http://www.iu.edu/~easc/outreach/educators/literature/workshops/doc/Perry_2005.pdf

Zhang Jie (born 1937)

2012-12-05T04:49:16Z

Ericaangie: /* Faces of Chinese Literature */

[[File:Arch002021286b.jpg|400px|thumb|right|Zhang Jie, an artistic photo by Buso. Click [http://www.martabuso.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/5e06319eda06f020e43594a9c230972d/a/r/arch002021286b.jpg here] for original source ]]
== About Zhang Jie ==
A one of a kind and brilliant Chinese Literature writer. She resumed the aspects of socialism and turned it into a novella. In this way she is able to clearly show us what the people in China of all ranks had to suffer and went through during and after those times of communism, what they were left to be entrusted with, to rebuild upon for a new generation in China. Zhang Jie began to write after the access of power began for Deng Xioping (Deputy Minister), the dead of Mao Tseng Tang occurred in 1976 and the fall of the Gang of Four occurred; this gang included Mao’s cruel wife, Jiang Qing, mastermind and political figure that together with Mao authored millions of crimes during the Cultural Revolution.

It was after these events that Zhang Jie began to write. China finally began to experience a relatively more freedom for writers to create, and works of other foreign writers began to make their way into China. China started to get energized catching on the humanistic and artistic works of the world. It was beginning to exit the 10 years confinement of literature and oppression that had suffered during the Cultural Revolution. The extreme ideals of communism lost attention and writers could now use other themes in their stories, other than the working classes or soldiers. Zhang Jie was now 39 years old. She was finally able and experienced to establish her brilliant place in the Chinese Literature.

[[File:Brigitte_lin_book_fair_hk.jpg|400px|thumb|left|Zhang Jie, at a Hong Kong Book fair. They announced her book
'Without Words' will be go to the big screen. Click [http://wiki.vm.rub.de/uvu/images/5/59/Brigitte_lin_book_fair_hk.jpg here] for original source ]]

== Biography ==
'''1937'''
Zhang Jie was born in Beijing in 1937, her mother taught elementary school, she grew up poor even when she was a Manchu Royalty decedent. She had to escape the Japanese army that wanted to kill them. ''"Her mother, Manchurian royalty by birth but reduced to poverty by China's perpetual war and revolt, was a primary school teacher before the Japanese invasion." beijingscene.com.'' A guide that they meet introduced Zhang Jie to western children stories. The stories she read were from The Grimm brothers, Hans Christian Andersen and the fables of Krylov were among her favorites. Although people like to critic her because about this, Zhang Jie said that she is glad to have read these children stories, because they taught her to be consider to other people and not smash others on her way to success ''"I secretly congratulate myself and say that if I have one iota of human feeling, if I do not move up in the world by stepping on other people, do not use others to gain advantage, it is in large part due to the influence of the humanism in classical Western literature.” beijingscene.com''

'''1956'''
She wanted so badly to be a writer but end up studying economics ''"The government, however decided that because of her excellent school record she should study economics” Dillard pag 65.'' Zhang Jie cried about this but went anyways. Zhang Jie was admitted in RENMIN University of China.

'''1960'''
Zhang Jie, graduated and took a job in the Mechanics Engineer Industry that would allowed her a lot of information in this field to later write her Mao Dun Award winning book 'Heavy Wings (Leaden Wings)'. She worked in this industry for eight years.

'''1963'''
She married a colleague and had a daughter called 'Tang Di'

'''1964'''
Mao wanted the writers to experience equality with the rural or less fortunate people, and get rid off any funny ideas of possible superiority they might have ''"In addition to the Socialist Education Movement in the countryside, Mao repeatedly urged the literature and arts circles, as well as the various propaganda arms, to reform their areas.” marxists.org.''

'''1969'''
At the age of 32 Zhang Jie was sent to a farm for four years to be reform to Jiangxi, located southwest if China. Even when they have lost all money and connection of her royal family, because of her royal lineage, she was considered of a privilege class, so according to the teachings of Mao Tseng Tang she needed to be reform and experience the workers life. ''"Because she was the daughter of a right winger, she was forced to participate in re-educational measures at a special school from 1969 to 1972.” culture.base.net.'' During these times, it must have been very hard to be separated of her daughter and mother.

'''1978'''
Zhang Jie published her first children story right after the Culture Revolution called 'Music of the Forests', and won China national award ''"It was at this time that she also began to write. Only after the Cultural Revolution (1966–67) did she publish her first story" 'Die Musik der Wälder' culturebase.net.'' Russian children literature really was her inspiration to begin writing. Also, she was one of the first Modern writers to write about women and love. 'Love must not be forgotten' was her first novel about these issues of love.

'''1979'''
Zhang Jie joined the Chinese Writers Association. Zhang Jie’s work was popular.

'''1980'''
Her acclaim novella 'Heavy Wings' was published and very well received. She had waited for a long time and because of the changes and relatively freedoms that China was experiencing this was the right moment to do it. Zhang Jie joined the Chinese Communist Party.

'''1982'''
She becomes a member of the PEN International. Zhang Jie would travel outside of China for the first time ever to attend a conference in Los Angeles, at UCLA where she would meet American writer and journalist 'Harrison Salisbury'. Dillard, pag 63. Zhang Jie must have been very happy that she can finally write all she wanted.

'''1985'''
She was awarded the Mao Dun Literature Prize for ''Leaden Wings = Heavy Wings''.''"She was awarded the Mao Dun Literature Prize in 1985 for Leaden Wings and in 2005 for Without a Word, making her the first writer to receive the award twice." .[1]

'''2005'''
Zhang Jie was awarded for the second time the Mao Dun Literature Prize for 'Without a Word'.

[[File:Zhang-jie-0719L.jpg|500px|thumb|right|In 1985, Zhang Jie won the Mao Dun Prize Click [http://images2.chinatraveldepot.com/Images/Destination/Zhang-jie-0719L.jpg here] for original source ]]

== Faces of Chinese Literature ==
I think it is helpful to distinguish 2 important faces in Chinese Literature, and which one Zhang Jie belongs too, this way we can comprehend even better the Chinese Literature evolution.

The first face was in the 1920s.- It started with the fall of the Empire and the disintegration of the Old Traditional Literacy. The beginning of the ‘Chinese Literature Modern Classics was born’, Lu Xun, Lao She, Cao Yu, Mao Deng, Ba Jin and others, ''"At that moment the canonical list of modern classics of Chinese literature came out: Lu Xun, Lao She, Cao Yu, Mao Dun, Ba Jin” www.upf.edu .''

The Second face during the 1980s.- A period of relative relaxation begins that allowed the ‘emerge of new climate of cultural creativity’. The distinction of what it was ‘Revolutionary Literature between – Modern Literature’ was well noticed. "The young writers that had to remain silence had been awakening (good morning Zhang Jie)." In this face: we found Zhang Jie, Wang Meng, Liu Xiabo, Wang Shuo, Hao Shaogong and many more.

== Fun Facts about Zhang Jie ==
[[File:Cute.jpg|250px|thumb|left|Zhang Jie, loves cats and was seeing playing with one at UCLA conference. Click [http://www.thedibb.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=662542] for original source ]]
Zhang Jie loves to giggle and to read books. She has a way of looking at you with sarcasm. Zhang Jie also likes Siamese cats a lot. During the UCLA conference, she got a hold of a cat and would not let go of it. People reported that she was holding on to the cat the wrong way, the cat’s behind was facing people, while the face of the cat was facing Zhang Jie’s back, funny way to hold a kitty, and she did it for a while too, ''"Zhang Jie and innovative and controversial young writer, is carrying my Siamese cat aroung the house. She holds it by the armpit, so it faces the couch.” Dillard, pag 61.''
She also loves to speak softly and her work is regularly under fire, '' Zhang Jie , whose own work is regularly under fire, had to defend the Party line.” Dillard, pag 68.''

== Her work ==
Zhang Jie was raised by her mother, her parents were divorced. Probably at a young age witnessed and experienced the discrimination and abuse to the [[File:ZHangJieHenryMiller.png|400px|thumb|right|Zhang Jie and American writer 'Henry Miller'in 1984 Click [http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C507t-K16jQ/TguQwhGSIiI/AAAAAAAABF0/FI09ZHvkDT4/s320/ZHangJieHenryMiller.gif here] for original source ]]fact that she had no father. In those times single mothers were very lookdown upon and were also discriminated. These facts had to have inspired Zhang Jie into her writings and allowed her to rule when she talks about what women went through during those times, since she had witnessed it herself. A good example of this in one of her books is 'Love must not be forgotten' where she tells a story about a woman that was having doubts about getting marry and finds the diary of her mother. In this diary she finds out that her mother had a secret love. The events of this novel took place during the Cultural Revolution, similar to the fact that Zhang Jie and her mother were going through this situation during the same time ''According to her mother’s wishes, Shanshan did burn the books, but could not part with the diary. As she reads her mother’s words, one of the many things she discovers is that her mother had had a secret love.” www.iu.edu''

'''Why Zhang Jie calls it "Heavy wings"'''
Zhang Jie is a smart writer, strong and brave representative of the new Modern generation. This generation is like a newborn or a new bird representing the Republic of China. Zhang Jie and writers like her are the ones that are responsible to help others break out of the shell, and show them how to fly high. But can they do it? Or, Are the wings of this nation 'too heavy to take off' and begin to fly completely free? You decide. ''She was awarded the Mao Dun Literature Prize in 1985 for Leaden Wings and in 2005 for Without a Word, making her the first writer to receive the award twice” en.wikipedia.org.''

'''Zhang Jie way of writing'''
''By taking us inside the story, Zhang Jie show us how the people of China lives, how they struggle silently hoping for a change that is too slow in the process of happening, like a pregnant mother that is in contractions now, this mother or nation that has been evolving month by month, decade by decade, and is in growing pains of the changes that are taking place, for a new baby, a new nation that is pushing to come out, and by coming out is creating changes in the way of thinking of China, a China that wants to breath loud, that wants to take off flying freely, and wants to reach the stars without having the government teased her and tide her down like a kite. Erica Bazalar-Oaks.''

In this novella, Zhang Jie is brilliant! She takes us inside the society of China in a very personal way. She describes the personalities so well and body movements, their rooms, houses and buildings where they live, and through her words make us feel as spectators that we can be seating right there on a chair, or on the table near by ear dropping on the conversation the characters are having. Zhang Jie shows as a writer her brilliance and experience, when the story just flows. She goes from one story to another in such a subtle way, that you as the reader are not a bit distracted, but pleasingly surprise making you feel like a light feather traveling gently from one side to another. On her words, she also uses European phrases that are well known and demonstrates her past influences in readings, pag 95 ''Not all high officials rested in their laurels.” Also Zhang Jie demonstrates something I found interesting, her unique and personal style of writing when she mixes in one situation, two elements from different backgrounds. She can convey and interesting way of thinking that she cleanly and successfully displays in her novella. A good example is when the character of Zheng was in the car letting the breeze to ruffle his hair, Zheng though to himself, ''pag 102, "Would this speech he had just made, like previous ones, vanish without a trace like a snowflake in the dessert?”'' Here she uses the snowflake that happens on winter season, and combines it with the element of the dessert that portraits a hot weather, two different types of times to explain the feelings of the character of Zheng. I enjoyed that.

[[File:Zhang-jie.png|400px|thumb|left|Zhang Jie very young in her twenties Click [http://digital.library.upenn.edu/women/_gallery/zhang-jie.gif here] for original source ]]

== Analysis of the Book Heavy Wings ==

'''Heavy Wings also call Leaden Wings'''
Heavy/Leaden Wings was published in 1980. Zhang Jie tells us what is happening today in Modern China after the Cultural Revolution, and where they stand in progress in their society and the world. One important thing that she writes about is 'marriage' in a country that is full of traditions, marriage can be one thing that is controversial to discuss. In Heavy Wings, the characters, women and men of different economical classes equally show their struggles in marriage, and fears of the society criticism if they would ever were to get divorce. Zhang Jie has been accused before of being immoral or too westernized, also to work against the party. Zhang Jie herself is divorced; in her work she stands for true love versus tradition. But, 'This also could mean that the author is suggesting that women and men can and should take their time experiencing falling in love! Before they go into rehearse marriage'. Also, this novella centers in the modernization of the Chinese industry and how the citizens are all for modern and bringing outside investments, especially interesting since Chinese people has not favored or trust outside companies. Heavy Wings give us as well an interesting inside of the social classes China has. We have the working classes that work in the industry very hard and barely get by, the middle class with the managers in charge that want to make a difference for their people and the ministers that are the ones that are way involve with the party, make the money and can do good or bad.

'''Modernization of China'''
When she talks about the modernization of China industry, she can give an excellent inside of thoughts about the progress in this organization, since she worked in this field for many years in the past. That means that she probably also witnessed the corruption that goes on; the good people that want to modernize and make a difference in their sector for the better, but encounter corruption with the bad people that only wants to hold on tied to communism rules, so they can benefit themselves and not the workers, that work hard and that need to make more money, to at least better their living conditions, ''pag 86 "To boost production in China you have to improve living conditions.”''

'''Divorce in the Chinese society'''
Heavy wings shows how people therefore might not be in love but because it would look bad on them, they have to put up with it, ''pag 34,"He seldom had free Sunday and they slept in different rooms.”''If they would divorce, for the men in their careers, they could lose their social status and be consider unstable losers, and for the women is far worst, if they became divorcees they can be look down as prostitutes, ''pag 107, "He darted a warning glance at Zheng. To him divorcees ranked with prostitutes.”'' One call only imagine how much Zheng Jie suffered when she was little looking at her mother been mistreated since her mother was divorced, and after loosing all position in society and money, Zheng Jie’s mother had to find a job, protect her daughter and put up with a society that did not protect her but made their lives worst. We can definitely tell that this part in Zhang Jie’s life influenced this writer a lot when she learnt this type of discrimination against her mother, against women in her society.

'''Tender moments'''
There are also great moments of tenderness in this story from Chinese men and women, that will give a better understanding of their deep hearts. ''Pag 79, "Everyone present was watching him in silence. The sight gave him fresh strength. Old Lü’s bearded chin beneath his bleary eyes was quivering. Chen put the dumpling into the old fellow’s mouth. ‘I let you down, Old Lü, he said.”''

[[File:ZhangJieHarrison.png|400px|thumb|right|Zhang Jie, at 45 (First time out of China) with writer Harrison Salisbury
In 1982, at the UCLA, US-Chinese writers conference Click [http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--m26XHdk0so/TguRGQWGs5I/AAAAAAAABF8/lzPMfkPY4Yw/s320/ZhangJieHarrison.gif here] for original source ]]
'''The way Chinese people live'''
We see the working Chinese people struggling to meet ends, with low salaries or enough to get by, and small and/or poor housing, if you can call some of these places mentioned in the story housing. Also there is not much money left, but to only go out for a meal, this is the way of entertainment. They really cannot get out of this type of social class. ''Pag 62, "China really gets its intellectuals on the cheap, Zheng though. Then, remembering the technicians in his ministry and the workers in factories, he reflected, he reflected that China got all its common people on the cheap”'', and the youth has no way of diversion or entertainment but to go out and eat. They could not go out to dance or have money to travel. ''Pag 62, "Zheng glanced round. ‘Apart from the two of us, everybody here’s young. Can’t blame. Eating out is their only diversion. What else can they do!”''

'''The careers that Chinese society forces on their people'''
Zhang show us how Chinese people’s education are not well rounded but are tailor to get jobs that will advance them in society. This situation does not make them happy but it is the way that it has been working for a long time, ''Pag 59, "Looking at his eyes Zheng Ziyun felt a stab of envy. In his young days he had wanted to study anthropology, literature or history, but fate had made him an official.”'' Chinese people dream to experience careers their society does not allow them to have, ''pag 85, "Keeping his eyes on the dark road, Chen said slowly, ‘In middle school I was mad on the violin, thought music the highest form of art. And I wanted to get a PHD in physics. But I’ve ended up a factory manager!” He laughed rather bitterly.''

'''Class struggles, history and beliefs do not let Chinese move forward'''
Zhang Jie let us know that the Chinese people mentality has to change or there will be no progress at all. ''Pag 42, "What they were up against now were deeply ingrained beliefs. These beliefs were like net in which all were caught. History was bound to condemn and eliminate them.”''

'''The Past of the Cultural Revolution = Communism will be remember'''
Zhang Jie made it clear that these abuses and crimes, did happened in China, that her thoughts in this book are not exaggerated or made up, but they come from 'real life events' that mark the Chinese people and their lives. - These events are vital to understand them and what they are fighting for -. During the Cultural Revolution with Mao, all that opposed the Communist government or look like they did, were kill, nearly kill to death, brutally bit up, abuse, persecuted. They could also be send to do 'restitution to these rural places' so they can be re-form, ''pag 45, "The Cultural Revolution brought her fearful anxiety and distress: he was nearly beaten to death. When he came back after several months of confinement in a damp room he could hardly walk for arthritis.”''

'''Zhang Jie calls for a change in the government and the society of China'''.
Heavy wings/ Leaden wings, is a very provocative book and it calls for the Chinese people for a change, to leave once and for all 'old habits' that hold them back, and open themselves to progress with the help of outside markets, ''pag 101, "For some years we studied chairman Mao’s works regardless of the political results. We competed to see who could write the most copious notes or parrot the most quotations. The effectiveness of political work should be judge by the new wealth created. We must run our economy according to economic laws and give up our old egalitarian way of all eating from one big pot. That stifles initiative.”''

'''Zhang Jie speaks about her goals as a writer'''
In September of 1982, Zhang Jie spoke at the UCLA, at the US-Chinese writers conference organized by Norman Cousins about her thoughts in Literature.''*Life should become what humans beings wish it to be*''. When she talks about us, as human beings and what we wish for, it is clear to me that in order to become anything, we must have freedom of choice. Zhang Jie also expressed her feelings of responsibility that she feels the writers have to the world,''*Pure literature as our purpose cannot exist, because the writer’s feeling will have an impact on the material world.* Dillard, Pag 64.'' Zhang Jie then wants freedom to become, but with the understanding that as writers, they have a responsibility to impact the people for a better world.

== Powerpoint Slide ==
[[File:FINAL_DE_Zhang_Jie.pptx|thumb]]

== Disclosure ==
It has been a pleasure to have done this class with Mr Woesler. I had worked hard in my wiki and have done my very best to use the resources available to me in a respectful manner. In doing so, it is my hope that this work can help others 'strengthen the appreciation and knowledge of the Republic of China and their wonderful People'. Erica Bazalar-Oaks. www.bazalar.com

== References ==
[1]Zhang Jie, International Literature Festival Berlin 2003, see Website: [http://www.literaturfestival.com/bios1_3_6_292.html]

== Sources ==
1. Book # 1 Encounters With Chinese Writers By Annie Dillard. http://books.google.com/books?id=g6conZpyrHEC&pg=PA65&lpg=PA65&dq=Zhang+Jie+study+economics&source=bl&ots=KF9QpH8WcC&sig=UDPEQRy0Op_SFaGSG0dOaRLu6hA&hl=en&sa=X&ei=WdS9UK26CYfQygHjrIGoBg&ved=0CFMQ6AEwBQ#v=onepage&q=Zhang%20Jie%20study%20economics&f=false

2. Book # 2 Leaden Wings, Zhang Jie. Published by VIRAGO PRESS Limited 1987. ISBN 0-86068-759-7

3. Faces of Chinese Literature:

4. http://www.upf.edu/materials/huma/central/historia/lite/temes/6postm.htm

5. Her novel: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zhang_Jie_%28writer%29

6. Biography: http://www.beijingscene.com/cissue/feature.html

7. http://www.pen-international.org/

8. http://www.marxists.org/history/erol/ncm-7/cwp-cr/part-3.htm

9. http://www.culturebase.net/artist.php?3577

10. http://www.iu.edu/~easc/outreach/educators/literature/workshops/doc/Perry_2005.pdf 11/16/2012

11. http://www.literaturfestival.com/participants/authors/2003/zhang-jie

12. http://contemporary_chinese_culture.academic.ru/952/Zhang_Jie

13. http://www.iu.edu/~easc/outreach/educators/literature/workshops/doc/Perry_2005.pdf

Zhang Jie (born 1937)

2012-12-05T04:48:45Z

Ericaangie: /* Faces of Chinese Literature */

[[File:Arch002021286b.jpg|400px|thumb|right|Zhang Jie, an artistic photo by Buso. Click [http://www.martabuso.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/5e06319eda06f020e43594a9c230972d/a/r/arch002021286b.jpg here] for original source ]]
== About Zhang Jie ==
A one of a kind and brilliant Chinese Literature writer. She resumed the aspects of socialism and turned it into a novella. In this way she is able to clearly show us what the people in China of all ranks had to suffer and went through during and after those times of communism, what they were left to be entrusted with, to rebuild upon for a new generation in China. Zhang Jie began to write after the access of power began for Deng Xioping (Deputy Minister), the dead of Mao Tseng Tang occurred in 1976 and the fall of the Gang of Four occurred; this gang included Mao’s cruel wife, Jiang Qing, mastermind and political figure that together with Mao authored millions of crimes during the Cultural Revolution.

It was after these events that Zhang Jie began to write. China finally began to experience a relatively more freedom for writers to create, and works of other foreign writers began to make their way into China. China started to get energized catching on the humanistic and artistic works of the world. It was beginning to exit the 10 years confinement of literature and oppression that had suffered during the Cultural Revolution. The extreme ideals of communism lost attention and writers could now use other themes in their stories, other than the working classes or soldiers. Zhang Jie was now 39 years old. She was finally able and experienced to establish her brilliant place in the Chinese Literature.

[[File:Brigitte_lin_book_fair_hk.jpg|400px|thumb|left|Zhang Jie, at a Hong Kong Book fair. They announced her book
'Without Words' will be go to the big screen. Click [http://wiki.vm.rub.de/uvu/images/5/59/Brigitte_lin_book_fair_hk.jpg here] for original source ]]

== Biography ==
'''1937'''
Zhang Jie was born in Beijing in 1937, her mother taught elementary school, she grew up poor even when she was a Manchu Royalty decedent. She had to escape the Japanese army that wanted to kill them. ''"Her mother, Manchurian royalty by birth but reduced to poverty by China's perpetual war and revolt, was a primary school teacher before the Japanese invasion." beijingscene.com.'' A guide that they meet introduced Zhang Jie to western children stories. The stories she read were from The Grimm brothers, Hans Christian Andersen and the fables of Krylov were among her favorites. Although people like to critic her because about this, Zhang Jie said that she is glad to have read these children stories, because they taught her to be consider to other people and not smash others on her way to success ''"I secretly congratulate myself and say that if I have one iota of human feeling, if I do not move up in the world by stepping on other people, do not use others to gain advantage, it is in large part due to the influence of the humanism in classical Western literature.” beijingscene.com''

'''1956'''
She wanted so badly to be a writer but end up studying economics ''"The government, however decided that because of her excellent school record she should study economics” Dillard pag 65.'' Zhang Jie cried about this but went anyways. Zhang Jie was admitted in RENMIN University of China.

'''1960'''
Zhang Jie, graduated and took a job in the Mechanics Engineer Industry that would allowed her a lot of information in this field to later write her Mao Dun Award winning book 'Heavy Wings (Leaden Wings)'. She worked in this industry for eight years.

'''1963'''
She married a colleague and had a daughter called 'Tang Di'

'''1964'''
Mao wanted the writers to experience equality with the rural or less fortunate people, and get rid off any funny ideas of possible superiority they might have ''"In addition to the Socialist Education Movement in the countryside, Mao repeatedly urged the literature and arts circles, as well as the various propaganda arms, to reform their areas.” marxists.org.''

'''1969'''
At the age of 32 Zhang Jie was sent to a farm for four years to be reform to Jiangxi, located southwest if China. Even when they have lost all money and connection of her royal family, because of her royal lineage, she was considered of a privilege class, so according to the teachings of Mao Tseng Tang she needed to be reform and experience the workers life. ''"Because she was the daughter of a right winger, she was forced to participate in re-educational measures at a special school from 1969 to 1972.” culture.base.net.'' During these times, it must have been very hard to be separated of her daughter and mother.

'''1978'''
Zhang Jie published her first children story right after the Culture Revolution called 'Music of the Forests', and won China national award ''"It was at this time that she also began to write. Only after the Cultural Revolution (1966–67) did she publish her first story" 'Die Musik der Wälder' culturebase.net.'' Russian children literature really was her inspiration to begin writing. Also, she was one of the first Modern writers to write about women and love. 'Love must not be forgotten' was her first novel about these issues of love.

'''1979'''
Zhang Jie joined the Chinese Writers Association. Zhang Jie’s work was popular.

'''1980'''
Her acclaim novella 'Heavy Wings' was published and very well received. She had waited for a long time and because of the changes and relatively freedoms that China was experiencing this was the right moment to do it. Zhang Jie joined the Chinese Communist Party.

'''1982'''
She becomes a member of the PEN International. Zhang Jie would travel outside of China for the first time ever to attend a conference in Los Angeles, at UCLA where she would meet American writer and journalist 'Harrison Salisbury'. Dillard, pag 63. Zhang Jie must have been very happy that she can finally write all she wanted.

'''1985'''
She was awarded the Mao Dun Literature Prize for ''Leaden Wings = Heavy Wings''.''"She was awarded the Mao Dun Literature Prize in 1985 for Leaden Wings and in 2005 for Without a Word, making her the first writer to receive the award twice." .[1]

'''2005'''
Zhang Jie was awarded for the second time the Mao Dun Literature Prize for 'Without a Word'.

[[File:Zhang-jie-0719L.jpg|500px|thumb|right|In 1985, Zhang Jie won the Mao Dun Prize Click [http://images2.chinatraveldepot.com/Images/Destination/Zhang-jie-0719L.jpg here] for original source ]]

== Faces of Chinese Literature ==
I think it is helpful to distinguish 2 important faces in Chinese Literature, and which one Zhang Jie belongs too, this way we can comprehend even better the Chinese Literature evolution.

''The first face was in the 1920s.'' It started with the fall of the Empire and the disintegration of the Old Traditional Literacy. The beginning of the ‘Chinese Literature Modern Classics was born’, Lu Xun, Lao She, Cao Yu, Mao Deng, Ba Jin and others, ''"At that moment the canonical list of modern classics of Chinese literature came out: Lu Xun, Lao She, Cao Yu, Mao Dun, Ba Jin” www.upf.edu .''

''The Second face during the 1980s.'' A period of relative relaxation begins that allowed the ‘emerge of new climate of cultural creativity’. The distinction of what it was ‘Revolutionary Literature between – Modern Literature’ was well noticed. "The young writers that had to remain silence had been awakening (good morning Zhang Jie)." In this face: we found Zhang Jie, Wang Meng, Liu Xiabo, Wang Shuo, Hao Shaogong and many more.

== Fun Facts about Zhang Jie ==
[[File:Cute.jpg|250px|thumb|left|Zhang Jie, loves cats and was seeing playing with one at UCLA conference. Click [http://www.thedibb.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=662542] for original source ]]
Zhang Jie loves to giggle and to read books. She has a way of looking at you with sarcasm. Zhang Jie also likes Siamese cats a lot. During the UCLA conference, she got a hold of a cat and would not let go of it. People reported that she was holding on to the cat the wrong way, the cat’s behind was facing people, while the face of the cat was facing Zhang Jie’s back, funny way to hold a kitty, and she did it for a while too, ''"Zhang Jie and innovative and controversial young writer, is carrying my Siamese cat aroung the house. She holds it by the armpit, so it faces the couch.” Dillard, pag 61.''
She also loves to speak softly and her work is regularly under fire, '' Zhang Jie , whose own work is regularly under fire, had to defend the Party line.” Dillard, pag 68.''

== Her work ==
Zhang Jie was raised by her mother, her parents were divorced. Probably at a young age witnessed and experienced the discrimination and abuse to the [[File:ZHangJieHenryMiller.png|400px|thumb|right|Zhang Jie and American writer 'Henry Miller'in 1984 Click [http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C507t-K16jQ/TguQwhGSIiI/AAAAAAAABF0/FI09ZHvkDT4/s320/ZHangJieHenryMiller.gif here] for original source ]]fact that she had no father. In those times single mothers were very lookdown upon and were also discriminated. These facts had to have inspired Zhang Jie into her writings and allowed her to rule when she talks about what women went through during those times, since she had witnessed it herself. A good example of this in one of her books is 'Love must not be forgotten' where she tells a story about a woman that was having doubts about getting marry and finds the diary of her mother. In this diary she finds out that her mother had a secret love. The events of this novel took place during the Cultural Revolution, similar to the fact that Zhang Jie and her mother were going through this situation during the same time ''According to her mother’s wishes, Shanshan did burn the books, but could not part with the diary. As she reads her mother’s words, one of the many things she discovers is that her mother had had a secret love.” www.iu.edu''

'''Why Zhang Jie calls it "Heavy wings"'''
Zhang Jie is a smart writer, strong and brave representative of the new Modern generation. This generation is like a newborn or a new bird representing the Republic of China. Zhang Jie and writers like her are the ones that are responsible to help others break out of the shell, and show them how to fly high. But can they do it? Or, Are the wings of this nation 'too heavy to take off' and begin to fly completely free? You decide. ''She was awarded the Mao Dun Literature Prize in 1985 for Leaden Wings and in 2005 for Without a Word, making her the first writer to receive the award twice” en.wikipedia.org.''

'''Zhang Jie way of writing'''
''By taking us inside the story, Zhang Jie show us how the people of China lives, how they struggle silently hoping for a change that is too slow in the process of happening, like a pregnant mother that is in contractions now, this mother or nation that has been evolving month by month, decade by decade, and is in growing pains of the changes that are taking place, for a new baby, a new nation that is pushing to come out, and by coming out is creating changes in the way of thinking of China, a China that wants to breath loud, that wants to take off flying freely, and wants to reach the stars without having the government teased her and tide her down like a kite. Erica Bazalar-Oaks.''

In this novella, Zhang Jie is brilliant! She takes us inside the society of China in a very personal way. She describes the personalities so well and body movements, their rooms, houses and buildings where they live, and through her words make us feel as spectators that we can be seating right there on a chair, or on the table near by ear dropping on the conversation the characters are having. Zhang Jie shows as a writer her brilliance and experience, when the story just flows. She goes from one story to another in such a subtle way, that you as the reader are not a bit distracted, but pleasingly surprise making you feel like a light feather traveling gently from one side to another. On her words, she also uses European phrases that are well known and demonstrates her past influences in readings, pag 95 ''Not all high officials rested in their laurels.” Also Zhang Jie demonstrates something I found interesting, her unique and personal style of writing when she mixes in one situation, two elements from different backgrounds. She can convey and interesting way of thinking that she cleanly and successfully displays in her novella. A good example is when the character of Zheng was in the car letting the breeze to ruffle his hair, Zheng though to himself, ''pag 102, "Would this speech he had just made, like previous ones, vanish without a trace like a snowflake in the dessert?”'' Here she uses the snowflake that happens on winter season, and combines it with the element of the dessert that portraits a hot weather, two different types of times to explain the feelings of the character of Zheng. I enjoyed that.

[[File:Zhang-jie.png|400px|thumb|left|Zhang Jie very young in her twenties Click [http://digital.library.upenn.edu/women/_gallery/zhang-jie.gif here] for original source ]]

== Analysis of the Book Heavy Wings ==

'''Heavy Wings also call Leaden Wings'''
Heavy/Leaden Wings was published in 1980. Zhang Jie tells us what is happening today in Modern China after the Cultural Revolution, and where they stand in progress in their society and the world. One important thing that she writes about is 'marriage' in a country that is full of traditions, marriage can be one thing that is controversial to discuss. In Heavy Wings, the characters, women and men of different economical classes equally show their struggles in marriage, and fears of the society criticism if they would ever were to get divorce. Zhang Jie has been accused before of being immoral or too westernized, also to work against the party. Zhang Jie herself is divorced; in her work she stands for true love versus tradition. But, 'This also could mean that the author is suggesting that women and men can and should take their time experiencing falling in love! Before they go into rehearse marriage'. Also, this novella centers in the modernization of the Chinese industry and how the citizens are all for modern and bringing outside investments, especially interesting since Chinese people has not favored or trust outside companies. Heavy Wings give us as well an interesting inside of the social classes China has. We have the working classes that work in the industry very hard and barely get by, the middle class with the managers in charge that want to make a difference for their people and the ministers that are the ones that are way involve with the party, make the money and can do good or bad.

'''Modernization of China'''
When she talks about the modernization of China industry, she can give an excellent inside of thoughts about the progress in this organization, since she worked in this field for many years in the past. That means that she probably also witnessed the corruption that goes on; the good people that want to modernize and make a difference in their sector for the better, but encounter corruption with the bad people that only wants to hold on tied to communism rules, so they can benefit themselves and not the workers, that work hard and that need to make more money, to at least better their living conditions, ''pag 86 "To boost production in China you have to improve living conditions.”''

'''Divorce in the Chinese society'''
Heavy wings shows how people therefore might not be in love but because it would look bad on them, they have to put up with it, ''pag 34,"He seldom had free Sunday and they slept in different rooms.”''If they would divorce, for the men in their careers, they could lose their social status and be consider unstable losers, and for the women is far worst, if they became divorcees they can be look down as prostitutes, ''pag 107, "He darted a warning glance at Zheng. To him divorcees ranked with prostitutes.”'' One call only imagine how much Zheng Jie suffered when she was little looking at her mother been mistreated since her mother was divorced, and after loosing all position in society and money, Zheng Jie’s mother had to find a job, protect her daughter and put up with a society that did not protect her but made their lives worst. We can definitely tell that this part in Zhang Jie’s life influenced this writer a lot when she learnt this type of discrimination against her mother, against women in her society.

'''Tender moments'''
There are also great moments of tenderness in this story from Chinese men and women, that will give a better understanding of their deep hearts. ''Pag 79, "Everyone present was watching him in silence. The sight gave him fresh strength. Old Lü’s bearded chin beneath his bleary eyes was quivering. Chen put the dumpling into the old fellow’s mouth. ‘I let you down, Old Lü, he said.”''

[[File:ZhangJieHarrison.png|400px|thumb|right|Zhang Jie, at 45 (First time out of China) with writer Harrison Salisbury
In 1982, at the UCLA, US-Chinese writers conference Click [http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--m26XHdk0so/TguRGQWGs5I/AAAAAAAABF8/lzPMfkPY4Yw/s320/ZhangJieHarrison.gif here] for original source ]]
'''The way Chinese people live'''
We see the working Chinese people struggling to meet ends, with low salaries or enough to get by, and small and/or poor housing, if you can call some of these places mentioned in the story housing. Also there is not much money left, but to only go out for a meal, this is the way of entertainment. They really cannot get out of this type of social class. ''Pag 62, "China really gets its intellectuals on the cheap, Zheng though. Then, remembering the technicians in his ministry and the workers in factories, he reflected, he reflected that China got all its common people on the cheap”'', and the youth has no way of diversion or entertainment but to go out and eat. They could not go out to dance or have money to travel. ''Pag 62, "Zheng glanced round. ‘Apart from the two of us, everybody here’s young. Can’t blame. Eating out is their only diversion. What else can they do!”''

'''The careers that Chinese society forces on their people'''
Zhang show us how Chinese people’s education are not well rounded but are tailor to get jobs that will advance them in society. This situation does not make them happy but it is the way that it has been working for a long time, ''Pag 59, "Looking at his eyes Zheng Ziyun felt a stab of envy. In his young days he had wanted to study anthropology, literature or history, but fate had made him an official.”'' Chinese people dream to experience careers their society does not allow them to have, ''pag 85, "Keeping his eyes on the dark road, Chen said slowly, ‘In middle school I was mad on the violin, thought music the highest form of art. And I wanted to get a PHD in physics. But I’ve ended up a factory manager!” He laughed rather bitterly.''

'''Class struggles, history and beliefs do not let Chinese move forward'''
Zhang Jie let us know that the Chinese people mentality has to change or there will be no progress at all. ''Pag 42, "What they were up against now were deeply ingrained beliefs. These beliefs were like net in which all were caught. History was bound to condemn and eliminate them.”''

'''The Past of the Cultural Revolution = Communism will be remember'''
Zhang Jie made it clear that these abuses and crimes, did happened in China, that her thoughts in this book are not exaggerated or made up, but they come from 'real life events' that mark the Chinese people and their lives. - These events are vital to understand them and what they are fighting for -. During the Cultural Revolution with Mao, all that opposed the Communist government or look like they did, were kill, nearly kill to death, brutally bit up, abuse, persecuted. They could also be send to do 'restitution to these rural places' so they can be re-form, ''pag 45, "The Cultural Revolution brought her fearful anxiety and distress: he was nearly beaten to death. When he came back after several months of confinement in a damp room he could hardly walk for arthritis.”''

'''Zhang Jie calls for a change in the government and the society of China'''.
Heavy wings/ Leaden wings, is a very provocative book and it calls for the Chinese people for a change, to leave once and for all 'old habits' that hold them back, and open themselves to progress with the help of outside markets, ''pag 101, "For some years we studied chairman Mao’s works regardless of the political results. We competed to see who could write the most copious notes or parrot the most quotations. The effectiveness of political work should be judge by the new wealth created. We must run our economy according to economic laws and give up our old egalitarian way of all eating from one big pot. That stifles initiative.”''

'''Zhang Jie speaks about her goals as a writer'''
In September of 1982, Zhang Jie spoke at the UCLA, at the US-Chinese writers conference organized by Norman Cousins about her thoughts in Literature.''*Life should become what humans beings wish it to be*''. When she talks about us, as human beings and what we wish for, it is clear to me that in order to become anything, we must have freedom of choice. Zhang Jie also expressed her feelings of responsibility that she feels the writers have to the world,''*Pure literature as our purpose cannot exist, because the writer’s feeling will have an impact on the material world.* Dillard, Pag 64.'' Zhang Jie then wants freedom to become, but with the understanding that as writers, they have a responsibility to impact the people for a better world.

== Powerpoint Slide ==
[[File:FINAL_DE_Zhang_Jie.pptx|thumb]]

== Disclosure ==
It has been a pleasure to have done this class with Mr Woesler. I had worked hard in my wiki and have done my very best to use the resources available to me in a respectful manner. In doing so, it is my hope that this work can help others 'strengthen the appreciation and knowledge of the Republic of China and their wonderful People'. Erica Bazalar-Oaks. www.bazalar.com

== References ==
[1]Zhang Jie, International Literature Festival Berlin 2003, see Website: [http://www.literaturfestival.com/bios1_3_6_292.html]

== Sources ==
1. Book # 1 Encounters With Chinese Writers By Annie Dillard. http://books.google.com/books?id=g6conZpyrHEC&pg=PA65&lpg=PA65&dq=Zhang+Jie+study+economics&source=bl&ots=KF9QpH8WcC&sig=UDPEQRy0Op_SFaGSG0dOaRLu6hA&hl=en&sa=X&ei=WdS9UK26CYfQygHjrIGoBg&ved=0CFMQ6AEwBQ#v=onepage&q=Zhang%20Jie%20study%20economics&f=false

2. Book # 2 Leaden Wings, Zhang Jie. Published by VIRAGO PRESS Limited 1987. ISBN 0-86068-759-7

3. Faces of Chinese Literature:

4. http://www.upf.edu/materials/huma/central/historia/lite/temes/6postm.htm

5. Her novel: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zhang_Jie_%28writer%29

6. Biography: http://www.beijingscene.com/cissue/feature.html

7. http://www.pen-international.org/

8. http://www.marxists.org/history/erol/ncm-7/cwp-cr/part-3.htm

9. http://www.culturebase.net/artist.php?3577

10. http://www.iu.edu/~easc/outreach/educators/literature/workshops/doc/Perry_2005.pdf 11/16/2012

11. http://www.literaturfestival.com/participants/authors/2003/zhang-jie

12. http://contemporary_chinese_culture.academic.ru/952/Zhang_Jie

13. http://www.iu.edu/~easc/outreach/educators/literature/workshops/doc/Perry_2005.pdf

Zhang Jie (born 1937)

2012-12-05T04:48:08Z

Ericaangie: /* Her work */

[[File:Arch002021286b.jpg|400px|thumb|right|Zhang Jie, an artistic photo by Buso. Click [http://www.martabuso.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/5e06319eda06f020e43594a9c230972d/a/r/arch002021286b.jpg here] for original source ]]
== About Zhang Jie ==
A one of a kind and brilliant Chinese Literature writer. She resumed the aspects of socialism and turned it into a novella. In this way she is able to clearly show us what the people in China of all ranks had to suffer and went through during and after those times of communism, what they were left to be entrusted with, to rebuild upon for a new generation in China. Zhang Jie began to write after the access of power began for Deng Xioping (Deputy Minister), the dead of Mao Tseng Tang occurred in 1976 and the fall of the Gang of Four occurred; this gang included Mao’s cruel wife, Jiang Qing, mastermind and political figure that together with Mao authored millions of crimes during the Cultural Revolution.

It was after these events that Zhang Jie began to write. China finally began to experience a relatively more freedom for writers to create, and works of other foreign writers began to make their way into China. China started to get energized catching on the humanistic and artistic works of the world. It was beginning to exit the 10 years confinement of literature and oppression that had suffered during the Cultural Revolution. The extreme ideals of communism lost attention and writers could now use other themes in their stories, other than the working classes or soldiers. Zhang Jie was now 39 years old. She was finally able and experienced to establish her brilliant place in the Chinese Literature.

[[File:Brigitte_lin_book_fair_hk.jpg|400px|thumb|left|Zhang Jie, at a Hong Kong Book fair. They announced her book
'Without Words' will be go to the big screen. Click [http://wiki.vm.rub.de/uvu/images/5/59/Brigitte_lin_book_fair_hk.jpg here] for original source ]]

== Biography ==
'''1937'''
Zhang Jie was born in Beijing in 1937, her mother taught elementary school, she grew up poor even when she was a Manchu Royalty decedent. She had to escape the Japanese army that wanted to kill them. ''"Her mother, Manchurian royalty by birth but reduced to poverty by China's perpetual war and revolt, was a primary school teacher before the Japanese invasion." beijingscene.com.'' A guide that they meet introduced Zhang Jie to western children stories. The stories she read were from The Grimm brothers, Hans Christian Andersen and the fables of Krylov were among her favorites. Although people like to critic her because about this, Zhang Jie said that she is glad to have read these children stories, because they taught her to be consider to other people and not smash others on her way to success ''"I secretly congratulate myself and say that if I have one iota of human feeling, if I do not move up in the world by stepping on other people, do not use others to gain advantage, it is in large part due to the influence of the humanism in classical Western literature.” beijingscene.com''

'''1956'''
She wanted so badly to be a writer but end up studying economics ''"The government, however decided that because of her excellent school record she should study economics” Dillard pag 65.'' Zhang Jie cried about this but went anyways. Zhang Jie was admitted in RENMIN University of China.

'''1960'''
Zhang Jie, graduated and took a job in the Mechanics Engineer Industry that would allowed her a lot of information in this field to later write her Mao Dun Award winning book 'Heavy Wings (Leaden Wings)'. She worked in this industry for eight years.

'''1963'''
She married a colleague and had a daughter called 'Tang Di'

'''1964'''
Mao wanted the writers to experience equality with the rural or less fortunate people, and get rid off any funny ideas of possible superiority they might have ''"In addition to the Socialist Education Movement in the countryside, Mao repeatedly urged the literature and arts circles, as well as the various propaganda arms, to reform their areas.” marxists.org.''

'''1969'''
At the age of 32 Zhang Jie was sent to a farm for four years to be reform to Jiangxi, located southwest if China. Even when they have lost all money and connection of her royal family, because of her royal lineage, she was considered of a privilege class, so according to the teachings of Mao Tseng Tang she needed to be reform and experience the workers life. ''"Because she was the daughter of a right winger, she was forced to participate in re-educational measures at a special school from 1969 to 1972.” culture.base.net.'' During these times, it must have been very hard to be separated of her daughter and mother.

'''1978'''
Zhang Jie published her first children story right after the Culture Revolution called 'Music of the Forests', and won China national award ''"It was at this time that she also began to write. Only after the Cultural Revolution (1966–67) did she publish her first story" 'Die Musik der Wälder' culturebase.net.'' Russian children literature really was her inspiration to begin writing. Also, she was one of the first Modern writers to write about women and love. 'Love must not be forgotten' was her first novel about these issues of love.

'''1979'''
Zhang Jie joined the Chinese Writers Association. Zhang Jie’s work was popular.

'''1980'''
Her acclaim novella 'Heavy Wings' was published and very well received. She had waited for a long time and because of the changes and relatively freedoms that China was experiencing this was the right moment to do it. Zhang Jie joined the Chinese Communist Party.

'''1982'''
She becomes a member of the PEN International. Zhang Jie would travel outside of China for the first time ever to attend a conference in Los Angeles, at UCLA where she would meet American writer and journalist 'Harrison Salisbury'. Dillard, pag 63. Zhang Jie must have been very happy that she can finally write all she wanted.

'''1985'''
She was awarded the Mao Dun Literature Prize for ''Leaden Wings = Heavy Wings''.''"She was awarded the Mao Dun Literature Prize in 1985 for Leaden Wings and in 2005 for Without a Word, making her the first writer to receive the award twice." .[1]

'''2005'''
Zhang Jie was awarded for the second time the Mao Dun Literature Prize for 'Without a Word'.

[[File:Zhang-jie-0719L.jpg|500px|thumb|right|In 1985, Zhang Jie won the Mao Dun Prize Click [http://images2.chinatraveldepot.com/Images/Destination/Zhang-jie-0719L.jpg here] for original source ]]

== Faces of Chinese Literature ==
I think it is helpful to distinguish 2 important faces in Chinese Literature, and which one Zhang Jie belongs too, this way we can comprehend even better the Chinese Literature evolution.

'''The first face was in the 1920s.''' It started with the fall of the Empire and the disintegration of the Old Traditional Literacy. The beginning of the ‘Chinese Literature Modern Classics was born’, Lu Xun, Lao She, Cao Yu, Mao Deng, Ba Jin and others, ''"At that moment the canonical list of modern classics of Chinese literature came out: Lu Xun, Lao She, Cao Yu, Mao Dun, Ba Jin” www.upf.edu .''

'''The Second face during the 1980s.''' A period of relative relaxation begins that allowed the ‘emerge of new climate of cultural creativity’. The distinction of what it was ‘Revolutionary Literature between – Modern Literature’ was well noticed. "The young writers that had to remain silence had been awakening (good morning Zhang Jie)." In this face: we found Zhang Jie, Wang Meng, Liu Xiabo, Wang Shuo, Hao Shaogong and many more.

== Fun Facts about Zhang Jie ==
[[File:Cute.jpg|250px|thumb|left|Zhang Jie, loves cats and was seeing playing with one at UCLA conference. Click [http://www.thedibb.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=662542] for original source ]]
Zhang Jie loves to giggle and to read books. She has a way of looking at you with sarcasm. Zhang Jie also likes Siamese cats a lot. During the UCLA conference, she got a hold of a cat and would not let go of it. People reported that she was holding on to the cat the wrong way, the cat’s behind was facing people, while the face of the cat was facing Zhang Jie’s back, funny way to hold a kitty, and she did it for a while too, ''"Zhang Jie and innovative and controversial young writer, is carrying my Siamese cat aroung the house. She holds it by the armpit, so it faces the couch.” Dillard, pag 61.''
She also loves to speak softly and her work is regularly under fire, '' Zhang Jie , whose own work is regularly under fire, had to defend the Party line.” Dillard, pag 68.''

== Her work ==
Zhang Jie was raised by her mother, her parents were divorced. Probably at a young age witnessed and experienced the discrimination and abuse to the [[File:ZHangJieHenryMiller.png|400px|thumb|right|Zhang Jie and American writer 'Henry Miller'in 1984 Click [http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C507t-K16jQ/TguQwhGSIiI/AAAAAAAABF0/FI09ZHvkDT4/s320/ZHangJieHenryMiller.gif here] for original source ]]fact that she had no father. In those times single mothers were very lookdown upon and were also discriminated. These facts had to have inspired Zhang Jie into her writings and allowed her to rule when she talks about what women went through during those times, since she had witnessed it herself. A good example of this in one of her books is 'Love must not be forgotten' where she tells a story about a woman that was having doubts about getting marry and finds the diary of her mother. In this diary she finds out that her mother had a secret love. The events of this novel took place during the Cultural Revolution, similar to the fact that Zhang Jie and her mother were going through this situation during the same time ''According to her mother’s wishes, Shanshan did burn the books, but could not part with the diary. As she reads her mother’s words, one of the many things she discovers is that her mother had had a secret love.” www.iu.edu''

'''Why Zhang Jie calls it "Heavy wings"'''
Zhang Jie is a smart writer, strong and brave representative of the new Modern generation. This generation is like a newborn or a new bird representing the Republic of China. Zhang Jie and writers like her are the ones that are responsible to help others break out of the shell, and show them how to fly high. But can they do it? Or, Are the wings of this nation 'too heavy to take off' and begin to fly completely free? You decide. ''She was awarded the Mao Dun Literature Prize in 1985 for Leaden Wings and in 2005 for Without a Word, making her the first writer to receive the award twice” en.wikipedia.org.''

'''Zhang Jie way of writing'''
''By taking us inside the story, Zhang Jie show us how the people of China lives, how they struggle silently hoping for a change that is too slow in the process of happening, like a pregnant mother that is in contractions now, this mother or nation that has been evolving month by month, decade by decade, and is in growing pains of the changes that are taking place, for a new baby, a new nation that is pushing to come out, and by coming out is creating changes in the way of thinking of China, a China that wants to breath loud, that wants to take off flying freely, and wants to reach the stars without having the government teased her and tide her down like a kite. Erica Bazalar-Oaks.''

In this novella, Zhang Jie is brilliant! She takes us inside the society of China in a very personal way. She describes the personalities so well and body movements, their rooms, houses and buildings where they live, and through her words make us feel as spectators that we can be seating right there on a chair, or on the table near by ear dropping on the conversation the characters are having. Zhang Jie shows as a writer her brilliance and experience, when the story just flows. She goes from one story to another in such a subtle way, that you as the reader are not a bit distracted, but pleasingly surprise making you feel like a light feather traveling gently from one side to another. On her words, she also uses European phrases that are well known and demonstrates her past influences in readings, pag 95 ''Not all high officials rested in their laurels.” Also Zhang Jie demonstrates something I found interesting, her unique and personal style of writing when she mixes in one situation, two elements from different backgrounds. She can convey and interesting way of thinking that she cleanly and successfully displays in her novella. A good example is when the character of Zheng was in the car letting the breeze to ruffle his hair, Zheng though to himself, ''pag 102, "Would this speech he had just made, like previous ones, vanish without a trace like a snowflake in the dessert?”'' Here she uses the snowflake that happens on winter season, and combines it with the element of the dessert that portraits a hot weather, two different types of times to explain the feelings of the character of Zheng. I enjoyed that.

[[File:Zhang-jie.png|400px|thumb|left|Zhang Jie very young in her twenties Click [http://digital.library.upenn.edu/women/_gallery/zhang-jie.gif here] for original source ]]

== Analysis of the Book Heavy Wings ==

'''Heavy Wings also call Leaden Wings'''
Heavy/Leaden Wings was published in 1980. Zhang Jie tells us what is happening today in Modern China after the Cultural Revolution, and where they stand in progress in their society and the world. One important thing that she writes about is 'marriage' in a country that is full of traditions, marriage can be one thing that is controversial to discuss. In Heavy Wings, the characters, women and men of different economical classes equally show their struggles in marriage, and fears of the society criticism if they would ever were to get divorce. Zhang Jie has been accused before of being immoral or too westernized, also to work against the party. Zhang Jie herself is divorced; in her work she stands for true love versus tradition. But, 'This also could mean that the author is suggesting that women and men can and should take their time experiencing falling in love! Before they go into rehearse marriage'. Also, this novella centers in the modernization of the Chinese industry and how the citizens are all for modern and bringing outside investments, especially interesting since Chinese people has not favored or trust outside companies. Heavy Wings give us as well an interesting inside of the social classes China has. We have the working classes that work in the industry very hard and barely get by, the middle class with the managers in charge that want to make a difference for their people and the ministers that are the ones that are way involve with the party, make the money and can do good or bad.

'''Modernization of China'''
When she talks about the modernization of China industry, she can give an excellent inside of thoughts about the progress in this organization, since she worked in this field for many years in the past. That means that she probably also witnessed the corruption that goes on; the good people that want to modernize and make a difference in their sector for the better, but encounter corruption with the bad people that only wants to hold on tied to communism rules, so they can benefit themselves and not the workers, that work hard and that need to make more money, to at least better their living conditions, ''pag 86 "To boost production in China you have to improve living conditions.”''

'''Divorce in the Chinese society'''
Heavy wings shows how people therefore might not be in love but because it would look bad on them, they have to put up with it, ''pag 34,"He seldom had free Sunday and they slept in different rooms.”''If they would divorce, for the men in their careers, they could lose their social status and be consider unstable losers, and for the women is far worst, if they became divorcees they can be look down as prostitutes, ''pag 107, "He darted a warning glance at Zheng. To him divorcees ranked with prostitutes.”'' One call only imagine how much Zheng Jie suffered when she was little looking at her mother been mistreated since her mother was divorced, and after loosing all position in society and money, Zheng Jie’s mother had to find a job, protect her daughter and put up with a society that did not protect her but made their lives worst. We can definitely tell that this part in Zhang Jie’s life influenced this writer a lot when she learnt this type of discrimination against her mother, against women in her society.

'''Tender moments'''
There are also great moments of tenderness in this story from Chinese men and women, that will give a better understanding of their deep hearts. ''Pag 79, "Everyone present was watching him in silence. The sight gave him fresh strength. Old Lü’s bearded chin beneath his bleary eyes was quivering. Chen put the dumpling into the old fellow’s mouth. ‘I let you down, Old Lü, he said.”''

[[File:ZhangJieHarrison.png|400px|thumb|right|Zhang Jie, at 45 (First time out of China) with writer Harrison Salisbury
In 1982, at the UCLA, US-Chinese writers conference Click [http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--m26XHdk0so/TguRGQWGs5I/AAAAAAAABF8/lzPMfkPY4Yw/s320/ZhangJieHarrison.gif here] for original source ]]
'''The way Chinese people live'''
We see the working Chinese people struggling to meet ends, with low salaries or enough to get by, and small and/or poor housing, if you can call some of these places mentioned in the story housing. Also there is not much money left, but to only go out for a meal, this is the way of entertainment. They really cannot get out of this type of social class. ''Pag 62, "China really gets its intellectuals on the cheap, Zheng though. Then, remembering the technicians in his ministry and the workers in factories, he reflected, he reflected that China got all its common people on the cheap”'', and the youth has no way of diversion or entertainment but to go out and eat. They could not go out to dance or have money to travel. ''Pag 62, "Zheng glanced round. ‘Apart from the two of us, everybody here’s young. Can’t blame. Eating out is their only diversion. What else can they do!”''

'''The careers that Chinese society forces on their people'''
Zhang show us how Chinese people’s education are not well rounded but are tailor to get jobs that will advance them in society. This situation does not make them happy but it is the way that it has been working for a long time, ''Pag 59, "Looking at his eyes Zheng Ziyun felt a stab of envy. In his young days he had wanted to study anthropology, literature or history, but fate had made him an official.”'' Chinese people dream to experience careers their society does not allow them to have, ''pag 85, "Keeping his eyes on the dark road, Chen said slowly, ‘In middle school I was mad on the violin, thought music the highest form of art. And I wanted to get a PHD in physics. But I’ve ended up a factory manager!” He laughed rather bitterly.''

'''Class struggles, history and beliefs do not let Chinese move forward'''
Zhang Jie let us know that the Chinese people mentality has to change or there will be no progress at all. ''Pag 42, "What they were up against now were deeply ingrained beliefs. These beliefs were like net in which all were caught. History was bound to condemn and eliminate them.”''

'''The Past of the Cultural Revolution = Communism will be remember'''
Zhang Jie made it clear that these abuses and crimes, did happened in China, that her thoughts in this book are not exaggerated or made up, but they come from 'real life events' that mark the Chinese people and their lives. - These events are vital to understand them and what they are fighting for -. During the Cultural Revolution with Mao, all that opposed the Communist government or look like they did, were kill, nearly kill to death, brutally bit up, abuse, persecuted. They could also be send to do 'restitution to these rural places' so they can be re-form, ''pag 45, "The Cultural Revolution brought her fearful anxiety and distress: he was nearly beaten to death. When he came back after several months of confinement in a damp room he could hardly walk for arthritis.”''

'''Zhang Jie calls for a change in the government and the society of China'''.
Heavy wings/ Leaden wings, is a very provocative book and it calls for the Chinese people for a change, to leave once and for all 'old habits' that hold them back, and open themselves to progress with the help of outside markets, ''pag 101, "For some years we studied chairman Mao’s works regardless of the political results. We competed to see who could write the most copious notes or parrot the most quotations. The effectiveness of political work should be judge by the new wealth created. We must run our economy according to economic laws and give up our old egalitarian way of all eating from one big pot. That stifles initiative.”''

'''Zhang Jie speaks about her goals as a writer'''
In September of 1982, Zhang Jie spoke at the UCLA, at the US-Chinese writers conference organized by Norman Cousins about her thoughts in Literature.''*Life should become what humans beings wish it to be*''. When she talks about us, as human beings and what we wish for, it is clear to me that in order to become anything, we must have freedom of choice. Zhang Jie also expressed her feelings of responsibility that she feels the writers have to the world,''*Pure literature as our purpose cannot exist, because the writer’s feeling will have an impact on the material world.* Dillard, Pag 64.'' Zhang Jie then wants freedom to become, but with the understanding that as writers, they have a responsibility to impact the people for a better world.

== Powerpoint Slide ==
[[File:FINAL_DE_Zhang_Jie.pptx|thumb]]

== Disclosure ==
It has been a pleasure to have done this class with Mr Woesler. I had worked hard in my wiki and have done my very best to use the resources available to me in a respectful manner. In doing so, it is my hope that this work can help others 'strengthen the appreciation and knowledge of the Republic of China and their wonderful People'. Erica Bazalar-Oaks. www.bazalar.com

== References ==
[1]Zhang Jie, International Literature Festival Berlin 2003, see Website: [http://www.literaturfestival.com/bios1_3_6_292.html]

== Sources ==
1. Book # 1 Encounters With Chinese Writers By Annie Dillard. http://books.google.com/books?id=g6conZpyrHEC&pg=PA65&lpg=PA65&dq=Zhang+Jie+study+economics&source=bl&ots=KF9QpH8WcC&sig=UDPEQRy0Op_SFaGSG0dOaRLu6hA&hl=en&sa=X&ei=WdS9UK26CYfQygHjrIGoBg&ved=0CFMQ6AEwBQ#v=onepage&q=Zhang%20Jie%20study%20economics&f=false

2. Book # 2 Leaden Wings, Zhang Jie. Published by VIRAGO PRESS Limited 1987. ISBN 0-86068-759-7

3. Faces of Chinese Literature:

4. http://www.upf.edu/materials/huma/central/historia/lite/temes/6postm.htm

5. Her novel: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zhang_Jie_%28writer%29

6. Biography: http://www.beijingscene.com/cissue/feature.html

7. http://www.pen-international.org/

8. http://www.marxists.org/history/erol/ncm-7/cwp-cr/part-3.htm

9. http://www.culturebase.net/artist.php?3577

10. http://www.iu.edu/~easc/outreach/educators/literature/workshops/doc/Perry_2005.pdf 11/16/2012

11. http://www.literaturfestival.com/participants/authors/2003/zhang-jie

12. http://contemporary_chinese_culture.academic.ru/952/Zhang_Jie

13. http://www.iu.edu/~easc/outreach/educators/literature/workshops/doc/Perry_2005.pdf

Zhang Jie (born 1937)

2012-12-05T04:46:18Z

Ericaangie: /* Faces of Chinese Literature */

[[File:Arch002021286b.jpg|400px|thumb|right|Zhang Jie, an artistic photo by Buso. Click [http://www.martabuso.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/5e06319eda06f020e43594a9c230972d/a/r/arch002021286b.jpg here] for original source ]]
== About Zhang Jie ==
A one of a kind and brilliant Chinese Literature writer. She resumed the aspects of socialism and turned it into a novella. In this way she is able to clearly show us what the people in China of all ranks had to suffer and went through during and after those times of communism, what they were left to be entrusted with, to rebuild upon for a new generation in China. Zhang Jie began to write after the access of power began for Deng Xioping (Deputy Minister), the dead of Mao Tseng Tang occurred in 1976 and the fall of the Gang of Four occurred; this gang included Mao’s cruel wife, Jiang Qing, mastermind and political figure that together with Mao authored millions of crimes during the Cultural Revolution.

It was after these events that Zhang Jie began to write. China finally began to experience a relatively more freedom for writers to create, and works of other foreign writers began to make their way into China. China started to get energized catching on the humanistic and artistic works of the world. It was beginning to exit the 10 years confinement of literature and oppression that had suffered during the Cultural Revolution. The extreme ideals of communism lost attention and writers could now use other themes in their stories, other than the working classes or soldiers. Zhang Jie was now 39 years old. She was finally able and experienced to establish her brilliant place in the Chinese Literature.

[[File:Brigitte_lin_book_fair_hk.jpg|400px|thumb|left|Zhang Jie, at a Hong Kong Book fair. They announced her book
'Without Words' will be go to the big screen. Click [http://wiki.vm.rub.de/uvu/images/5/59/Brigitte_lin_book_fair_hk.jpg here] for original source ]]

== Biography ==
'''1937'''
Zhang Jie was born in Beijing in 1937, her mother taught elementary school, she grew up poor even when she was a Manchu Royalty decedent. She had to escape the Japanese army that wanted to kill them. ''"Her mother, Manchurian royalty by birth but reduced to poverty by China's perpetual war and revolt, was a primary school teacher before the Japanese invasion." beijingscene.com.'' A guide that they meet introduced Zhang Jie to western children stories. The stories she read were from The Grimm brothers, Hans Christian Andersen and the fables of Krylov were among her favorites. Although people like to critic her because about this, Zhang Jie said that she is glad to have read these children stories, because they taught her to be consider to other people and not smash others on her way to success ''"I secretly congratulate myself and say that if I have one iota of human feeling, if I do not move up in the world by stepping on other people, do not use others to gain advantage, it is in large part due to the influence of the humanism in classical Western literature.” beijingscene.com''

'''1956'''
She wanted so badly to be a writer but end up studying economics ''"The government, however decided that because of her excellent school record she should study economics” Dillard pag 65.'' Zhang Jie cried about this but went anyways. Zhang Jie was admitted in RENMIN University of China.

'''1960'''
Zhang Jie, graduated and took a job in the Mechanics Engineer Industry that would allowed her a lot of information in this field to later write her Mao Dun Award winning book 'Heavy Wings (Leaden Wings)'. She worked in this industry for eight years.

'''1963'''
She married a colleague and had a daughter called 'Tang Di'

'''1964'''
Mao wanted the writers to experience equality with the rural or less fortunate people, and get rid off any funny ideas of possible superiority they might have ''"In addition to the Socialist Education Movement in the countryside, Mao repeatedly urged the literature and arts circles, as well as the various propaganda arms, to reform their areas.” marxists.org.''

'''1969'''
At the age of 32 Zhang Jie was sent to a farm for four years to be reform to Jiangxi, located southwest if China. Even when they have lost all money and connection of her royal family, because of her royal lineage, she was considered of a privilege class, so according to the teachings of Mao Tseng Tang she needed to be reform and experience the workers life. ''"Because she was the daughter of a right winger, she was forced to participate in re-educational measures at a special school from 1969 to 1972.” culture.base.net.'' During these times, it must have been very hard to be separated of her daughter and mother.

'''1978'''
Zhang Jie published her first children story right after the Culture Revolution called 'Music of the Forests', and won China national award ''"It was at this time that she also began to write. Only after the Cultural Revolution (1966–67) did she publish her first story" 'Die Musik der Wälder' culturebase.net.'' Russian children literature really was her inspiration to begin writing. Also, she was one of the first Modern writers to write about women and love. 'Love must not be forgotten' was her first novel about these issues of love.

'''1979'''
Zhang Jie joined the Chinese Writers Association. Zhang Jie’s work was popular.

'''1980'''
Her acclaim novella 'Heavy Wings' was published and very well received. She had waited for a long time and because of the changes and relatively freedoms that China was experiencing this was the right moment to do it. Zhang Jie joined the Chinese Communist Party.

'''1982'''
She becomes a member of the PEN International. Zhang Jie would travel outside of China for the first time ever to attend a conference in Los Angeles, at UCLA where she would meet American writer and journalist 'Harrison Salisbury'. Dillard, pag 63. Zhang Jie must have been very happy that she can finally write all she wanted.

'''1985'''
She was awarded the Mao Dun Literature Prize for ''Leaden Wings = Heavy Wings''.''"She was awarded the Mao Dun Literature Prize in 1985 for Leaden Wings and in 2005 for Without a Word, making her the first writer to receive the award twice." .[1]

'''2005'''
Zhang Jie was awarded for the second time the Mao Dun Literature Prize for 'Without a Word'.

[[File:Zhang-jie-0719L.jpg|500px|thumb|right|In 1985, Zhang Jie won the Mao Dun Prize Click [http://images2.chinatraveldepot.com/Images/Destination/Zhang-jie-0719L.jpg here] for original source ]]

== Faces of Chinese Literature ==
I think it is helpful to distinguish 2 important faces in Chinese Literature, and which one Zhang Jie belongs too, this way we can comprehend even better the Chinese Literature evolution.

'''The first face was in the 1920s.''' It started with the fall of the Empire and the disintegration of the Old Traditional Literacy. The beginning of the ‘Chinese Literature Modern Classics was born’, Lu Xun, Lao She, Cao Yu, Mao Deng, Ba Jin and others, ''"At that moment the canonical list of modern classics of Chinese literature came out: Lu Xun, Lao She, Cao Yu, Mao Dun, Ba Jin” www.upf.edu .''

'''The Second face during the 1980s.''' A period of relative relaxation begins that allowed the ‘emerge of new climate of cultural creativity’. The distinction of what it was ‘Revolutionary Literature between – Modern Literature’ was well noticed. "The young writers that had to remain silence had been awakening (good morning Zhang Jie)." In this face: we found Zhang Jie, Wang Meng, Liu Xiabo, Wang Shuo, Hao Shaogong and many more.

== Fun Facts about Zhang Jie ==
[[File:Cute.jpg|250px|thumb|left|Zhang Jie, loves cats and was seeing playing with one at UCLA conference. Click [http://www.thedibb.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=662542] for original source ]]
Zhang Jie loves to giggle and to read books. She has a way of looking at you with sarcasm. Zhang Jie also likes Siamese cats a lot. During the UCLA conference, she got a hold of a cat and would not let go of it. People reported that she was holding on to the cat the wrong way, the cat’s behind was facing people, while the face of the cat was facing Zhang Jie’s back, funny way to hold a kitty, and she did it for a while too, ''"Zhang Jie and innovative and controversial young writer, is carrying my Siamese cat aroung the house. She holds it by the armpit, so it faces the couch.” Dillard, pag 61.''
She also loves to speak softly and her work is regularly under fire, '' Zhang Jie , whose own work is regularly under fire, had to defend the Party line.” Dillard, pag 68.''

== Her work ==
Zhang Jie was raised by her mother, her parents were divorced. Probably at a young age witnessed and experienced the discrimination and abuse to the fact that she had no father. In those times single mothers were very lookdown upon and were also discriminated. [[File:ZHangJieHenryMiller.png|400px|thumb|right|Zhang Jie and American writer 'Henry Miller'in 1984 Click [http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C507t-K16jQ/TguQwhGSIiI/AAAAAAAABF0/FI09ZHvkDT4/s320/ZHangJieHenryMiller.gif here] for original source ]]These facts had to have inspired Zhang Jie into her writings and allowed her to rule when she talks about what women went through during those times, since she had witnessed it herself. A good example of this in one of her books is 'Love must not be forgotten' where she tells a story about a woman that was having doubts about getting marry and finds the diary of her mother. In this diary she finds out that her mother had a secret love. The events of this novel took place during the Cultural Revolution, similar to the fact that Zhang Jie and her mother were going through this situation during the same time ''According to her mother’s wishes, Shanshan did burn the books, but could not part with the diary. As she reads her mother’s words, one of the many things she discovers is that her mother had had a secret love.” www.iu.edu''

'''Why Zhang Jie calls it "Heavy wings"'''
Zhang Jie is a smart writer, strong and brave representative of the new Modern generation. This generation is like a newborn or a new bird representing the Republic of China. Zhang Jie and writers like her are the ones that are responsible to help others break out of the shell, and show them how to fly high. But can they do it? Or, Are the wings of this nation 'too heavy to take off' and begin to fly completely free? You decide. ''She was awarded the Mao Dun Literature Prize in 1985 for Leaden Wings and in 2005 for Without a Word, making her the first writer to receive the award twice” en.wikipedia.org.''

'''Zhang Jie way of writing'''
''By taking us inside the story, Zhang Jie show us how the people of China lives, how they struggle silently hoping for a change that is too slow in the process of happening, like a pregnant mother that is in contractions now, this mother or nation that has been evolving month by month, decade by decade, and is in growing pains of the changes that are taking place, for a new baby, a new nation that is pushing to come out, and by coming out is creating changes in the way of thinking of China, a China that wants to breath loud, that wants to take off flying freely, and wants to reach the stars without having the government teased her and tide her down like a kite. Erica Bazalar-Oaks.''

In this novella, Zhang Jie is brilliant! She takes us inside the society of China in a very personal way. She describes the personalities so well and body movements, their rooms, houses and buildings where they live, and through her words make us feel as spectators that we can be seating right there on a chair, or on the table near by ear dropping on the conversation the characters are having. Zhang Jie shows as a writer her brilliance and experience, when the story just flows. She goes from one story to another in such a subtle way, that you as the reader are not a bit distracted, but pleasingly surprise making you feel like a light feather traveling gently from one side to another. On her words, she also uses European phrases that are well known and demonstrates her past influences in readings, pag 95 ''Not all high officials rested in their laurels.” Also Zhang Jie demonstrates something I found interesting, her unique and personal style of writing when she mixes in one situation, two elements from different backgrounds. She can convey and interesting way of thinking that she cleanly and successfully displays in her novella. A good example is when the character of Zheng was in the car letting the breeze to ruffle his hair, Zheng though to himself, ''pag 102, "Would this speech he had just made, like previous ones, vanish without a trace like a snowflake in the dessert?”'' Here she uses the snowflake that happens on winter season, and combines it with the element of the dessert that portraits a hot weather, two different types of times to explain the feelings of the character of Zheng. I enjoyed that.

[[File:Zhang-jie.png|400px|thumb|left|Zhang Jie very young in her twenties Click [http://digital.library.upenn.edu/women/_gallery/zhang-jie.gif here] for original source ]]

== Analysis of the Book Heavy Wings ==

'''Heavy Wings also call Leaden Wings'''
Heavy/Leaden Wings was published in 1980. Zhang Jie tells us what is happening today in Modern China after the Cultural Revolution, and where they stand in progress in their society and the world. One important thing that she writes about is 'marriage' in a country that is full of traditions, marriage can be one thing that is controversial to discuss. In Heavy Wings, the characters, women and men of different economical classes equally show their struggles in marriage, and fears of the society criticism if they would ever were to get divorce. Zhang Jie has been accused before of being immoral or too westernized, also to work against the party. Zhang Jie herself is divorced; in her work she stands for true love versus tradition. But, 'This also could mean that the author is suggesting that women and men can and should take their time experiencing falling in love! Before they go into rehearse marriage'. Also, this novella centers in the modernization of the Chinese industry and how the citizens are all for modern and bringing outside investments, especially interesting since Chinese people has not favored or trust outside companies. Heavy Wings give us as well an interesting inside of the social classes China has. We have the working classes that work in the industry very hard and barely get by, the middle class with the managers in charge that want to make a difference for their people and the ministers that are the ones that are way involve with the party, make the money and can do good or bad.

'''Modernization of China'''
When she talks about the modernization of China industry, she can give an excellent inside of thoughts about the progress in this organization, since she worked in this field for many years in the past. That means that she probably also witnessed the corruption that goes on; the good people that want to modernize and make a difference in their sector for the better, but encounter corruption with the bad people that only wants to hold on tied to communism rules, so they can benefit themselves and not the workers, that work hard and that need to make more money, to at least better their living conditions, ''pag 86 "To boost production in China you have to improve living conditions.”''

'''Divorce in the Chinese society'''
Heavy wings shows how people therefore might not be in love but because it would look bad on them, they have to put up with it, ''pag 34,"He seldom had free Sunday and they slept in different rooms.”''If they would divorce, for the men in their careers, they could lose their social status and be consider unstable losers, and for the women is far worst, if they became divorcees they can be look down as prostitutes, ''pag 107, "He darted a warning glance at Zheng. To him divorcees ranked with prostitutes.”'' One call only imagine how much Zheng Jie suffered when she was little looking at her mother been mistreated since her mother was divorced, and after loosing all position in society and money, Zheng Jie’s mother had to find a job, protect her daughter and put up with a society that did not protect her but made their lives worst. We can definitely tell that this part in Zhang Jie’s life influenced this writer a lot when she learnt this type of discrimination against her mother, against women in her society.

'''Tender moments'''
There are also great moments of tenderness in this story from Chinese men and women, that will give a better understanding of their deep hearts. ''Pag 79, "Everyone present was watching him in silence. The sight gave him fresh strength. Old Lü’s bearded chin beneath his bleary eyes was quivering. Chen put the dumpling into the old fellow’s mouth. ‘I let you down, Old Lü, he said.”''

[[File:ZhangJieHarrison.png|400px|thumb|right|Zhang Jie, at 45 (First time out of China) with writer Harrison Salisbury
In 1982, at the UCLA, US-Chinese writers conference Click [http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--m26XHdk0so/TguRGQWGs5I/AAAAAAAABF8/lzPMfkPY4Yw/s320/ZhangJieHarrison.gif here] for original source ]]
'''The way Chinese people live'''
We see the working Chinese people struggling to meet ends, with low salaries or enough to get by, and small and/or poor housing, if you can call some of these places mentioned in the story housing. Also there is not much money left, but to only go out for a meal, this is the way of entertainment. They really cannot get out of this type of social class. ''Pag 62, "China really gets its intellectuals on the cheap, Zheng though. Then, remembering the technicians in his ministry and the workers in factories, he reflected, he reflected that China got all its common people on the cheap”'', and the youth has no way of diversion or entertainment but to go out and eat. They could not go out to dance or have money to travel. ''Pag 62, "Zheng glanced round. ‘Apart from the two of us, everybody here’s young. Can’t blame. Eating out is their only diversion. What else can they do!”''

'''The careers that Chinese society forces on their people'''
Zhang show us how Chinese people’s education are not well rounded but are tailor to get jobs that will advance them in society. This situation does not make them happy but it is the way that it has been working for a long time, ''Pag 59, "Looking at his eyes Zheng Ziyun felt a stab of envy. In his young days he had wanted to study anthropology, literature or history, but fate had made him an official.”'' Chinese people dream to experience careers their society does not allow them to have, ''pag 85, "Keeping his eyes on the dark road, Chen said slowly, ‘In middle school I was mad on the violin, thought music the highest form of art. And I wanted to get a PHD in physics. But I’ve ended up a factory manager!” He laughed rather bitterly.''

'''Class struggles, history and beliefs do not let Chinese move forward'''
Zhang Jie let us know that the Chinese people mentality has to change or there will be no progress at all. ''Pag 42, "What they were up against now were deeply ingrained beliefs. These beliefs were like net in which all were caught. History was bound to condemn and eliminate them.”''

'''The Past of the Cultural Revolution = Communism will be remember'''
Zhang Jie made it clear that these abuses and crimes, did happened in China, that her thoughts in this book are not exaggerated or made up, but they come from 'real life events' that mark the Chinese people and their lives. - These events are vital to understand them and what they are fighting for -. During the Cultural Revolution with Mao, all that opposed the Communist government or look like they did, were kill, nearly kill to death, brutally bit up, abuse, persecuted. They could also be send to do 'restitution to these rural places' so they can be re-form, ''pag 45, "The Cultural Revolution brought her fearful anxiety and distress: he was nearly beaten to death. When he came back after several months of confinement in a damp room he could hardly walk for arthritis.”''

'''Zhang Jie calls for a change in the government and the society of China'''.
Heavy wings/ Leaden wings, is a very provocative book and it calls for the Chinese people for a change, to leave once and for all 'old habits' that hold them back, and open themselves to progress with the help of outside markets, ''pag 101, "For some years we studied chairman Mao’s works regardless of the political results. We competed to see who could write the most copious notes or parrot the most quotations. The effectiveness of political work should be judge by the new wealth created. We must run our economy according to economic laws and give up our old egalitarian way of all eating from one big pot. That stifles initiative.”''

'''Zhang Jie speaks about her goals as a writer'''
In September of 1982, Zhang Jie spoke at the UCLA, at the US-Chinese writers conference organized by Norman Cousins about her thoughts in Literature.''*Life should become what humans beings wish it to be*''. When she talks about us, as human beings and what we wish for, it is clear to me that in order to become anything, we must have freedom of choice. Zhang Jie also expressed her feelings of responsibility that she feels the writers have to the world,''*Pure literature as our purpose cannot exist, because the writer’s feeling will have an impact on the material world.* Dillard, Pag 64.'' Zhang Jie then wants freedom to become, but with the understanding that as writers, they have a responsibility to impact the people for a better world.

== Powerpoint Slide ==
[[File:FINAL_DE_Zhang_Jie.pptx|thumb]]

== Disclosure ==
It has been a pleasure to have done this class with Mr Woesler. I had worked hard in my wiki and have done my very best to use the resources available to me in a respectful manner. In doing so, it is my hope that this work can help others 'strengthen the appreciation and knowledge of the Republic of China and their wonderful People'. Erica Bazalar-Oaks. www.bazalar.com

== References ==
[1]Zhang Jie, International Literature Festival Berlin 2003, see Website: [http://www.literaturfestival.com/bios1_3_6_292.html]

== Sources ==
1. Book # 1 Encounters With Chinese Writers By Annie Dillard. http://books.google.com/books?id=g6conZpyrHEC&pg=PA65&lpg=PA65&dq=Zhang+Jie+study+economics&source=bl&ots=KF9QpH8WcC&sig=UDPEQRy0Op_SFaGSG0dOaRLu6hA&hl=en&sa=X&ei=WdS9UK26CYfQygHjrIGoBg&ved=0CFMQ6AEwBQ#v=onepage&q=Zhang%20Jie%20study%20economics&f=false

2. Book # 2 Leaden Wings, Zhang Jie. Published by VIRAGO PRESS Limited 1987. ISBN 0-86068-759-7

3. Faces of Chinese Literature:

4. http://www.upf.edu/materials/huma/central/historia/lite/temes/6postm.htm

5. Her novel: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zhang_Jie_%28writer%29

6. Biography: http://www.beijingscene.com/cissue/feature.html

7. http://www.pen-international.org/

8. http://www.marxists.org/history/erol/ncm-7/cwp-cr/part-3.htm

9. http://www.culturebase.net/artist.php?3577

10. http://www.iu.edu/~easc/outreach/educators/literature/workshops/doc/Perry_2005.pdf 11/16/2012

11. http://www.literaturfestival.com/participants/authors/2003/zhang-jie

12. http://contemporary_chinese_culture.academic.ru/952/Zhang_Jie

13. http://www.iu.edu/~easc/outreach/educators/literature/workshops/doc/Perry_2005.pdf

Zhang Jie (born 1937)

2012-12-05T04:46:03Z

Ericaangie: /* Faces of Chinese Literature */

[[File:Arch002021286b.jpg|400px|thumb|right|Zhang Jie, an artistic photo by Buso. Click [http://www.martabuso.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/5e06319eda06f020e43594a9c230972d/a/r/arch002021286b.jpg here] for original source ]]
== About Zhang Jie ==
A one of a kind and brilliant Chinese Literature writer. She resumed the aspects of socialism and turned it into a novella. In this way she is able to clearly show us what the people in China of all ranks had to suffer and went through during and after those times of communism, what they were left to be entrusted with, to rebuild upon for a new generation in China. Zhang Jie began to write after the access of power began for Deng Xioping (Deputy Minister), the dead of Mao Tseng Tang occurred in 1976 and the fall of the Gang of Four occurred; this gang included Mao’s cruel wife, Jiang Qing, mastermind and political figure that together with Mao authored millions of crimes during the Cultural Revolution.

It was after these events that Zhang Jie began to write. China finally began to experience a relatively more freedom for writers to create, and works of other foreign writers began to make their way into China. China started to get energized catching on the humanistic and artistic works of the world. It was beginning to exit the 10 years confinement of literature and oppression that had suffered during the Cultural Revolution. The extreme ideals of communism lost attention and writers could now use other themes in their stories, other than the working classes or soldiers. Zhang Jie was now 39 years old. She was finally able and experienced to establish her brilliant place in the Chinese Literature.

[[File:Brigitte_lin_book_fair_hk.jpg|400px|thumb|left|Zhang Jie, at a Hong Kong Book fair. They announced her book
'Without Words' will be go to the big screen. Click [http://wiki.vm.rub.de/uvu/images/5/59/Brigitte_lin_book_fair_hk.jpg here] for original source ]]

== Biography ==
'''1937'''
Zhang Jie was born in Beijing in 1937, her mother taught elementary school, she grew up poor even when she was a Manchu Royalty decedent. She had to escape the Japanese army that wanted to kill them. ''"Her mother, Manchurian royalty by birth but reduced to poverty by China's perpetual war and revolt, was a primary school teacher before the Japanese invasion." beijingscene.com.'' A guide that they meet introduced Zhang Jie to western children stories. The stories she read were from The Grimm brothers, Hans Christian Andersen and the fables of Krylov were among her favorites. Although people like to critic her because about this, Zhang Jie said that she is glad to have read these children stories, because they taught her to be consider to other people and not smash others on her way to success ''"I secretly congratulate myself and say that if I have one iota of human feeling, if I do not move up in the world by stepping on other people, do not use others to gain advantage, it is in large part due to the influence of the humanism in classical Western literature.” beijingscene.com''

'''1956'''
She wanted so badly to be a writer but end up studying economics ''"The government, however decided that because of her excellent school record she should study economics” Dillard pag 65.'' Zhang Jie cried about this but went anyways. Zhang Jie was admitted in RENMIN University of China.

'''1960'''
Zhang Jie, graduated and took a job in the Mechanics Engineer Industry that would allowed her a lot of information in this field to later write her Mao Dun Award winning book 'Heavy Wings (Leaden Wings)'. She worked in this industry for eight years.

'''1963'''
She married a colleague and had a daughter called 'Tang Di'

'''1964'''
Mao wanted the writers to experience equality with the rural or less fortunate people, and get rid off any funny ideas of possible superiority they might have ''"In addition to the Socialist Education Movement in the countryside, Mao repeatedly urged the literature and arts circles, as well as the various propaganda arms, to reform their areas.” marxists.org.''

'''1969'''
At the age of 32 Zhang Jie was sent to a farm for four years to be reform to Jiangxi, located southwest if China. Even when they have lost all money and connection of her royal family, because of her royal lineage, she was considered of a privilege class, so according to the teachings of Mao Tseng Tang she needed to be reform and experience the workers life. ''"Because she was the daughter of a right winger, she was forced to participate in re-educational measures at a special school from 1969 to 1972.” culture.base.net.'' During these times, it must have been very hard to be separated of her daughter and mother.

'''1978'''
Zhang Jie published her first children story right after the Culture Revolution called 'Music of the Forests', and won China national award ''"It was at this time that she also began to write. Only after the Cultural Revolution (1966–67) did she publish her first story" 'Die Musik der Wälder' culturebase.net.'' Russian children literature really was her inspiration to begin writing. Also, she was one of the first Modern writers to write about women and love. 'Love must not be forgotten' was her first novel about these issues of love.

'''1979'''
Zhang Jie joined the Chinese Writers Association. Zhang Jie’s work was popular.

'''1980'''
Her acclaim novella 'Heavy Wings' was published and very well received. She had waited for a long time and because of the changes and relatively freedoms that China was experiencing this was the right moment to do it. Zhang Jie joined the Chinese Communist Party.

'''1982'''
She becomes a member of the PEN International. Zhang Jie would travel outside of China for the first time ever to attend a conference in Los Angeles, at UCLA where she would meet American writer and journalist 'Harrison Salisbury'. Dillard, pag 63. Zhang Jie must have been very happy that she can finally write all she wanted.

'''1985'''
She was awarded the Mao Dun Literature Prize for ''Leaden Wings = Heavy Wings''.''"She was awarded the Mao Dun Literature Prize in 1985 for Leaden Wings and in 2005 for Without a Word, making her the first writer to receive the award twice." .[1]

'''2005'''
Zhang Jie was awarded for the second time the Mao Dun Literature Prize for 'Without a Word'.

[[File:Zhang-jie-0719L.jpg|500px|thumb|right|In 1985, Zhang Jie won the Mao Dun Prize Click [http://images2.chinatraveldepot.com/Images/Destination/Zhang-jie-0719L.jpg here] for original source ]]

== Faces of Chinese Literature ==
I think it is helpful to distinguish 2 important faces in Chinese Literature, and which one Zhang Jie belongs too, this way we can comprehend even better the Chinese Literature evolution.
'''The first face was in the 1920s.''' It started with the fall of the Empire and the disintegration of the Old Traditional Literacy. The beginning of the ‘Chinese Literature Modern Classics was born’, Lu Xun, Lao She, Cao Yu, Mao Deng, Ba Jin and others, ''"At that moment the canonical list of modern classics of Chinese literature came out: Lu Xun, Lao She, Cao Yu, Mao Dun, Ba Jin” www.upf.edu .''

'''The Second face during the 1980s.''' A period of relative relaxation begins that allowed the ‘emerge of new climate of cultural creativity’. The distinction of what it was ‘Revolutionary Literature between – Modern Literature’ was well noticed. "The young writers that had to remain silence had been awakening (good morning Zhang Jie)." In this face: we found Zhang Jie, Wang Meng, Liu Xiabo, Wang Shuo, Hao Shaogong and many more.

== Fun Facts about Zhang Jie ==
[[File:Cute.jpg|250px|thumb|left|Zhang Jie, loves cats and was seeing playing with one at UCLA conference. Click [http://www.thedibb.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=662542] for original source ]]
Zhang Jie loves to giggle and to read books. She has a way of looking at you with sarcasm. Zhang Jie also likes Siamese cats a lot. During the UCLA conference, she got a hold of a cat and would not let go of it. People reported that she was holding on to the cat the wrong way, the cat’s behind was facing people, while the face of the cat was facing Zhang Jie’s back, funny way to hold a kitty, and she did it for a while too, ''"Zhang Jie and innovative and controversial young writer, is carrying my Siamese cat aroung the house. She holds it by the armpit, so it faces the couch.” Dillard, pag 61.''
She also loves to speak softly and her work is regularly under fire, '' Zhang Jie , whose own work is regularly under fire, had to defend the Party line.” Dillard, pag 68.''

== Her work ==
Zhang Jie was raised by her mother, her parents were divorced. Probably at a young age witnessed and experienced the discrimination and abuse to the fact that she had no father. In those times single mothers were very lookdown upon and were also discriminated. [[File:ZHangJieHenryMiller.png|400px|thumb|right|Zhang Jie and American writer 'Henry Miller'in 1984 Click [http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C507t-K16jQ/TguQwhGSIiI/AAAAAAAABF0/FI09ZHvkDT4/s320/ZHangJieHenryMiller.gif here] for original source ]]These facts had to have inspired Zhang Jie into her writings and allowed her to rule when she talks about what women went through during those times, since she had witnessed it herself. A good example of this in one of her books is 'Love must not be forgotten' where she tells a story about a woman that was having doubts about getting marry and finds the diary of her mother. In this diary she finds out that her mother had a secret love. The events of this novel took place during the Cultural Revolution, similar to the fact that Zhang Jie and her mother were going through this situation during the same time ''According to her mother’s wishes, Shanshan did burn the books, but could not part with the diary. As she reads her mother’s words, one of the many things she discovers is that her mother had had a secret love.” www.iu.edu''

'''Why Zhang Jie calls it "Heavy wings"'''
Zhang Jie is a smart writer, strong and brave representative of the new Modern generation. This generation is like a newborn or a new bird representing the Republic of China. Zhang Jie and writers like her are the ones that are responsible to help others break out of the shell, and show them how to fly high. But can they do it? Or, Are the wings of this nation 'too heavy to take off' and begin to fly completely free? You decide. ''She was awarded the Mao Dun Literature Prize in 1985 for Leaden Wings and in 2005 for Without a Word, making her the first writer to receive the award twice” en.wikipedia.org.''

'''Zhang Jie way of writing'''
''By taking us inside the story, Zhang Jie show us how the people of China lives, how they struggle silently hoping for a change that is too slow in the process of happening, like a pregnant mother that is in contractions now, this mother or nation that has been evolving month by month, decade by decade, and is in growing pains of the changes that are taking place, for a new baby, a new nation that is pushing to come out, and by coming out is creating changes in the way of thinking of China, a China that wants to breath loud, that wants to take off flying freely, and wants to reach the stars without having the government teased her and tide her down like a kite. Erica Bazalar-Oaks.''

In this novella, Zhang Jie is brilliant! She takes us inside the society of China in a very personal way. She describes the personalities so well and body movements, their rooms, houses and buildings where they live, and through her words make us feel as spectators that we can be seating right there on a chair, or on the table near by ear dropping on the conversation the characters are having. Zhang Jie shows as a writer her brilliance and experience, when the story just flows. She goes from one story to another in such a subtle way, that you as the reader are not a bit distracted, but pleasingly surprise making you feel like a light feather traveling gently from one side to another. On her words, she also uses European phrases that are well known and demonstrates her past influences in readings, pag 95 ''Not all high officials rested in their laurels.” Also Zhang Jie demonstrates something I found interesting, her unique and personal style of writing when she mixes in one situation, two elements from different backgrounds. She can convey and interesting way of thinking that she cleanly and successfully displays in her novella. A good example is when the character of Zheng was in the car letting the breeze to ruffle his hair, Zheng though to himself, ''pag 102, "Would this speech he had just made, like previous ones, vanish without a trace like a snowflake in the dessert?”'' Here she uses the snowflake that happens on winter season, and combines it with the element of the dessert that portraits a hot weather, two different types of times to explain the feelings of the character of Zheng. I enjoyed that.

[[File:Zhang-jie.png|400px|thumb|left|Zhang Jie very young in her twenties Click [http://digital.library.upenn.edu/women/_gallery/zhang-jie.gif here] for original source ]]

== Analysis of the Book Heavy Wings ==

'''Heavy Wings also call Leaden Wings'''
Heavy/Leaden Wings was published in 1980. Zhang Jie tells us what is happening today in Modern China after the Cultural Revolution, and where they stand in progress in their society and the world. One important thing that she writes about is 'marriage' in a country that is full of traditions, marriage can be one thing that is controversial to discuss. In Heavy Wings, the characters, women and men of different economical classes equally show their struggles in marriage, and fears of the society criticism if they would ever were to get divorce. Zhang Jie has been accused before of being immoral or too westernized, also to work against the party. Zhang Jie herself is divorced; in her work she stands for true love versus tradition. But, 'This also could mean that the author is suggesting that women and men can and should take their time experiencing falling in love! Before they go into rehearse marriage'. Also, this novella centers in the modernization of the Chinese industry and how the citizens are all for modern and bringing outside investments, especially interesting since Chinese people has not favored or trust outside companies. Heavy Wings give us as well an interesting inside of the social classes China has. We have the working classes that work in the industry very hard and barely get by, the middle class with the managers in charge that want to make a difference for their people and the ministers that are the ones that are way involve with the party, make the money and can do good or bad.

'''Modernization of China'''
When she talks about the modernization of China industry, she can give an excellent inside of thoughts about the progress in this organization, since she worked in this field for many years in the past. That means that she probably also witnessed the corruption that goes on; the good people that want to modernize and make a difference in their sector for the better, but encounter corruption with the bad people that only wants to hold on tied to communism rules, so they can benefit themselves and not the workers, that work hard and that need to make more money, to at least better their living conditions, ''pag 86 "To boost production in China you have to improve living conditions.”''

'''Divorce in the Chinese society'''
Heavy wings shows how people therefore might not be in love but because it would look bad on them, they have to put up with it, ''pag 34,"He seldom had free Sunday and they slept in different rooms.”''If they would divorce, for the men in their careers, they could lose their social status and be consider unstable losers, and for the women is far worst, if they became divorcees they can be look down as prostitutes, ''pag 107, "He darted a warning glance at Zheng. To him divorcees ranked with prostitutes.”'' One call only imagine how much Zheng Jie suffered when she was little looking at her mother been mistreated since her mother was divorced, and after loosing all position in society and money, Zheng Jie’s mother had to find a job, protect her daughter and put up with a society that did not protect her but made their lives worst. We can definitely tell that this part in Zhang Jie’s life influenced this writer a lot when she learnt this type of discrimination against her mother, against women in her society.

'''Tender moments'''
There are also great moments of tenderness in this story from Chinese men and women, that will give a better understanding of their deep hearts. ''Pag 79, "Everyone present was watching him in silence. The sight gave him fresh strength. Old Lü’s bearded chin beneath his bleary eyes was quivering. Chen put the dumpling into the old fellow’s mouth. ‘I let you down, Old Lü, he said.”''

[[File:ZhangJieHarrison.png|400px|thumb|right|Zhang Jie, at 45 (First time out of China) with writer Harrison Salisbury
In 1982, at the UCLA, US-Chinese writers conference Click [http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--m26XHdk0so/TguRGQWGs5I/AAAAAAAABF8/lzPMfkPY4Yw/s320/ZhangJieHarrison.gif here] for original source ]]
'''The way Chinese people live'''
We see the working Chinese people struggling to meet ends, with low salaries or enough to get by, and small and/or poor housing, if you can call some of these places mentioned in the story housing. Also there is not much money left, but to only go out for a meal, this is the way of entertainment. They really cannot get out of this type of social class. ''Pag 62, "China really gets its intellectuals on the cheap, Zheng though. Then, remembering the technicians in his ministry and the workers in factories, he reflected, he reflected that China got all its common people on the cheap”'', and the youth has no way of diversion or entertainment but to go out and eat. They could not go out to dance or have money to travel. ''Pag 62, "Zheng glanced round. ‘Apart from the two of us, everybody here’s young. Can’t blame. Eating out is their only diversion. What else can they do!”''

'''The careers that Chinese society forces on their people'''
Zhang show us how Chinese people’s education are not well rounded but are tailor to get jobs that will advance them in society. This situation does not make them happy but it is the way that it has been working for a long time, ''Pag 59, "Looking at his eyes Zheng Ziyun felt a stab of envy. In his young days he had wanted to study anthropology, literature or history, but fate had made him an official.”'' Chinese people dream to experience careers their society does not allow them to have, ''pag 85, "Keeping his eyes on the dark road, Chen said slowly, ‘In middle school I was mad on the violin, thought music the highest form of art. And I wanted to get a PHD in physics. But I’ve ended up a factory manager!” He laughed rather bitterly.''

'''Class struggles, history and beliefs do not let Chinese move forward'''
Zhang Jie let us know that the Chinese people mentality has to change or there will be no progress at all. ''Pag 42, "What they were up against now were deeply ingrained beliefs. These beliefs were like net in which all were caught. History was bound to condemn and eliminate them.”''

'''The Past of the Cultural Revolution = Communism will be remember'''
Zhang Jie made it clear that these abuses and crimes, did happened in China, that her thoughts in this book are not exaggerated or made up, but they come from 'real life events' that mark the Chinese people and their lives. - These events are vital to understand them and what they are fighting for -. During the Cultural Revolution with Mao, all that opposed the Communist government or look like they did, were kill, nearly kill to death, brutally bit up, abuse, persecuted. They could also be send to do 'restitution to these rural places' so they can be re-form, ''pag 45, "The Cultural Revolution brought her fearful anxiety and distress: he was nearly beaten to death. When he came back after several months of confinement in a damp room he could hardly walk for arthritis.”''

'''Zhang Jie calls for a change in the government and the society of China'''.
Heavy wings/ Leaden wings, is a very provocative book and it calls for the Chinese people for a change, to leave once and for all 'old habits' that hold them back, and open themselves to progress with the help of outside markets, ''pag 101, "For some years we studied chairman Mao’s works regardless of the political results. We competed to see who could write the most copious notes or parrot the most quotations. The effectiveness of political work should be judge by the new wealth created. We must run our economy according to economic laws and give up our old egalitarian way of all eating from one big pot. That stifles initiative.”''

'''Zhang Jie speaks about her goals as a writer'''
In September of 1982, Zhang Jie spoke at the UCLA, at the US-Chinese writers conference organized by Norman Cousins about her thoughts in Literature.''*Life should become what humans beings wish it to be*''. When she talks about us, as human beings and what we wish for, it is clear to me that in order to become anything, we must have freedom of choice. Zhang Jie also expressed her feelings of responsibility that she feels the writers have to the world,''*Pure literature as our purpose cannot exist, because the writer’s feeling will have an impact on the material world.* Dillard, Pag 64.'' Zhang Jie then wants freedom to become, but with the understanding that as writers, they have a responsibility to impact the people for a better world.

== Powerpoint Slide ==
[[File:FINAL_DE_Zhang_Jie.pptx|thumb]]

== Disclosure ==
It has been a pleasure to have done this class with Mr Woesler. I had worked hard in my wiki and have done my very best to use the resources available to me in a respectful manner. In doing so, it is my hope that this work can help others 'strengthen the appreciation and knowledge of the Republic of China and their wonderful People'. Erica Bazalar-Oaks. www.bazalar.com

== References ==
[1]Zhang Jie, International Literature Festival Berlin 2003, see Website: [http://www.literaturfestival.com/bios1_3_6_292.html]

== Sources ==
1. Book # 1 Encounters With Chinese Writers By Annie Dillard. http://books.google.com/books?id=g6conZpyrHEC&pg=PA65&lpg=PA65&dq=Zhang+Jie+study+economics&source=bl&ots=KF9QpH8WcC&sig=UDPEQRy0Op_SFaGSG0dOaRLu6hA&hl=en&sa=X&ei=WdS9UK26CYfQygHjrIGoBg&ved=0CFMQ6AEwBQ#v=onepage&q=Zhang%20Jie%20study%20economics&f=false

2. Book # 2 Leaden Wings, Zhang Jie. Published by VIRAGO PRESS Limited 1987. ISBN 0-86068-759-7

3. Faces of Chinese Literature:

4. http://www.upf.edu/materials/huma/central/historia/lite/temes/6postm.htm

5. Her novel: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zhang_Jie_%28writer%29

6. Biography: http://www.beijingscene.com/cissue/feature.html

7. http://www.pen-international.org/

8. http://www.marxists.org/history/erol/ncm-7/cwp-cr/part-3.htm

9. http://www.culturebase.net/artist.php?3577

10. http://www.iu.edu/~easc/outreach/educators/literature/workshops/doc/Perry_2005.pdf 11/16/2012

11. http://www.literaturfestival.com/participants/authors/2003/zhang-jie

12. http://contemporary_chinese_culture.academic.ru/952/Zhang_Jie

13. http://www.iu.edu/~easc/outreach/educators/literature/workshops/doc/Perry_2005.pdf

Zhang Jie (born 1937)

2012-12-05T04:45:05Z

Ericaangie: /* Faces of Chinese Literature */

[[File:Arch002021286b.jpg|400px|thumb|right|Zhang Jie, an artistic photo by Buso. Click [http://www.martabuso.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/5e06319eda06f020e43594a9c230972d/a/r/arch002021286b.jpg here] for original source ]]
== About Zhang Jie ==
A one of a kind and brilliant Chinese Literature writer. She resumed the aspects of socialism and turned it into a novella. In this way she is able to clearly show us what the people in China of all ranks had to suffer and went through during and after those times of communism, what they were left to be entrusted with, to rebuild upon for a new generation in China. Zhang Jie began to write after the access of power began for Deng Xioping (Deputy Minister), the dead of Mao Tseng Tang occurred in 1976 and the fall of the Gang of Four occurred; this gang included Mao’s cruel wife, Jiang Qing, mastermind and political figure that together with Mao authored millions of crimes during the Cultural Revolution.

It was after these events that Zhang Jie began to write. China finally began to experience a relatively more freedom for writers to create, and works of other foreign writers began to make their way into China. China started to get energized catching on the humanistic and artistic works of the world. It was beginning to exit the 10 years confinement of literature and oppression that had suffered during the Cultural Revolution. The extreme ideals of communism lost attention and writers could now use other themes in their stories, other than the working classes or soldiers. Zhang Jie was now 39 years old. She was finally able and experienced to establish her brilliant place in the Chinese Literature.

[[File:Brigitte_lin_book_fair_hk.jpg|400px|thumb|left|Zhang Jie, at a Hong Kong Book fair. They announced her book
'Without Words' will be go to the big screen. Click [http://wiki.vm.rub.de/uvu/images/5/59/Brigitte_lin_book_fair_hk.jpg here] for original source ]]

== Biography ==
'''1937'''
Zhang Jie was born in Beijing in 1937, her mother taught elementary school, she grew up poor even when she was a Manchu Royalty decedent. She had to escape the Japanese army that wanted to kill them. ''"Her mother, Manchurian royalty by birth but reduced to poverty by China's perpetual war and revolt, was a primary school teacher before the Japanese invasion." beijingscene.com.'' A guide that they meet introduced Zhang Jie to western children stories. The stories she read were from The Grimm brothers, Hans Christian Andersen and the fables of Krylov were among her favorites. Although people like to critic her because about this, Zhang Jie said that she is glad to have read these children stories, because they taught her to be consider to other people and not smash others on her way to success ''"I secretly congratulate myself and say that if I have one iota of human feeling, if I do not move up in the world by stepping on other people, do not use others to gain advantage, it is in large part due to the influence of the humanism in classical Western literature.” beijingscene.com''

'''1956'''
She wanted so badly to be a writer but end up studying economics ''"The government, however decided that because of her excellent school record she should study economics” Dillard pag 65.'' Zhang Jie cried about this but went anyways. Zhang Jie was admitted in RENMIN University of China.

'''1960'''
Zhang Jie, graduated and took a job in the Mechanics Engineer Industry that would allowed her a lot of information in this field to later write her Mao Dun Award winning book 'Heavy Wings (Leaden Wings)'. She worked in this industry for eight years.

'''1963'''
She married a colleague and had a daughter called 'Tang Di'

'''1964'''
Mao wanted the writers to experience equality with the rural or less fortunate people, and get rid off any funny ideas of possible superiority they might have ''"In addition to the Socialist Education Movement in the countryside, Mao repeatedly urged the literature and arts circles, as well as the various propaganda arms, to reform their areas.” marxists.org.''

'''1969'''
At the age of 32 Zhang Jie was sent to a farm for four years to be reform to Jiangxi, located southwest if China. Even when they have lost all money and connection of her royal family, because of her royal lineage, she was considered of a privilege class, so according to the teachings of Mao Tseng Tang she needed to be reform and experience the workers life. ''"Because she was the daughter of a right winger, she was forced to participate in re-educational measures at a special school from 1969 to 1972.” culture.base.net.'' During these times, it must have been very hard to be separated of her daughter and mother.

'''1978'''
Zhang Jie published her first children story right after the Culture Revolution called 'Music of the Forests', and won China national award ''"It was at this time that she also began to write. Only after the Cultural Revolution (1966–67) did she publish her first story" 'Die Musik der Wälder' culturebase.net.'' Russian children literature really was her inspiration to begin writing. Also, she was one of the first Modern writers to write about women and love. 'Love must not be forgotten' was her first novel about these issues of love.

'''1979'''
Zhang Jie joined the Chinese Writers Association. Zhang Jie’s work was popular.

'''1980'''
Her acclaim novella 'Heavy Wings' was published and very well received. She had waited for a long time and because of the changes and relatively freedoms that China was experiencing this was the right moment to do it. Zhang Jie joined the Chinese Communist Party.

'''1982'''
She becomes a member of the PEN International. Zhang Jie would travel outside of China for the first time ever to attend a conference in Los Angeles, at UCLA where she would meet American writer and journalist 'Harrison Salisbury'. Dillard, pag 63. Zhang Jie must have been very happy that she can finally write all she wanted.

'''1985'''
She was awarded the Mao Dun Literature Prize for ''Leaden Wings = Heavy Wings''.''"She was awarded the Mao Dun Literature Prize in 1985 for Leaden Wings and in 2005 for Without a Word, making her the first writer to receive the award twice." .[1]

'''2005'''
Zhang Jie was awarded for the second time the Mao Dun Literature Prize for 'Without a Word'.

[[File:Zhang-jie-0719L.jpg|500px|thumb|right|In 1985, Zhang Jie won the Mao Dun Prize Click [http://images2.chinatraveldepot.com/Images/Destination/Zhang-jie-0719L.jpg here] for original source ]]

== Faces of Chinese Literature ==
I think it is helpful to distinguish, 2 important faces in Chinese Literature and which one Zhang Jie belongs too, so we can comprehend even better the Chinese Literature evolution.
'''The first face was in the 1920s.''' It started with the fall of the Empire and the disintegration of the Old Traditional Literacy. The beginning of the ‘Chinese Literature Modern Classics was born’, Lu Xun, Lao She, Cao Yu, Mao Deng, Ba Jin and others, ''"At that moment the canonical list of modern classics of Chinese literature came out: Lu Xun, Lao She, Cao Yu, Mao Dun, Ba Jin” www.upf.edu .''

'''The Second face during the 1980s.''' A period of relative relaxation begins that allowed the ‘emerge of new climate of cultural creativity’. The distinction of what it was ‘Revolutionary Literature between – Modern Literature’ was well noticed. "The young writers that had to remain silence had been awakening (good morning Zhang Jie)." In this face: we found Zhang Jie, Wang Meng, Liu Xiabo, Wang Shuo, Hao Shaogong and many more.

== Fun Facts about Zhang Jie ==
[[File:Cute.jpg|250px|thumb|left|Zhang Jie, loves cats and was seeing playing with one at UCLA conference. Click [http://www.thedibb.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=662542] for original source ]]
Zhang Jie loves to giggle and to read books. She has a way of looking at you with sarcasm. Zhang Jie also likes Siamese cats a lot. During the UCLA conference, she got a hold of a cat and would not let go of it. People reported that she was holding on to the cat the wrong way, the cat’s behind was facing people, while the face of the cat was facing Zhang Jie’s back, funny way to hold a kitty, and she did it for a while too, ''"Zhang Jie and innovative and controversial young writer, is carrying my Siamese cat aroung the house. She holds it by the armpit, so it faces the couch.” Dillard, pag 61.''
She also loves to speak softly and her work is regularly under fire, '' Zhang Jie , whose own work is regularly under fire, had to defend the Party line.” Dillard, pag 68.''

== Her work ==
Zhang Jie was raised by her mother, her parents were divorced. Probably at a young age witnessed and experienced the discrimination and abuse to the fact that she had no father. In those times single mothers were very lookdown upon and were also discriminated. [[File:ZHangJieHenryMiller.png|400px|thumb|right|Zhang Jie and American writer 'Henry Miller'in 1984 Click [http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C507t-K16jQ/TguQwhGSIiI/AAAAAAAABF0/FI09ZHvkDT4/s320/ZHangJieHenryMiller.gif here] for original source ]]These facts had to have inspired Zhang Jie into her writings and allowed her to rule when she talks about what women went through during those times, since she had witnessed it herself. A good example of this in one of her books is 'Love must not be forgotten' where she tells a story about a woman that was having doubts about getting marry and finds the diary of her mother. In this diary she finds out that her mother had a secret love. The events of this novel took place during the Cultural Revolution, similar to the fact that Zhang Jie and her mother were going through this situation during the same time ''According to her mother’s wishes, Shanshan did burn the books, but could not part with the diary. As she reads her mother’s words, one of the many things she discovers is that her mother had had a secret love.” www.iu.edu''

'''Why Zhang Jie calls it "Heavy wings"'''
Zhang Jie is a smart writer, strong and brave representative of the new Modern generation. This generation is like a newborn or a new bird representing the Republic of China. Zhang Jie and writers like her are the ones that are responsible to help others break out of the shell, and show them how to fly high. But can they do it? Or, Are the wings of this nation 'too heavy to take off' and begin to fly completely free? You decide. ''She was awarded the Mao Dun Literature Prize in 1985 for Leaden Wings and in 2005 for Without a Word, making her the first writer to receive the award twice” en.wikipedia.org.''

'''Zhang Jie way of writing'''
''By taking us inside the story, Zhang Jie show us how the people of China lives, how they struggle silently hoping for a change that is too slow in the process of happening, like a pregnant mother that is in contractions now, this mother or nation that has been evolving month by month, decade by decade, and is in growing pains of the changes that are taking place, for a new baby, a new nation that is pushing to come out, and by coming out is creating changes in the way of thinking of China, a China that wants to breath loud, that wants to take off flying freely, and wants to reach the stars without having the government teased her and tide her down like a kite. Erica Bazalar-Oaks.''

In this novella, Zhang Jie is brilliant! She takes us inside the society of China in a very personal way. She describes the personalities so well and body movements, their rooms, houses and buildings where they live, and through her words make us feel as spectators that we can be seating right there on a chair, or on the table near by ear dropping on the conversation the characters are having. Zhang Jie shows as a writer her brilliance and experience, when the story just flows. She goes from one story to another in such a subtle way, that you as the reader are not a bit distracted, but pleasingly surprise making you feel like a light feather traveling gently from one side to another. On her words, she also uses European phrases that are well known and demonstrates her past influences in readings, pag 95 ''Not all high officials rested in their laurels.” Also Zhang Jie demonstrates something I found interesting, her unique and personal style of writing when she mixes in one situation, two elements from different backgrounds. She can convey and interesting way of thinking that she cleanly and successfully displays in her novella. A good example is when the character of Zheng was in the car letting the breeze to ruffle his hair, Zheng though to himself, ''pag 102, "Would this speech he had just made, like previous ones, vanish without a trace like a snowflake in the dessert?”'' Here she uses the snowflake that happens on winter season, and combines it with the element of the dessert that portraits a hot weather, two different types of times to explain the feelings of the character of Zheng. I enjoyed that.

[[File:Zhang-jie.png|400px|thumb|left|Zhang Jie very young in her twenties Click [http://digital.library.upenn.edu/women/_gallery/zhang-jie.gif here] for original source ]]

== Analysis of the Book Heavy Wings ==

'''Heavy Wings also call Leaden Wings'''
Heavy/Leaden Wings was published in 1980. Zhang Jie tells us what is happening today in Modern China after the Cultural Revolution, and where they stand in progress in their society and the world. One important thing that she writes about is 'marriage' in a country that is full of traditions, marriage can be one thing that is controversial to discuss. In Heavy Wings, the characters, women and men of different economical classes equally show their struggles in marriage, and fears of the society criticism if they would ever were to get divorce. Zhang Jie has been accused before of being immoral or too westernized, also to work against the party. Zhang Jie herself is divorced; in her work she stands for true love versus tradition. But, 'This also could mean that the author is suggesting that women and men can and should take their time experiencing falling in love! Before they go into rehearse marriage'. Also, this novella centers in the modernization of the Chinese industry and how the citizens are all for modern and bringing outside investments, especially interesting since Chinese people has not favored or trust outside companies. Heavy Wings give us as well an interesting inside of the social classes China has. We have the working classes that work in the industry very hard and barely get by, the middle class with the managers in charge that want to make a difference for their people and the ministers that are the ones that are way involve with the party, make the money and can do good or bad.

'''Modernization of China'''
When she talks about the modernization of China industry, she can give an excellent inside of thoughts about the progress in this organization, since she worked in this field for many years in the past. That means that she probably also witnessed the corruption that goes on; the good people that want to modernize and make a difference in their sector for the better, but encounter corruption with the bad people that only wants to hold on tied to communism rules, so they can benefit themselves and not the workers, that work hard and that need to make more money, to at least better their living conditions, ''pag 86 "To boost production in China you have to improve living conditions.”''

'''Divorce in the Chinese society'''
Heavy wings shows how people therefore might not be in love but because it would look bad on them, they have to put up with it, ''pag 34,"He seldom had free Sunday and they slept in different rooms.”''If they would divorce, for the men in their careers, they could lose their social status and be consider unstable losers, and for the women is far worst, if they became divorcees they can be look down as prostitutes, ''pag 107, "He darted a warning glance at Zheng. To him divorcees ranked with prostitutes.”'' One call only imagine how much Zheng Jie suffered when she was little looking at her mother been mistreated since her mother was divorced, and after loosing all position in society and money, Zheng Jie’s mother had to find a job, protect her daughter and put up with a society that did not protect her but made their lives worst. We can definitely tell that this part in Zhang Jie’s life influenced this writer a lot when she learnt this type of discrimination against her mother, against women in her society.

'''Tender moments'''
There are also great moments of tenderness in this story from Chinese men and women, that will give a better understanding of their deep hearts. ''Pag 79, "Everyone present was watching him in silence. The sight gave him fresh strength. Old Lü’s bearded chin beneath his bleary eyes was quivering. Chen put the dumpling into the old fellow’s mouth. ‘I let you down, Old Lü, he said.”''

[[File:ZhangJieHarrison.png|400px|thumb|right|Zhang Jie, at 45 (First time out of China) with writer Harrison Salisbury
In 1982, at the UCLA, US-Chinese writers conference Click [http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--m26XHdk0so/TguRGQWGs5I/AAAAAAAABF8/lzPMfkPY4Yw/s320/ZhangJieHarrison.gif here] for original source ]]
'''The way Chinese people live'''
We see the working Chinese people struggling to meet ends, with low salaries or enough to get by, and small and/or poor housing, if you can call some of these places mentioned in the story housing. Also there is not much money left, but to only go out for a meal, this is the way of entertainment. They really cannot get out of this type of social class. ''Pag 62, "China really gets its intellectuals on the cheap, Zheng though. Then, remembering the technicians in his ministry and the workers in factories, he reflected, he reflected that China got all its common people on the cheap”'', and the youth has no way of diversion or entertainment but to go out and eat. They could not go out to dance or have money to travel. ''Pag 62, "Zheng glanced round. ‘Apart from the two of us, everybody here’s young. Can’t blame. Eating out is their only diversion. What else can they do!”''

'''The careers that Chinese society forces on their people'''
Zhang show us how Chinese people’s education are not well rounded but are tailor to get jobs that will advance them in society. This situation does not make them happy but it is the way that it has been working for a long time, ''Pag 59, "Looking at his eyes Zheng Ziyun felt a stab of envy. In his young days he had wanted to study anthropology, literature or history, but fate had made him an official.”'' Chinese people dream to experience careers their society does not allow them to have, ''pag 85, "Keeping his eyes on the dark road, Chen said slowly, ‘In middle school I was mad on the violin, thought music the highest form of art. And I wanted to get a PHD in physics. But I’ve ended up a factory manager!” He laughed rather bitterly.''

'''Class struggles, history and beliefs do not let Chinese move forward'''
Zhang Jie let us know that the Chinese people mentality has to change or there will be no progress at all. ''Pag 42, "What they were up against now were deeply ingrained beliefs. These beliefs were like net in which all were caught. History was bound to condemn and eliminate them.”''

'''The Past of the Cultural Revolution = Communism will be remember'''
Zhang Jie made it clear that these abuses and crimes, did happened in China, that her thoughts in this book are not exaggerated or made up, but they come from 'real life events' that mark the Chinese people and their lives. - These events are vital to understand them and what they are fighting for -. During the Cultural Revolution with Mao, all that opposed the Communist government or look like they did, were kill, nearly kill to death, brutally bit up, abuse, persecuted. They could also be send to do 'restitution to these rural places' so they can be re-form, ''pag 45, "The Cultural Revolution brought her fearful anxiety and distress: he was nearly beaten to death. When he came back after several months of confinement in a damp room he could hardly walk for arthritis.”''

'''Zhang Jie calls for a change in the government and the society of China'''.
Heavy wings/ Leaden wings, is a very provocative book and it calls for the Chinese people for a change, to leave once and for all 'old habits' that hold them back, and open themselves to progress with the help of outside markets, ''pag 101, "For some years we studied chairman Mao’s works regardless of the political results. We competed to see who could write the most copious notes or parrot the most quotations. The effectiveness of political work should be judge by the new wealth created. We must run our economy according to economic laws and give up our old egalitarian way of all eating from one big pot. That stifles initiative.”''

'''Zhang Jie speaks about her goals as a writer'''
In September of 1982, Zhang Jie spoke at the UCLA, at the US-Chinese writers conference organized by Norman Cousins about her thoughts in Literature.''*Life should become what humans beings wish it to be*''. When she talks about us, as human beings and what we wish for, it is clear to me that in order to become anything, we must have freedom of choice. Zhang Jie also expressed her feelings of responsibility that she feels the writers have to the world,''*Pure literature as our purpose cannot exist, because the writer’s feeling will have an impact on the material world.* Dillard, Pag 64.'' Zhang Jie then wants freedom to become, but with the understanding that as writers, they have a responsibility to impact the people for a better world.

== Powerpoint Slide ==
[[File:FINAL_DE_Zhang_Jie.pptx|thumb]]

== Disclosure ==
It has been a pleasure to have done this class with Mr Woesler. I had worked hard in my wiki and have done my very best to use the resources available to me in a respectful manner. In doing so, it is my hope that this work can help others 'strengthen the appreciation and knowledge of the Republic of China and their wonderful People'. Erica Bazalar-Oaks. www.bazalar.com

== References ==
[1]Zhang Jie, International Literature Festival Berlin 2003, see Website: [http://www.literaturfestival.com/bios1_3_6_292.html]

== Sources ==
1. Book # 1 Encounters With Chinese Writers By Annie Dillard. http://books.google.com/books?id=g6conZpyrHEC&pg=PA65&lpg=PA65&dq=Zhang+Jie+study+economics&source=bl&ots=KF9QpH8WcC&sig=UDPEQRy0Op_SFaGSG0dOaRLu6hA&hl=en&sa=X&ei=WdS9UK26CYfQygHjrIGoBg&ved=0CFMQ6AEwBQ#v=onepage&q=Zhang%20Jie%20study%20economics&f=false

2. Book # 2 Leaden Wings, Zhang Jie. Published by VIRAGO PRESS Limited 1987. ISBN 0-86068-759-7

3. Faces of Chinese Literature:

4. http://www.upf.edu/materials/huma/central/historia/lite/temes/6postm.htm

5. Her novel: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zhang_Jie_%28writer%29

6. Biography: http://www.beijingscene.com/cissue/feature.html

7. http://www.pen-international.org/

8. http://www.marxists.org/history/erol/ncm-7/cwp-cr/part-3.htm

9. http://www.culturebase.net/artist.php?3577

10. http://www.iu.edu/~easc/outreach/educators/literature/workshops/doc/Perry_2005.pdf 11/16/2012

11. http://www.literaturfestival.com/participants/authors/2003/zhang-jie

12. http://contemporary_chinese_culture.academic.ru/952/Zhang_Jie

13. http://www.iu.edu/~easc/outreach/educators/literature/workshops/doc/Perry_2005.pdf

Zhang Jie (born 1937)

2012-12-05T04:44:41Z

Ericaangie: /* Faces of Chinese Literature */

[[File:Arch002021286b.jpg|400px|thumb|right|Zhang Jie, an artistic photo by Buso. Click [http://www.martabuso.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/5e06319eda06f020e43594a9c230972d/a/r/arch002021286b.jpg here] for original source ]]
== About Zhang Jie ==
A one of a kind and brilliant Chinese Literature writer. She resumed the aspects of socialism and turned it into a novella. In this way she is able to clearly show us what the people in China of all ranks had to suffer and went through during and after those times of communism, what they were left to be entrusted with, to rebuild upon for a new generation in China. Zhang Jie began to write after the access of power began for Deng Xioping (Deputy Minister), the dead of Mao Tseng Tang occurred in 1976 and the fall of the Gang of Four occurred; this gang included Mao’s cruel wife, Jiang Qing, mastermind and political figure that together with Mao authored millions of crimes during the Cultural Revolution.

It was after these events that Zhang Jie began to write. China finally began to experience a relatively more freedom for writers to create, and works of other foreign writers began to make their way into China. China started to get energized catching on the humanistic and artistic works of the world. It was beginning to exit the 10 years confinement of literature and oppression that had suffered during the Cultural Revolution. The extreme ideals of communism lost attention and writers could now use other themes in their stories, other than the working classes or soldiers. Zhang Jie was now 39 years old. She was finally able and experienced to establish her brilliant place in the Chinese Literature.

[[File:Brigitte_lin_book_fair_hk.jpg|400px|thumb|left|Zhang Jie, at a Hong Kong Book fair. They announced her book
'Without Words' will be go to the big screen. Click [http://wiki.vm.rub.de/uvu/images/5/59/Brigitte_lin_book_fair_hk.jpg here] for original source ]]

== Biography ==
'''1937'''
Zhang Jie was born in Beijing in 1937, her mother taught elementary school, she grew up poor even when she was a Manchu Royalty decedent. She had to escape the Japanese army that wanted to kill them. ''"Her mother, Manchurian royalty by birth but reduced to poverty by China's perpetual war and revolt, was a primary school teacher before the Japanese invasion." beijingscene.com.'' A guide that they meet introduced Zhang Jie to western children stories. The stories she read were from The Grimm brothers, Hans Christian Andersen and the fables of Krylov were among her favorites. Although people like to critic her because about this, Zhang Jie said that she is glad to have read these children stories, because they taught her to be consider to other people and not smash others on her way to success ''"I secretly congratulate myself and say that if I have one iota of human feeling, if I do not move up in the world by stepping on other people, do not use others to gain advantage, it is in large part due to the influence of the humanism in classical Western literature.” beijingscene.com''

'''1956'''
She wanted so badly to be a writer but end up studying economics ''"The government, however decided that because of her excellent school record she should study economics” Dillard pag 65.'' Zhang Jie cried about this but went anyways. Zhang Jie was admitted in RENMIN University of China.

'''1960'''
Zhang Jie, graduated and took a job in the Mechanics Engineer Industry that would allowed her a lot of information in this field to later write her Mao Dun Award winning book 'Heavy Wings (Leaden Wings)'. She worked in this industry for eight years.

'''1963'''
She married a colleague and had a daughter called 'Tang Di'

'''1964'''
Mao wanted the writers to experience equality with the rural or less fortunate people, and get rid off any funny ideas of possible superiority they might have ''"In addition to the Socialist Education Movement in the countryside, Mao repeatedly urged the literature and arts circles, as well as the various propaganda arms, to reform their areas.” marxists.org.''

'''1969'''
At the age of 32 Zhang Jie was sent to a farm for four years to be reform to Jiangxi, located southwest if China. Even when they have lost all money and connection of her royal family, because of her royal lineage, she was considered of a privilege class, so according to the teachings of Mao Tseng Tang she needed to be reform and experience the workers life. ''"Because she was the daughter of a right winger, she was forced to participate in re-educational measures at a special school from 1969 to 1972.” culture.base.net.'' During these times, it must have been very hard to be separated of her daughter and mother.

'''1978'''
Zhang Jie published her first children story right after the Culture Revolution called 'Music of the Forests', and won China national award ''"It was at this time that she also began to write. Only after the Cultural Revolution (1966–67) did she publish her first story" 'Die Musik der Wälder' culturebase.net.'' Russian children literature really was her inspiration to begin writing. Also, she was one of the first Modern writers to write about women and love. 'Love must not be forgotten' was her first novel about these issues of love.

'''1979'''
Zhang Jie joined the Chinese Writers Association. Zhang Jie’s work was popular.

'''1980'''
Her acclaim novella 'Heavy Wings' was published and very well received. She had waited for a long time and because of the changes and relatively freedoms that China was experiencing this was the right moment to do it. Zhang Jie joined the Chinese Communist Party.

'''1982'''
She becomes a member of the PEN International. Zhang Jie would travel outside of China for the first time ever to attend a conference in Los Angeles, at UCLA where she would meet American writer and journalist 'Harrison Salisbury'. Dillard, pag 63. Zhang Jie must have been very happy that she can finally write all she wanted.

'''1985'''
She was awarded the Mao Dun Literature Prize for ''Leaden Wings = Heavy Wings''.''"She was awarded the Mao Dun Literature Prize in 1985 for Leaden Wings and in 2005 for Without a Word, making her the first writer to receive the award twice." .[1]

'''2005'''
Zhang Jie was awarded for the second time the Mao Dun Literature Prize for 'Without a Word'.

[[File:Zhang-jie-0719L.jpg|500px|thumb|right|In 1985, Zhang Jie won the Mao Dun Prize Click [http://images2.chinatraveldepot.com/Images/Destination/Zhang-jie-0719L.jpg here] for original source ]]

== Faces of Chinese Literature ==
I think it is helpful to distinguish, 2 important faces in Chinese Literature and which one Zhang Jie belongs too, so we can comprehend better the Chinese Literature evolution.
'''The first face was in the 1920s.''' It started with the fall of the Empire and the disintegration of the Old Traditional Literacy. The beginning of the ‘Chinese Literature Modern Classics was born’, Lu Xun, Lao She, Cao Yu, Mao Deng, Ba Jin and others, ''"At that moment the canonical list of modern classics of Chinese literature came out: Lu Xun, Lao She, Cao Yu, Mao Dun, Ba Jin” www.upf.edu .''

'''The Second face during the 1980s.''' A period of relative relaxation begins that allowed the ‘emerge of new climate of cultural creativity’. The distinction of what it was ‘Revolutionary Literature between – Modern Literature’ was well noticed. "The young writers that had to remain silence had been awakening (good morning Zhang Jie)." In this face: we found Zhang Jie, Wang Meng, Liu Xiabo, Wang Shuo, Hao Shaogong and many more.

== Fun Facts about Zhang Jie ==
[[File:Cute.jpg|250px|thumb|left|Zhang Jie, loves cats and was seeing playing with one at UCLA conference. Click [http://www.thedibb.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=662542] for original source ]]
Zhang Jie loves to giggle and to read books. She has a way of looking at you with sarcasm. Zhang Jie also likes Siamese cats a lot. During the UCLA conference, she got a hold of a cat and would not let go of it. People reported that she was holding on to the cat the wrong way, the cat’s behind was facing people, while the face of the cat was facing Zhang Jie’s back, funny way to hold a kitty, and she did it for a while too, ''"Zhang Jie and innovative and controversial young writer, is carrying my Siamese cat aroung the house. She holds it by the armpit, so it faces the couch.” Dillard, pag 61.''
She also loves to speak softly and her work is regularly under fire, '' Zhang Jie , whose own work is regularly under fire, had to defend the Party line.” Dillard, pag 68.''

== Her work ==
Zhang Jie was raised by her mother, her parents were divorced. Probably at a young age witnessed and experienced the discrimination and abuse to the fact that she had no father. In those times single mothers were very lookdown upon and were also discriminated. [[File:ZHangJieHenryMiller.png|400px|thumb|right|Zhang Jie and American writer 'Henry Miller'in 1984 Click [http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C507t-K16jQ/TguQwhGSIiI/AAAAAAAABF0/FI09ZHvkDT4/s320/ZHangJieHenryMiller.gif here] for original source ]]These facts had to have inspired Zhang Jie into her writings and allowed her to rule when she talks about what women went through during those times, since she had witnessed it herself. A good example of this in one of her books is 'Love must not be forgotten' where she tells a story about a woman that was having doubts about getting marry and finds the diary of her mother. In this diary she finds out that her mother had a secret love. The events of this novel took place during the Cultural Revolution, similar to the fact that Zhang Jie and her mother were going through this situation during the same time ''According to her mother’s wishes, Shanshan did burn the books, but could not part with the diary. As she reads her mother’s words, one of the many things she discovers is that her mother had had a secret love.” www.iu.edu''

'''Why Zhang Jie calls it "Heavy wings"'''
Zhang Jie is a smart writer, strong and brave representative of the new Modern generation. This generation is like a newborn or a new bird representing the Republic of China. Zhang Jie and writers like her are the ones that are responsible to help others break out of the shell, and show them how to fly high. But can they do it? Or, Are the wings of this nation 'too heavy to take off' and begin to fly completely free? You decide. ''She was awarded the Mao Dun Literature Prize in 1985 for Leaden Wings and in 2005 for Without a Word, making her the first writer to receive the award twice” en.wikipedia.org.''

'''Zhang Jie way of writing'''
''By taking us inside the story, Zhang Jie show us how the people of China lives, how they struggle silently hoping for a change that is too slow in the process of happening, like a pregnant mother that is in contractions now, this mother or nation that has been evolving month by month, decade by decade, and is in growing pains of the changes that are taking place, for a new baby, a new nation that is pushing to come out, and by coming out is creating changes in the way of thinking of China, a China that wants to breath loud, that wants to take off flying freely, and wants to reach the stars without having the government teased her and tide her down like a kite. Erica Bazalar-Oaks.''

In this novella, Zhang Jie is brilliant! She takes us inside the society of China in a very personal way. She describes the personalities so well and body movements, their rooms, houses and buildings where they live, and through her words make us feel as spectators that we can be seating right there on a chair, or on the table near by ear dropping on the conversation the characters are having. Zhang Jie shows as a writer her brilliance and experience, when the story just flows. She goes from one story to another in such a subtle way, that you as the reader are not a bit distracted, but pleasingly surprise making you feel like a light feather traveling gently from one side to another. On her words, she also uses European phrases that are well known and demonstrates her past influences in readings, pag 95 ''Not all high officials rested in their laurels.” Also Zhang Jie demonstrates something I found interesting, her unique and personal style of writing when she mixes in one situation, two elements from different backgrounds. She can convey and interesting way of thinking that she cleanly and successfully displays in her novella. A good example is when the character of Zheng was in the car letting the breeze to ruffle his hair, Zheng though to himself, ''pag 102, "Would this speech he had just made, like previous ones, vanish without a trace like a snowflake in the dessert?”'' Here she uses the snowflake that happens on winter season, and combines it with the element of the dessert that portraits a hot weather, two different types of times to explain the feelings of the character of Zheng. I enjoyed that.

[[File:Zhang-jie.png|400px|thumb|left|Zhang Jie very young in her twenties Click [http://digital.library.upenn.edu/women/_gallery/zhang-jie.gif here] for original source ]]

== Analysis of the Book Heavy Wings ==

'''Heavy Wings also call Leaden Wings'''
Heavy/Leaden Wings was published in 1980. Zhang Jie tells us what is happening today in Modern China after the Cultural Revolution, and where they stand in progress in their society and the world. One important thing that she writes about is 'marriage' in a country that is full of traditions, marriage can be one thing that is controversial to discuss. In Heavy Wings, the characters, women and men of different economical classes equally show their struggles in marriage, and fears of the society criticism if they would ever were to get divorce. Zhang Jie has been accused before of being immoral or too westernized, also to work against the party. Zhang Jie herself is divorced; in her work she stands for true love versus tradition. But, 'This also could mean that the author is suggesting that women and men can and should take their time experiencing falling in love! Before they go into rehearse marriage'. Also, this novella centers in the modernization of the Chinese industry and how the citizens are all for modern and bringing outside investments, especially interesting since Chinese people has not favored or trust outside companies. Heavy Wings give us as well an interesting inside of the social classes China has. We have the working classes that work in the industry very hard and barely get by, the middle class with the managers in charge that want to make a difference for their people and the ministers that are the ones that are way involve with the party, make the money and can do good or bad.

'''Modernization of China'''
When she talks about the modernization of China industry, she can give an excellent inside of thoughts about the progress in this organization, since she worked in this field for many years in the past. That means that she probably also witnessed the corruption that goes on; the good people that want to modernize and make a difference in their sector for the better, but encounter corruption with the bad people that only wants to hold on tied to communism rules, so they can benefit themselves and not the workers, that work hard and that need to make more money, to at least better their living conditions, ''pag 86 "To boost production in China you have to improve living conditions.”''

'''Divorce in the Chinese society'''
Heavy wings shows how people therefore might not be in love but because it would look bad on them, they have to put up with it, ''pag 34,"He seldom had free Sunday and they slept in different rooms.”''If they would divorce, for the men in their careers, they could lose their social status and be consider unstable losers, and for the women is far worst, if they became divorcees they can be look down as prostitutes, ''pag 107, "He darted a warning glance at Zheng. To him divorcees ranked with prostitutes.”'' One call only imagine how much Zheng Jie suffered when she was little looking at her mother been mistreated since her mother was divorced, and after loosing all position in society and money, Zheng Jie’s mother had to find a job, protect her daughter and put up with a society that did not protect her but made their lives worst. We can definitely tell that this part in Zhang Jie’s life influenced this writer a lot when she learnt this type of discrimination against her mother, against women in her society.

'''Tender moments'''
There are also great moments of tenderness in this story from Chinese men and women, that will give a better understanding of their deep hearts. ''Pag 79, "Everyone present was watching him in silence. The sight gave him fresh strength. Old Lü’s bearded chin beneath his bleary eyes was quivering. Chen put the dumpling into the old fellow’s mouth. ‘I let you down, Old Lü, he said.”''

[[File:ZhangJieHarrison.png|400px|thumb|right|Zhang Jie, at 45 (First time out of China) with writer Harrison Salisbury
In 1982, at the UCLA, US-Chinese writers conference Click [http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--m26XHdk0so/TguRGQWGs5I/AAAAAAAABF8/lzPMfkPY4Yw/s320/ZhangJieHarrison.gif here] for original source ]]
'''The way Chinese people live'''
We see the working Chinese people struggling to meet ends, with low salaries or enough to get by, and small and/or poor housing, if you can call some of these places mentioned in the story housing. Also there is not much money left, but to only go out for a meal, this is the way of entertainment. They really cannot get out of this type of social class. ''Pag 62, "China really gets its intellectuals on the cheap, Zheng though. Then, remembering the technicians in his ministry and the workers in factories, he reflected, he reflected that China got all its common people on the cheap”'', and the youth has no way of diversion or entertainment but to go out and eat. They could not go out to dance or have money to travel. ''Pag 62, "Zheng glanced round. ‘Apart from the two of us, everybody here’s young. Can’t blame. Eating out is their only diversion. What else can they do!”''

'''The careers that Chinese society forces on their people'''
Zhang show us how Chinese people’s education are not well rounded but are tailor to get jobs that will advance them in society. This situation does not make them happy but it is the way that it has been working for a long time, ''Pag 59, "Looking at his eyes Zheng Ziyun felt a stab of envy. In his young days he had wanted to study anthropology, literature or history, but fate had made him an official.”'' Chinese people dream to experience careers their society does not allow them to have, ''pag 85, "Keeping his eyes on the dark road, Chen said slowly, ‘In middle school I was mad on the violin, thought music the highest form of art. And I wanted to get a PHD in physics. But I’ve ended up a factory manager!” He laughed rather bitterly.''

'''Class struggles, history and beliefs do not let Chinese move forward'''
Zhang Jie let us know that the Chinese people mentality has to change or there will be no progress at all. ''Pag 42, "What they were up against now were deeply ingrained beliefs. These beliefs were like net in which all were caught. History was bound to condemn and eliminate them.”''

'''The Past of the Cultural Revolution = Communism will be remember'''
Zhang Jie made it clear that these abuses and crimes, did happened in China, that her thoughts in this book are not exaggerated or made up, but they come from 'real life events' that mark the Chinese people and their lives. - These events are vital to understand them and what they are fighting for -. During the Cultural Revolution with Mao, all that opposed the Communist government or look like they did, were kill, nearly kill to death, brutally bit up, abuse, persecuted. They could also be send to do 'restitution to these rural places' so they can be re-form, ''pag 45, "The Cultural Revolution brought her fearful anxiety and distress: he was nearly beaten to death. When he came back after several months of confinement in a damp room he could hardly walk for arthritis.”''

'''Zhang Jie calls for a change in the government and the society of China'''.
Heavy wings/ Leaden wings, is a very provocative book and it calls for the Chinese people for a change, to leave once and for all 'old habits' that hold them back, and open themselves to progress with the help of outside markets, ''pag 101, "For some years we studied chairman Mao’s works regardless of the political results. We competed to see who could write the most copious notes or parrot the most quotations. The effectiveness of political work should be judge by the new wealth created. We must run our economy according to economic laws and give up our old egalitarian way of all eating from one big pot. That stifles initiative.”''

'''Zhang Jie speaks about her goals as a writer'''
In September of 1982, Zhang Jie spoke at the UCLA, at the US-Chinese writers conference organized by Norman Cousins about her thoughts in Literature.''*Life should become what humans beings wish it to be*''. When she talks about us, as human beings and what we wish for, it is clear to me that in order to become anything, we must have freedom of choice. Zhang Jie also expressed her feelings of responsibility that she feels the writers have to the world,''*Pure literature as our purpose cannot exist, because the writer’s feeling will have an impact on the material world.* Dillard, Pag 64.'' Zhang Jie then wants freedom to become, but with the understanding that as writers, they have a responsibility to impact the people for a better world.

== Powerpoint Slide ==
[[File:FINAL_DE_Zhang_Jie.pptx|thumb]]

== Disclosure ==
It has been a pleasure to have done this class with Mr Woesler. I had worked hard in my wiki and have done my very best to use the resources available to me in a respectful manner. In doing so, it is my hope that this work can help others 'strengthen the appreciation and knowledge of the Republic of China and their wonderful People'. Erica Bazalar-Oaks. www.bazalar.com

== References ==
[1]Zhang Jie, International Literature Festival Berlin 2003, see Website: [http://www.literaturfestival.com/bios1_3_6_292.html]

== Sources ==
1. Book # 1 Encounters With Chinese Writers By Annie Dillard. http://books.google.com/books?id=g6conZpyrHEC&pg=PA65&lpg=PA65&dq=Zhang+Jie+study+economics&source=bl&ots=KF9QpH8WcC&sig=UDPEQRy0Op_SFaGSG0dOaRLu6hA&hl=en&sa=X&ei=WdS9UK26CYfQygHjrIGoBg&ved=0CFMQ6AEwBQ#v=onepage&q=Zhang%20Jie%20study%20economics&f=false

2. Book # 2 Leaden Wings, Zhang Jie. Published by VIRAGO PRESS Limited 1987. ISBN 0-86068-759-7

3. Faces of Chinese Literature:

4. http://www.upf.edu/materials/huma/central/historia/lite/temes/6postm.htm

5. Her novel: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zhang_Jie_%28writer%29

6. Biography: http://www.beijingscene.com/cissue/feature.html

7. http://www.pen-international.org/

8. http://www.marxists.org/history/erol/ncm-7/cwp-cr/part-3.htm

9. http://www.culturebase.net/artist.php?3577

10. http://www.iu.edu/~easc/outreach/educators/literature/workshops/doc/Perry_2005.pdf 11/16/2012

11. http://www.literaturfestival.com/participants/authors/2003/zhang-jie

12. http://contemporary_chinese_culture.academic.ru/952/Zhang_Jie

13. http://www.iu.edu/~easc/outreach/educators/literature/workshops/doc/Perry_2005.pdf

Zhang Jie (born 1937)

2012-12-05T04:43:27Z

Ericaangie: /* Faces of Chinese Literature */

[[File:Arch002021286b.jpg|400px|thumb|right|Zhang Jie, an artistic photo by Buso. Click [http://www.martabuso.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/5e06319eda06f020e43594a9c230972d/a/r/arch002021286b.jpg here] for original source ]]
== About Zhang Jie ==
A one of a kind and brilliant Chinese Literature writer. She resumed the aspects of socialism and turned it into a novella. In this way she is able to clearly show us what the people in China of all ranks had to suffer and went through during and after those times of communism, what they were left to be entrusted with, to rebuild upon for a new generation in China. Zhang Jie began to write after the access of power began for Deng Xioping (Deputy Minister), the dead of Mao Tseng Tang occurred in 1976 and the fall of the Gang of Four occurred; this gang included Mao’s cruel wife, Jiang Qing, mastermind and political figure that together with Mao authored millions of crimes during the Cultural Revolution.

It was after these events that Zhang Jie began to write. China finally began to experience a relatively more freedom for writers to create, and works of other foreign writers began to make their way into China. China started to get energized catching on the humanistic and artistic works of the world. It was beginning to exit the 10 years confinement of literature and oppression that had suffered during the Cultural Revolution. The extreme ideals of communism lost attention and writers could now use other themes in their stories, other than the working classes or soldiers. Zhang Jie was now 39 years old. She was finally able and experienced to establish her brilliant place in the Chinese Literature.

[[File:Brigitte_lin_book_fair_hk.jpg|400px|thumb|left|Zhang Jie, at a Hong Kong Book fair. They announced her book
'Without Words' will be go to the big screen. Click [http://wiki.vm.rub.de/uvu/images/5/59/Brigitte_lin_book_fair_hk.jpg here] for original source ]]

== Biography ==
'''1937'''
Zhang Jie was born in Beijing in 1937, her mother taught elementary school, she grew up poor even when she was a Manchu Royalty decedent. She had to escape the Japanese army that wanted to kill them. ''"Her mother, Manchurian royalty by birth but reduced to poverty by China's perpetual war and revolt, was a primary school teacher before the Japanese invasion." beijingscene.com.'' A guide that they meet introduced Zhang Jie to western children stories. The stories she read were from The Grimm brothers, Hans Christian Andersen and the fables of Krylov were among her favorites. Although people like to critic her because about this, Zhang Jie said that she is glad to have read these children stories, because they taught her to be consider to other people and not smash others on her way to success ''"I secretly congratulate myself and say that if I have one iota of human feeling, if I do not move up in the world by stepping on other people, do not use others to gain advantage, it is in large part due to the influence of the humanism in classical Western literature.” beijingscene.com''

'''1956'''
She wanted so badly to be a writer but end up studying economics ''"The government, however decided that because of her excellent school record she should study economics” Dillard pag 65.'' Zhang Jie cried about this but went anyways. Zhang Jie was admitted in RENMIN University of China.

'''1960'''
Zhang Jie, graduated and took a job in the Mechanics Engineer Industry that would allowed her a lot of information in this field to later write her Mao Dun Award winning book 'Heavy Wings (Leaden Wings)'. She worked in this industry for eight years.

'''1963'''
She married a colleague and had a daughter called 'Tang Di'

'''1964'''
Mao wanted the writers to experience equality with the rural or less fortunate people, and get rid off any funny ideas of possible superiority they might have ''"In addition to the Socialist Education Movement in the countryside, Mao repeatedly urged the literature and arts circles, as well as the various propaganda arms, to reform their areas.” marxists.org.''

'''1969'''
At the age of 32 Zhang Jie was sent to a farm for four years to be reform to Jiangxi, located southwest if China. Even when they have lost all money and connection of her royal family, because of her royal lineage, she was considered of a privilege class, so according to the teachings of Mao Tseng Tang she needed to be reform and experience the workers life. ''"Because she was the daughter of a right winger, she was forced to participate in re-educational measures at a special school from 1969 to 1972.” culture.base.net.'' During these times, it must have been very hard to be separated of her daughter and mother.

'''1978'''
Zhang Jie published her first children story right after the Culture Revolution called 'Music of the Forests', and won China national award ''"It was at this time that she also began to write. Only after the Cultural Revolution (1966–67) did she publish her first story" 'Die Musik der Wälder' culturebase.net.'' Russian children literature really was her inspiration to begin writing. Also, she was one of the first Modern writers to write about women and love. 'Love must not be forgotten' was her first novel about these issues of love.

'''1979'''
Zhang Jie joined the Chinese Writers Association. Zhang Jie’s work was popular.

'''1980'''
Her acclaim novella 'Heavy Wings' was published and very well received. She had waited for a long time and because of the changes and relatively freedoms that China was experiencing this was the right moment to do it. Zhang Jie joined the Chinese Communist Party.

'''1982'''
She becomes a member of the PEN International. Zhang Jie would travel outside of China for the first time ever to attend a conference in Los Angeles, at UCLA where she would meet American writer and journalist 'Harrison Salisbury'. Dillard, pag 63. Zhang Jie must have been very happy that she can finally write all she wanted.

'''1985'''
She was awarded the Mao Dun Literature Prize for ''Leaden Wings = Heavy Wings''.''"She was awarded the Mao Dun Literature Prize in 1985 for Leaden Wings and in 2005 for Without a Word, making her the first writer to receive the award twice." .[1]

'''2005'''
Zhang Jie was awarded for the second time the Mao Dun Literature Prize for 'Without a Word'.

[[File:Zhang-jie-0719L.jpg|500px|thumb|right|In 1985, Zhang Jie won the Mao Dun Prize Click [http://images2.chinatraveldepot.com/Images/Destination/Zhang-jie-0719L.jpg here] for original source ]]

== Faces of Chinese Literature ==
I think it is helpful and important to distinguish, 2 important faces in Chinese Literature and which one Zhang Jie belongs too, so we can comprehend better the Chinese Literature evolution.
'''The first face was in the 1920s.''' It started with the fall of the Empire and the disintegration of the Old Traditional Literacy. The beginning of the ‘Chinese Literature Modern Classics was born’, Lu Xun, Lao She, Cao Yu, Mao Deng, Ba Jin and others, ''"At that moment the canonical list of modern classics of Chinese literature came out: Lu Xun, Lao She, Cao Yu, Mao Dun, Ba Jin” www.upf.edu .''

'''The Second face during the 1980s.''' A period of relative relaxation begins that allowed the ‘emerge of new climate of cultural creativity’. The distinction of what it was ‘Revolutionary Literature between – Modern Literature’ was well noticed. "The young writers that had to remain silence had been awakening (good morning Zhang Jie)." In this face: we found Zhang Jie, Wang Meng, Liu Xiabo, Wang Shuo, Hao Shaogong and many more.

== Fun Facts about Zhang Jie ==
[[File:Cute.jpg|250px|thumb|left|Zhang Jie, loves cats and was seeing playing with one at UCLA conference. Click [http://www.thedibb.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=662542] for original source ]]
Zhang Jie loves to giggle and to read books. She has a way of looking at you with sarcasm. Zhang Jie also likes Siamese cats a lot. During the UCLA conference, she got a hold of a cat and would not let go of it. People reported that she was holding on to the cat the wrong way, the cat’s behind was facing people, while the face of the cat was facing Zhang Jie’s back, funny way to hold a kitty, and she did it for a while too, ''"Zhang Jie and innovative and controversial young writer, is carrying my Siamese cat aroung the house. She holds it by the armpit, so it faces the couch.” Dillard, pag 61.''
She also loves to speak softly and her work is regularly under fire, '' Zhang Jie , whose own work is regularly under fire, had to defend the Party line.” Dillard, pag 68.''

== Her work ==
Zhang Jie was raised by her mother, her parents were divorced. Probably at a young age witnessed and experienced the discrimination and abuse to the fact that she had no father. In those times single mothers were very lookdown upon and were also discriminated. [[File:ZHangJieHenryMiller.png|400px|thumb|right|Zhang Jie and American writer 'Henry Miller'in 1984 Click [http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C507t-K16jQ/TguQwhGSIiI/AAAAAAAABF0/FI09ZHvkDT4/s320/ZHangJieHenryMiller.gif here] for original source ]]These facts had to have inspired Zhang Jie into her writings and allowed her to rule when she talks about what women went through during those times, since she had witnessed it herself. A good example of this in one of her books is 'Love must not be forgotten' where she tells a story about a woman that was having doubts about getting marry and finds the diary of her mother. In this diary she finds out that her mother had a secret love. The events of this novel took place during the Cultural Revolution, similar to the fact that Zhang Jie and her mother were going through this situation during the same time ''According to her mother’s wishes, Shanshan did burn the books, but could not part with the diary. As she reads her mother’s words, one of the many things she discovers is that her mother had had a secret love.” www.iu.edu''

'''Why Zhang Jie calls it "Heavy wings"'''
Zhang Jie is a smart writer, strong and brave representative of the new Modern generation. This generation is like a newborn or a new bird representing the Republic of China. Zhang Jie and writers like her are the ones that are responsible to help others break out of the shell, and show them how to fly high. But can they do it? Or, Are the wings of this nation 'too heavy to take off' and begin to fly completely free? You decide. ''She was awarded the Mao Dun Literature Prize in 1985 for Leaden Wings and in 2005 for Without a Word, making her the first writer to receive the award twice” en.wikipedia.org.''

'''Zhang Jie way of writing'''
''By taking us inside the story, Zhang Jie show us how the people of China lives, how they struggle silently hoping for a change that is too slow in the process of happening, like a pregnant mother that is in contractions now, this mother or nation that has been evolving month by month, decade by decade, and is in growing pains of the changes that are taking place, for a new baby, a new nation that is pushing to come out, and by coming out is creating changes in the way of thinking of China, a China that wants to breath loud, that wants to take off flying freely, and wants to reach the stars without having the government teased her and tide her down like a kite. Erica Bazalar-Oaks.''

In this novella, Zhang Jie is brilliant! She takes us inside the society of China in a very personal way. She describes the personalities so well and body movements, their rooms, houses and buildings where they live, and through her words make us feel as spectators that we can be seating right there on a chair, or on the table near by ear dropping on the conversation the characters are having. Zhang Jie shows as a writer her brilliance and experience, when the story just flows. She goes from one story to another in such a subtle way, that you as the reader are not a bit distracted, but pleasingly surprise making you feel like a light feather traveling gently from one side to another. On her words, she also uses European phrases that are well known and demonstrates her past influences in readings, pag 95 ''Not all high officials rested in their laurels.” Also Zhang Jie demonstrates something I found interesting, her unique and personal style of writing when she mixes in one situation, two elements from different backgrounds. She can convey and interesting way of thinking that she cleanly and successfully displays in her novella. A good example is when the character of Zheng was in the car letting the breeze to ruffle his hair, Zheng though to himself, ''pag 102, "Would this speech he had just made, like previous ones, vanish without a trace like a snowflake in the dessert?”'' Here she uses the snowflake that happens on winter season, and combines it with the element of the dessert that portraits a hot weather, two different types of times to explain the feelings of the character of Zheng. I enjoyed that.

[[File:Zhang-jie.png|400px|thumb|left|Zhang Jie very young in her twenties Click [http://digital.library.upenn.edu/women/_gallery/zhang-jie.gif here] for original source ]]

== Analysis of the Book Heavy Wings ==

'''Heavy Wings also call Leaden Wings'''
Heavy/Leaden Wings was published in 1980. Zhang Jie tells us what is happening today in Modern China after the Cultural Revolution, and where they stand in progress in their society and the world. One important thing that she writes about is 'marriage' in a country that is full of traditions, marriage can be one thing that is controversial to discuss. In Heavy Wings, the characters, women and men of different economical classes equally show their struggles in marriage, and fears of the society criticism if they would ever were to get divorce. Zhang Jie has been accused before of being immoral or too westernized, also to work against the party. Zhang Jie herself is divorced; in her work she stands for true love versus tradition. But, 'This also could mean that the author is suggesting that women and men can and should take their time experiencing falling in love! Before they go into rehearse marriage'. Also, this novella centers in the modernization of the Chinese industry and how the citizens are all for modern and bringing outside investments, especially interesting since Chinese people has not favored or trust outside companies. Heavy Wings give us as well an interesting inside of the social classes China has. We have the working classes that work in the industry very hard and barely get by, the middle class with the managers in charge that want to make a difference for their people and the ministers that are the ones that are way involve with the party, make the money and can do good or bad.

'''Modernization of China'''
When she talks about the modernization of China industry, she can give an excellent inside of thoughts about the progress in this organization, since she worked in this field for many years in the past. That means that she probably also witnessed the corruption that goes on; the good people that want to modernize and make a difference in their sector for the better, but encounter corruption with the bad people that only wants to hold on tied to communism rules, so they can benefit themselves and not the workers, that work hard and that need to make more money, to at least better their living conditions, ''pag 86 "To boost production in China you have to improve living conditions.”''

'''Divorce in the Chinese society'''
Heavy wings shows how people therefore might not be in love but because it would look bad on them, they have to put up with it, ''pag 34,"He seldom had free Sunday and they slept in different rooms.”''If they would divorce, for the men in their careers, they could lose their social status and be consider unstable losers, and for the women is far worst, if they became divorcees they can be look down as prostitutes, ''pag 107, "He darted a warning glance at Zheng. To him divorcees ranked with prostitutes.”'' One call only imagine how much Zheng Jie suffered when she was little looking at her mother been mistreated since her mother was divorced, and after loosing all position in society and money, Zheng Jie’s mother had to find a job, protect her daughter and put up with a society that did not protect her but made their lives worst. We can definitely tell that this part in Zhang Jie’s life influenced this writer a lot when she learnt this type of discrimination against her mother, against women in her society.

'''Tender moments'''
There are also great moments of tenderness in this story from Chinese men and women, that will give a better understanding of their deep hearts. ''Pag 79, "Everyone present was watching him in silence. The sight gave him fresh strength. Old Lü’s bearded chin beneath his bleary eyes was quivering. Chen put the dumpling into the old fellow’s mouth. ‘I let you down, Old Lü, he said.”''

[[File:ZhangJieHarrison.png|400px|thumb|right|Zhang Jie, at 45 (First time out of China) with writer Harrison Salisbury
In 1982, at the UCLA, US-Chinese writers conference Click [http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--m26XHdk0so/TguRGQWGs5I/AAAAAAAABF8/lzPMfkPY4Yw/s320/ZhangJieHarrison.gif here] for original source ]]
'''The way Chinese people live'''
We see the working Chinese people struggling to meet ends, with low salaries or enough to get by, and small and/or poor housing, if you can call some of these places mentioned in the story housing. Also there is not much money left, but to only go out for a meal, this is the way of entertainment. They really cannot get out of this type of social class. ''Pag 62, "China really gets its intellectuals on the cheap, Zheng though. Then, remembering the technicians in his ministry and the workers in factories, he reflected, he reflected that China got all its common people on the cheap”'', and the youth has no way of diversion or entertainment but to go out and eat. They could not go out to dance or have money to travel. ''Pag 62, "Zheng glanced round. ‘Apart from the two of us, everybody here’s young. Can’t blame. Eating out is their only diversion. What else can they do!”''

'''The careers that Chinese society forces on their people'''
Zhang show us how Chinese people’s education are not well rounded but are tailor to get jobs that will advance them in society. This situation does not make them happy but it is the way that it has been working for a long time, ''Pag 59, "Looking at his eyes Zheng Ziyun felt a stab of envy. In his young days he had wanted to study anthropology, literature or history, but fate had made him an official.”'' Chinese people dream to experience careers their society does not allow them to have, ''pag 85, "Keeping his eyes on the dark road, Chen said slowly, ‘In middle school I was mad on the violin, thought music the highest form of art. And I wanted to get a PHD in physics. But I’ve ended up a factory manager!” He laughed rather bitterly.''

'''Class struggles, history and beliefs do not let Chinese move forward'''
Zhang Jie let us know that the Chinese people mentality has to change or there will be no progress at all. ''Pag 42, "What they were up against now were deeply ingrained beliefs. These beliefs were like net in which all were caught. History was bound to condemn and eliminate them.”''

'''The Past of the Cultural Revolution = Communism will be remember'''
Zhang Jie made it clear that these abuses and crimes, did happened in China, that her thoughts in this book are not exaggerated or made up, but they come from 'real life events' that mark the Chinese people and their lives. - These events are vital to understand them and what they are fighting for -. During the Cultural Revolution with Mao, all that opposed the Communist government or look like they did, were kill, nearly kill to death, brutally bit up, abuse, persecuted. They could also be send to do 'restitution to these rural places' so they can be re-form, ''pag 45, "The Cultural Revolution brought her fearful anxiety and distress: he was nearly beaten to death. When he came back after several months of confinement in a damp room he could hardly walk for arthritis.”''

'''Zhang Jie calls for a change in the government and the society of China'''.
Heavy wings/ Leaden wings, is a very provocative book and it calls for the Chinese people for a change, to leave once and for all 'old habits' that hold them back, and open themselves to progress with the help of outside markets, ''pag 101, "For some years we studied chairman Mao’s works regardless of the political results. We competed to see who could write the most copious notes or parrot the most quotations. The effectiveness of political work should be judge by the new wealth created. We must run our economy according to economic laws and give up our old egalitarian way of all eating from one big pot. That stifles initiative.”''

'''Zhang Jie speaks about her goals as a writer'''
In September of 1982, Zhang Jie spoke at the UCLA, at the US-Chinese writers conference organized by Norman Cousins about her thoughts in Literature.''*Life should become what humans beings wish it to be*''. When she talks about us, as human beings and what we wish for, it is clear to me that in order to become anything, we must have freedom of choice. Zhang Jie also expressed her feelings of responsibility that she feels the writers have to the world,''*Pure literature as our purpose cannot exist, because the writer’s feeling will have an impact on the material world.* Dillard, Pag 64.'' Zhang Jie then wants freedom to become, but with the understanding that as writers, they have a responsibility to impact the people for a better world.

== Powerpoint Slide ==
[[File:FINAL_DE_Zhang_Jie.pptx|thumb]]

== Disclosure ==
It has been a pleasure to have done this class with Mr Woesler. I had worked hard in my wiki and have done my very best to use the resources available to me in a respectful manner. In doing so, it is my hope that this work can help others 'strengthen the appreciation and knowledge of the Republic of China and their wonderful People'. Erica Bazalar-Oaks. www.bazalar.com

== References ==
[1]Zhang Jie, International Literature Festival Berlin 2003, see Website: [http://www.literaturfestival.com/bios1_3_6_292.html]

== Sources ==
1. Book # 1 Encounters With Chinese Writers By Annie Dillard. http://books.google.com/books?id=g6conZpyrHEC&pg=PA65&lpg=PA65&dq=Zhang+Jie+study+economics&source=bl&ots=KF9QpH8WcC&sig=UDPEQRy0Op_SFaGSG0dOaRLu6hA&hl=en&sa=X&ei=WdS9UK26CYfQygHjrIGoBg&ved=0CFMQ6AEwBQ#v=onepage&q=Zhang%20Jie%20study%20economics&f=false

2. Book # 2 Leaden Wings, Zhang Jie. Published by VIRAGO PRESS Limited 1987. ISBN 0-86068-759-7

3. Faces of Chinese Literature:

4. http://www.upf.edu/materials/huma/central/historia/lite/temes/6postm.htm

5. Her novel: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zhang_Jie_%28writer%29

6. Biography: http://www.beijingscene.com/cissue/feature.html

7. http://www.pen-international.org/

8. http://www.marxists.org/history/erol/ncm-7/cwp-cr/part-3.htm

9. http://www.culturebase.net/artist.php?3577

10. http://www.iu.edu/~easc/outreach/educators/literature/workshops/doc/Perry_2005.pdf 11/16/2012

11. http://www.literaturfestival.com/participants/authors/2003/zhang-jie

12. http://contemporary_chinese_culture.academic.ru/952/Zhang_Jie

13. http://www.iu.edu/~easc/outreach/educators/literature/workshops/doc/Perry_2005.pdf

Zhang Jie (born 1937)

2012-12-05T04:42:27Z

Ericaangie: /* Faces of Chinese Literature */

[[File:Arch002021286b.jpg|400px|thumb|right|Zhang Jie, an artistic photo by Buso. Click [http://www.martabuso.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/5e06319eda06f020e43594a9c230972d/a/r/arch002021286b.jpg here] for original source ]]
== About Zhang Jie ==
A one of a kind and brilliant Chinese Literature writer. She resumed the aspects of socialism and turned it into a novella. In this way she is able to clearly show us what the people in China of all ranks had to suffer and went through during and after those times of communism, what they were left to be entrusted with, to rebuild upon for a new generation in China. Zhang Jie began to write after the access of power began for Deng Xioping (Deputy Minister), the dead of Mao Tseng Tang occurred in 1976 and the fall of the Gang of Four occurred; this gang included Mao’s cruel wife, Jiang Qing, mastermind and political figure that together with Mao authored millions of crimes during the Cultural Revolution.

It was after these events that Zhang Jie began to write. China finally began to experience a relatively more freedom for writers to create, and works of other foreign writers began to make their way into China. China started to get energized catching on the humanistic and artistic works of the world. It was beginning to exit the 10 years confinement of literature and oppression that had suffered during the Cultural Revolution. The extreme ideals of communism lost attention and writers could now use other themes in their stories, other than the working classes or soldiers. Zhang Jie was now 39 years old. She was finally able and experienced to establish her brilliant place in the Chinese Literature.

[[File:Brigitte_lin_book_fair_hk.jpg|400px|thumb|left|Zhang Jie, at a Hong Kong Book fair. They announced her book
'Without Words' will be go to the big screen. Click [http://wiki.vm.rub.de/uvu/images/5/59/Brigitte_lin_book_fair_hk.jpg here] for original source ]]

== Biography ==
'''1937'''
Zhang Jie was born in Beijing in 1937, her mother taught elementary school, she grew up poor even when she was a Manchu Royalty decedent. She had to escape the Japanese army that wanted to kill them. ''"Her mother, Manchurian royalty by birth but reduced to poverty by China's perpetual war and revolt, was a primary school teacher before the Japanese invasion." beijingscene.com.'' A guide that they meet introduced Zhang Jie to western children stories. The stories she read were from The Grimm brothers, Hans Christian Andersen and the fables of Krylov were among her favorites. Although people like to critic her because about this, Zhang Jie said that she is glad to have read these children stories, because they taught her to be consider to other people and not smash others on her way to success ''"I secretly congratulate myself and say that if I have one iota of human feeling, if I do not move up in the world by stepping on other people, do not use others to gain advantage, it is in large part due to the influence of the humanism in classical Western literature.” beijingscene.com''

'''1956'''
She wanted so badly to be a writer but end up studying economics ''"The government, however decided that because of her excellent school record she should study economics” Dillard pag 65.'' Zhang Jie cried about this but went anyways. Zhang Jie was admitted in RENMIN University of China.

'''1960'''
Zhang Jie, graduated and took a job in the Mechanics Engineer Industry that would allowed her a lot of information in this field to later write her Mao Dun Award winning book 'Heavy Wings (Leaden Wings)'. She worked in this industry for eight years.

'''1963'''
She married a colleague and had a daughter called 'Tang Di'

'''1964'''
Mao wanted the writers to experience equality with the rural or less fortunate people, and get rid off any funny ideas of possible superiority they might have ''"In addition to the Socialist Education Movement in the countryside, Mao repeatedly urged the literature and arts circles, as well as the various propaganda arms, to reform their areas.” marxists.org.''

'''1969'''
At the age of 32 Zhang Jie was sent to a farm for four years to be reform to Jiangxi, located southwest if China. Even when they have lost all money and connection of her royal family, because of her royal lineage, she was considered of a privilege class, so according to the teachings of Mao Tseng Tang she needed to be reform and experience the workers life. ''"Because she was the daughter of a right winger, she was forced to participate in re-educational measures at a special school from 1969 to 1972.” culture.base.net.'' During these times, it must have been very hard to be separated of her daughter and mother.

'''1978'''
Zhang Jie published her first children story right after the Culture Revolution called 'Music of the Forests', and won China national award ''"It was at this time that she also began to write. Only after the Cultural Revolution (1966–67) did she publish her first story" 'Die Musik der Wälder' culturebase.net.'' Russian children literature really was her inspiration to begin writing. Also, she was one of the first Modern writers to write about women and love. 'Love must not be forgotten' was her first novel about these issues of love.

'''1979'''
Zhang Jie joined the Chinese Writers Association. Zhang Jie’s work was popular.

'''1980'''
Her acclaim novella 'Heavy Wings' was published and very well received. She had waited for a long time and because of the changes and relatively freedoms that China was experiencing this was the right moment to do it. Zhang Jie joined the Chinese Communist Party.

'''1982'''
She becomes a member of the PEN International. Zhang Jie would travel outside of China for the first time ever to attend a conference in Los Angeles, at UCLA where she would meet American writer and journalist 'Harrison Salisbury'. Dillard, pag 63. Zhang Jie must have been very happy that she can finally write all she wanted.

'''1985'''
She was awarded the Mao Dun Literature Prize for ''Leaden Wings = Heavy Wings''.''"She was awarded the Mao Dun Literature Prize in 1985 for Leaden Wings and in 2005 for Without a Word, making her the first writer to receive the award twice." .[1]

'''2005'''
Zhang Jie was awarded for the second time the Mao Dun Literature Prize for 'Without a Word'.

[[File:Zhang-jie-0719L.jpg|500px|thumb|right|In 1985, Zhang Jie won the Mao Dun Prize Click [http://images2.chinatraveldepot.com/Images/Destination/Zhang-jie-0719L.jpg here] for original source ]]

== Faces of Chinese Literature ==
I think it is helpful and important to distinguish, 2 important faces in Chinese Literature and which one Zhang Jie belongs too, so we can comprehend better.
'''The first face was in the 1920s.''' It started with the fall of the Empire and the disintegration of the Old Traditional Literacy. The beginning of the ‘Chinese Literature Modern Classics was born’, Lu Xun, Lao She, Cao Yu, Mao Deng, Ba Jin and others, ''"At that moment the canonical list of modern classics of Chinese literature came out: Lu Xun, Lao She, Cao Yu, Mao Dun, Ba Jin” www.upf.edu .''

'''The Second face during the 1980s.''' A period of relative relaxation begins that allowed the ‘emerge of new climate of cultural creativity’. The distinction of what it was ‘Revolutionary Literature between – Modern Literature’ was well noticed. "The young writers that had to remain silence had been awakening (good morning Zhang Jie)." In this face: we found Zhang Jie, Wang Meng, Liu Xiabo, Wang Shuo, Hao Shaogong and many more.

== Fun Facts about Zhang Jie ==
[[File:Cute.jpg|250px|thumb|left|Zhang Jie, loves cats and was seeing playing with one at UCLA conference. Click [http://www.thedibb.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=662542] for original source ]]
Zhang Jie loves to giggle and to read books. She has a way of looking at you with sarcasm. Zhang Jie also likes Siamese cats a lot. During the UCLA conference, she got a hold of a cat and would not let go of it. People reported that she was holding on to the cat the wrong way, the cat’s behind was facing people, while the face of the cat was facing Zhang Jie’s back, funny way to hold a kitty, and she did it for a while too, ''"Zhang Jie and innovative and controversial young writer, is carrying my Siamese cat aroung the house. She holds it by the armpit, so it faces the couch.” Dillard, pag 61.''
She also loves to speak softly and her work is regularly under fire, '' Zhang Jie , whose own work is regularly under fire, had to defend the Party line.” Dillard, pag 68.''

== Her work ==
Zhang Jie was raised by her mother, her parents were divorced. Probably at a young age witnessed and experienced the discrimination and abuse to the fact that she had no father. In those times single mothers were very lookdown upon and were also discriminated. [[File:ZHangJieHenryMiller.png|400px|thumb|right|Zhang Jie and American writer 'Henry Miller'in 1984 Click [http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C507t-K16jQ/TguQwhGSIiI/AAAAAAAABF0/FI09ZHvkDT4/s320/ZHangJieHenryMiller.gif here] for original source ]]These facts had to have inspired Zhang Jie into her writings and allowed her to rule when she talks about what women went through during those times, since she had witnessed it herself. A good example of this in one of her books is 'Love must not be forgotten' where she tells a story about a woman that was having doubts about getting marry and finds the diary of her mother. In this diary she finds out that her mother had a secret love. The events of this novel took place during the Cultural Revolution, similar to the fact that Zhang Jie and her mother were going through this situation during the same time ''According to her mother’s wishes, Shanshan did burn the books, but could not part with the diary. As she reads her mother’s words, one of the many things she discovers is that her mother had had a secret love.” www.iu.edu''

'''Why Zhang Jie calls it "Heavy wings"'''
Zhang Jie is a smart writer, strong and brave representative of the new Modern generation. This generation is like a newborn or a new bird representing the Republic of China. Zhang Jie and writers like her are the ones that are responsible to help others break out of the shell, and show them how to fly high. But can they do it? Or, Are the wings of this nation 'too heavy to take off' and begin to fly completely free? You decide. ''She was awarded the Mao Dun Literature Prize in 1985 for Leaden Wings and in 2005 for Without a Word, making her the first writer to receive the award twice” en.wikipedia.org.''

'''Zhang Jie way of writing'''
''By taking us inside the story, Zhang Jie show us how the people of China lives, how they struggle silently hoping for a change that is too slow in the process of happening, like a pregnant mother that is in contractions now, this mother or nation that has been evolving month by month, decade by decade, and is in growing pains of the changes that are taking place, for a new baby, a new nation that is pushing to come out, and by coming out is creating changes in the way of thinking of China, a China that wants to breath loud, that wants to take off flying freely, and wants to reach the stars without having the government teased her and tide her down like a kite. Erica Bazalar-Oaks.''

In this novella, Zhang Jie is brilliant! She takes us inside the society of China in a very personal way. She describes the personalities so well and body movements, their rooms, houses and buildings where they live, and through her words make us feel as spectators that we can be seating right there on a chair, or on the table near by ear dropping on the conversation the characters are having. Zhang Jie shows as a writer her brilliance and experience, when the story just flows. She goes from one story to another in such a subtle way, that you as the reader are not a bit distracted, but pleasingly surprise making you feel like a light feather traveling gently from one side to another. On her words, she also uses European phrases that are well known and demonstrates her past influences in readings, pag 95 ''Not all high officials rested in their laurels.” Also Zhang Jie demonstrates something I found interesting, her unique and personal style of writing when she mixes in one situation, two elements from different backgrounds. She can convey and interesting way of thinking that she cleanly and successfully displays in her novella. A good example is when the character of Zheng was in the car letting the breeze to ruffle his hair, Zheng though to himself, ''pag 102, "Would this speech he had just made, like previous ones, vanish without a trace like a snowflake in the dessert?”'' Here she uses the snowflake that happens on winter season, and combines it with the element of the dessert that portraits a hot weather, two different types of times to explain the feelings of the character of Zheng. I enjoyed that.

[[File:Zhang-jie.png|400px|thumb|left|Zhang Jie very young in her twenties Click [http://digital.library.upenn.edu/women/_gallery/zhang-jie.gif here] for original source ]]

== Analysis of the Book Heavy Wings ==

'''Heavy Wings also call Leaden Wings'''
Heavy/Leaden Wings was published in 1980. Zhang Jie tells us what is happening today in Modern China after the Cultural Revolution, and where they stand in progress in their society and the world. One important thing that she writes about is 'marriage' in a country that is full of traditions, marriage can be one thing that is controversial to discuss. In Heavy Wings, the characters, women and men of different economical classes equally show their struggles in marriage, and fears of the society criticism if they would ever were to get divorce. Zhang Jie has been accused before of being immoral or too westernized, also to work against the party. Zhang Jie herself is divorced; in her work she stands for true love versus tradition. But, 'This also could mean that the author is suggesting that women and men can and should take their time experiencing falling in love! Before they go into rehearse marriage'. Also, this novella centers in the modernization of the Chinese industry and how the citizens are all for modern and bringing outside investments, especially interesting since Chinese people has not favored or trust outside companies. Heavy Wings give us as well an interesting inside of the social classes China has. We have the working classes that work in the industry very hard and barely get by, the middle class with the managers in charge that want to make a difference for their people and the ministers that are the ones that are way involve with the party, make the money and can do good or bad.

'''Modernization of China'''
When she talks about the modernization of China industry, she can give an excellent inside of thoughts about the progress in this organization, since she worked in this field for many years in the past. That means that she probably also witnessed the corruption that goes on; the good people that want to modernize and make a difference in their sector for the better, but encounter corruption with the bad people that only wants to hold on tied to communism rules, so they can benefit themselves and not the workers, that work hard and that need to make more money, to at least better their living conditions, ''pag 86 "To boost production in China you have to improve living conditions.”''

'''Divorce in the Chinese society'''
Heavy wings shows how people therefore might not be in love but because it would look bad on them, they have to put up with it, ''pag 34,"He seldom had free Sunday and they slept in different rooms.”''If they would divorce, for the men in their careers, they could lose their social status and be consider unstable losers, and for the women is far worst, if they became divorcees they can be look down as prostitutes, ''pag 107, "He darted a warning glance at Zheng. To him divorcees ranked with prostitutes.”'' One call only imagine how much Zheng Jie suffered when she was little looking at her mother been mistreated since her mother was divorced, and after loosing all position in society and money, Zheng Jie’s mother had to find a job, protect her daughter and put up with a society that did not protect her but made their lives worst. We can definitely tell that this part in Zhang Jie’s life influenced this writer a lot when she learnt this type of discrimination against her mother, against women in her society.

'''Tender moments'''
There are also great moments of tenderness in this story from Chinese men and women, that will give a better understanding of their deep hearts. ''Pag 79, "Everyone present was watching him in silence. The sight gave him fresh strength. Old Lü’s bearded chin beneath his bleary eyes was quivering. Chen put the dumpling into the old fellow’s mouth. ‘I let you down, Old Lü, he said.”''

[[File:ZhangJieHarrison.png|400px|thumb|right|Zhang Jie, at 45 (First time out of China) with writer Harrison Salisbury
In 1982, at the UCLA, US-Chinese writers conference Click [http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--m26XHdk0so/TguRGQWGs5I/AAAAAAAABF8/lzPMfkPY4Yw/s320/ZhangJieHarrison.gif here] for original source ]]
'''The way Chinese people live'''
We see the working Chinese people struggling to meet ends, with low salaries or enough to get by, and small and/or poor housing, if you can call some of these places mentioned in the story housing. Also there is not much money left, but to only go out for a meal, this is the way of entertainment. They really cannot get out of this type of social class. ''Pag 62, "China really gets its intellectuals on the cheap, Zheng though. Then, remembering the technicians in his ministry and the workers in factories, he reflected, he reflected that China got all its common people on the cheap”'', and the youth has no way of diversion or entertainment but to go out and eat. They could not go out to dance or have money to travel. ''Pag 62, "Zheng glanced round. ‘Apart from the two of us, everybody here’s young. Can’t blame. Eating out is their only diversion. What else can they do!”''

'''The careers that Chinese society forces on their people'''
Zhang show us how Chinese people’s education are not well rounded but are tailor to get jobs that will advance them in society. This situation does not make them happy but it is the way that it has been working for a long time, ''Pag 59, "Looking at his eyes Zheng Ziyun felt a stab of envy. In his young days he had wanted to study anthropology, literature or history, but fate had made him an official.”'' Chinese people dream to experience careers their society does not allow them to have, ''pag 85, "Keeping his eyes on the dark road, Chen said slowly, ‘In middle school I was mad on the violin, thought music the highest form of art. And I wanted to get a PHD in physics. But I’ve ended up a factory manager!” He laughed rather bitterly.''

'''Class struggles, history and beliefs do not let Chinese move forward'''
Zhang Jie let us know that the Chinese people mentality has to change or there will be no progress at all. ''Pag 42, "What they were up against now were deeply ingrained beliefs. These beliefs were like net in which all were caught. History was bound to condemn and eliminate them.”''

'''The Past of the Cultural Revolution = Communism will be remember'''
Zhang Jie made it clear that these abuses and crimes, did happened in China, that her thoughts in this book are not exaggerated or made up, but they come from 'real life events' that mark the Chinese people and their lives. - These events are vital to understand them and what they are fighting for -. During the Cultural Revolution with Mao, all that opposed the Communist government or look like they did, were kill, nearly kill to death, brutally bit up, abuse, persecuted. They could also be send to do 'restitution to these rural places' so they can be re-form, ''pag 45, "The Cultural Revolution brought her fearful anxiety and distress: he was nearly beaten to death. When he came back after several months of confinement in a damp room he could hardly walk for arthritis.”''

'''Zhang Jie calls for a change in the government and the society of China'''.
Heavy wings/ Leaden wings, is a very provocative book and it calls for the Chinese people for a change, to leave once and for all 'old habits' that hold them back, and open themselves to progress with the help of outside markets, ''pag 101, "For some years we studied chairman Mao’s works regardless of the political results. We competed to see who could write the most copious notes or parrot the most quotations. The effectiveness of political work should be judge by the new wealth created. We must run our economy according to economic laws and give up our old egalitarian way of all eating from one big pot. That stifles initiative.”''

'''Zhang Jie speaks about her goals as a writer'''
In September of 1982, Zhang Jie spoke at the UCLA, at the US-Chinese writers conference organized by Norman Cousins about her thoughts in Literature.''*Life should become what humans beings wish it to be*''. When she talks about us, as human beings and what we wish for, it is clear to me that in order to become anything, we must have freedom of choice. Zhang Jie also expressed her feelings of responsibility that she feels the writers have to the world,''*Pure literature as our purpose cannot exist, because the writer’s feeling will have an impact on the material world.* Dillard, Pag 64.'' Zhang Jie then wants freedom to become, but with the understanding that as writers, they have a responsibility to impact the people for a better world.

== Powerpoint Slide ==
[[File:FINAL_DE_Zhang_Jie.pptx|thumb]]

== Disclosure ==
It has been a pleasure to have done this class with Mr Woesler. I had worked hard in my wiki and have done my very best to use the resources available to me in a respectful manner. In doing so, it is my hope that this work can help others 'strengthen the appreciation and knowledge of the Republic of China and their wonderful People'. Erica Bazalar-Oaks. www.bazalar.com

== References ==
[1]Zhang Jie, International Literature Festival Berlin 2003, see Website: [http://www.literaturfestival.com/bios1_3_6_292.html]

== Sources ==
1. Book # 1 Encounters With Chinese Writers By Annie Dillard. http://books.google.com/books?id=g6conZpyrHEC&pg=PA65&lpg=PA65&dq=Zhang+Jie+study+economics&source=bl&ots=KF9QpH8WcC&sig=UDPEQRy0Op_SFaGSG0dOaRLu6hA&hl=en&sa=X&ei=WdS9UK26CYfQygHjrIGoBg&ved=0CFMQ6AEwBQ#v=onepage&q=Zhang%20Jie%20study%20economics&f=false

2. Book # 2 Leaden Wings, Zhang Jie. Published by VIRAGO PRESS Limited 1987. ISBN 0-86068-759-7

3. Faces of Chinese Literature:

4. http://www.upf.edu/materials/huma/central/historia/lite/temes/6postm.htm

5. Her novel: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zhang_Jie_%28writer%29

6. Biography: http://www.beijingscene.com/cissue/feature.html

7. http://www.pen-international.org/

8. http://www.marxists.org/history/erol/ncm-7/cwp-cr/part-3.htm

9. http://www.culturebase.net/artist.php?3577

10. http://www.iu.edu/~easc/outreach/educators/literature/workshops/doc/Perry_2005.pdf 11/16/2012

11. http://www.literaturfestival.com/participants/authors/2003/zhang-jie

12. http://contemporary_chinese_culture.academic.ru/952/Zhang_Jie

13. http://www.iu.edu/~easc/outreach/educators/literature/workshops/doc/Perry_2005.pdf

Zhang Jie (born 1937)

2012-12-05T04:41:19Z

Ericaangie: /* Faces of Chinese Literature */

[[File:Arch002021286b.jpg|400px|thumb|right|Zhang Jie, an artistic photo by Buso. Click [http://www.martabuso.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/5e06319eda06f020e43594a9c230972d/a/r/arch002021286b.jpg here] for original source ]]
== About Zhang Jie ==
A one of a kind and brilliant Chinese Literature writer. She resumed the aspects of socialism and turned it into a novella. In this way she is able to clearly show us what the people in China of all ranks had to suffer and went through during and after those times of communism, what they were left to be entrusted with, to rebuild upon for a new generation in China. Zhang Jie began to write after the access of power began for Deng Xioping (Deputy Minister), the dead of Mao Tseng Tang occurred in 1976 and the fall of the Gang of Four occurred; this gang included Mao’s cruel wife, Jiang Qing, mastermind and political figure that together with Mao authored millions of crimes during the Cultural Revolution.

It was after these events that Zhang Jie began to write. China finally began to experience a relatively more freedom for writers to create, and works of other foreign writers began to make their way into China. China started to get energized catching on the humanistic and artistic works of the world. It was beginning to exit the 10 years confinement of literature and oppression that had suffered during the Cultural Revolution. The extreme ideals of communism lost attention and writers could now use other themes in their stories, other than the working classes or soldiers. Zhang Jie was now 39 years old. She was finally able and experienced to establish her brilliant place in the Chinese Literature.

[[File:Brigitte_lin_book_fair_hk.jpg|400px|thumb|left|Zhang Jie, at a Hong Kong Book fair. They announced her book
'Without Words' will be go to the big screen. Click [http://wiki.vm.rub.de/uvu/images/5/59/Brigitte_lin_book_fair_hk.jpg here] for original source ]]

== Biography ==
'''1937'''
Zhang Jie was born in Beijing in 1937, her mother taught elementary school, she grew up poor even when she was a Manchu Royalty decedent. She had to escape the Japanese army that wanted to kill them. ''"Her mother, Manchurian royalty by birth but reduced to poverty by China's perpetual war and revolt, was a primary school teacher before the Japanese invasion." beijingscene.com.'' A guide that they meet introduced Zhang Jie to western children stories. The stories she read were from The Grimm brothers, Hans Christian Andersen and the fables of Krylov were among her favorites. Although people like to critic her because about this, Zhang Jie said that she is glad to have read these children stories, because they taught her to be consider to other people and not smash others on her way to success ''"I secretly congratulate myself and say that if I have one iota of human feeling, if I do not move up in the world by stepping on other people, do not use others to gain advantage, it is in large part due to the influence of the humanism in classical Western literature.” beijingscene.com''

'''1956'''
She wanted so badly to be a writer but end up studying economics ''"The government, however decided that because of her excellent school record she should study economics” Dillard pag 65.'' Zhang Jie cried about this but went anyways. Zhang Jie was admitted in RENMIN University of China.

'''1960'''
Zhang Jie, graduated and took a job in the Mechanics Engineer Industry that would allowed her a lot of information in this field to later write her Mao Dun Award winning book 'Heavy Wings (Leaden Wings)'. She worked in this industry for eight years.

'''1963'''
She married a colleague and had a daughter called 'Tang Di'

'''1964'''
Mao wanted the writers to experience equality with the rural or less fortunate people, and get rid off any funny ideas of possible superiority they might have ''"In addition to the Socialist Education Movement in the countryside, Mao repeatedly urged the literature and arts circles, as well as the various propaganda arms, to reform their areas.” marxists.org.''

'''1969'''
At the age of 32 Zhang Jie was sent to a farm for four years to be reform to Jiangxi, located southwest if China. Even when they have lost all money and connection of her royal family, because of her royal lineage, she was considered of a privilege class, so according to the teachings of Mao Tseng Tang she needed to be reform and experience the workers life. ''"Because she was the daughter of a right winger, she was forced to participate in re-educational measures at a special school from 1969 to 1972.” culture.base.net.'' During these times, it must have been very hard to be separated of her daughter and mother.

'''1978'''
Zhang Jie published her first children story right after the Culture Revolution called 'Music of the Forests', and won China national award ''"It was at this time that she also began to write. Only after the Cultural Revolution (1966–67) did she publish her first story" 'Die Musik der Wälder' culturebase.net.'' Russian children literature really was her inspiration to begin writing. Also, she was one of the first Modern writers to write about women and love. 'Love must not be forgotten' was her first novel about these issues of love.

'''1979'''
Zhang Jie joined the Chinese Writers Association. Zhang Jie’s work was popular.

'''1980'''
Her acclaim novella 'Heavy Wings' was published and very well received. She had waited for a long time and because of the changes and relatively freedoms that China was experiencing this was the right moment to do it. Zhang Jie joined the Chinese Communist Party.

'''1982'''
She becomes a member of the PEN International. Zhang Jie would travel outside of China for the first time ever to attend a conference in Los Angeles, at UCLA where she would meet American writer and journalist 'Harrison Salisbury'. Dillard, pag 63. Zhang Jie must have been very happy that she can finally write all she wanted.

'''1985'''
She was awarded the Mao Dun Literature Prize for ''Leaden Wings = Heavy Wings''.''"She was awarded the Mao Dun Literature Prize in 1985 for Leaden Wings and in 2005 for Without a Word, making her the first writer to receive the award twice." .[1]

'''2005'''
Zhang Jie was awarded for the second time the Mao Dun Literature Prize for 'Without a Word'.

[[File:Zhang-jie-0719L.jpg|500px|thumb|right|In 1985, Zhang Jie won the Mao Dun Prize Click [http://images2.chinatraveldepot.com/Images/Destination/Zhang-jie-0719L.jpg here] for original source ]]

== Faces of Chinese Literature ==
I think it is helpful and important to distinguish, 2 important faces in Chinese Literature and which one Zhang Jie belongs too, so we can comprehend the evolution of Chinese Literature, as well as the authors time.
The first face was in the 1920s. It started with the fall of the Empire and the disintegration of the Old Traditional Literacy. The beginning of the ‘Chinese Literature Modern Classics was born’, Lu Xun, Lao She, Cao Yu, Mao Deng, Ba Jin and others, ''"At that moment the canonical list of modern classics of Chinese literature came out: Lu Xun, Lao She, Cao Yu, Mao Dun, Ba Jin” www.upf.edu .''

The Second face during the 1980s. A period of relative relaxation begins that allowed the ‘emerge of new climate of cultural creativity’. The distinction of what it was ‘Revolutionary Literature between – Modern Literature’ was well noticed. "The young writers that had to remain silence had been awakening (good morning Zhang Jie)." In this face: we found Zhang Jie, Wang Meng, Liu Xiabo, Wang Shuo, Hao Shaogong and many more.

== Fun Facts about Zhang Jie ==
[[File:Cute.jpg|250px|thumb|left|Zhang Jie, loves cats and was seeing playing with one at UCLA conference. Click [http://www.thedibb.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=662542] for original source ]]
Zhang Jie loves to giggle and to read books. She has a way of looking at you with sarcasm. Zhang Jie also likes Siamese cats a lot. During the UCLA conference, she got a hold of a cat and would not let go of it. People reported that she was holding on to the cat the wrong way, the cat’s behind was facing people, while the face of the cat was facing Zhang Jie’s back, funny way to hold a kitty, and she did it for a while too, ''"Zhang Jie and innovative and controversial young writer, is carrying my Siamese cat aroung the house. She holds it by the armpit, so it faces the couch.” Dillard, pag 61.''
She also loves to speak softly and her work is regularly under fire, '' Zhang Jie , whose own work is regularly under fire, had to defend the Party line.” Dillard, pag 68.''

== Her work ==
Zhang Jie was raised by her mother, her parents were divorced. Probably at a young age witnessed and experienced the discrimination and abuse to the fact that she had no father. In those times single mothers were very lookdown upon and were also discriminated. [[File:ZHangJieHenryMiller.png|400px|thumb|right|Zhang Jie and American writer 'Henry Miller'in 1984 Click [http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C507t-K16jQ/TguQwhGSIiI/AAAAAAAABF0/FI09ZHvkDT4/s320/ZHangJieHenryMiller.gif here] for original source ]]These facts had to have inspired Zhang Jie into her writings and allowed her to rule when she talks about what women went through during those times, since she had witnessed it herself. A good example of this in one of her books is 'Love must not be forgotten' where she tells a story about a woman that was having doubts about getting marry and finds the diary of her mother. In this diary she finds out that her mother had a secret love. The events of this novel took place during the Cultural Revolution, similar to the fact that Zhang Jie and her mother were going through this situation during the same time ''According to her mother’s wishes, Shanshan did burn the books, but could not part with the diary. As she reads her mother’s words, one of the many things she discovers is that her mother had had a secret love.” www.iu.edu''

'''Why Zhang Jie calls it "Heavy wings"'''
Zhang Jie is a smart writer, strong and brave representative of the new Modern generation. This generation is like a newborn or a new bird representing the Republic of China. Zhang Jie and writers like her are the ones that are responsible to help others break out of the shell, and show them how to fly high. But can they do it? Or, Are the wings of this nation 'too heavy to take off' and begin to fly completely free? You decide. ''She was awarded the Mao Dun Literature Prize in 1985 for Leaden Wings and in 2005 for Without a Word, making her the first writer to receive the award twice” en.wikipedia.org.''

'''Zhang Jie way of writing'''
''By taking us inside the story, Zhang Jie show us how the people of China lives, how they struggle silently hoping for a change that is too slow in the process of happening, like a pregnant mother that is in contractions now, this mother or nation that has been evolving month by month, decade by decade, and is in growing pains of the changes that are taking place, for a new baby, a new nation that is pushing to come out, and by coming out is creating changes in the way of thinking of China, a China that wants to breath loud, that wants to take off flying freely, and wants to reach the stars without having the government teased her and tide her down like a kite. Erica Bazalar-Oaks.''

In this novella, Zhang Jie is brilliant! She takes us inside the society of China in a very personal way. She describes the personalities so well and body movements, their rooms, houses and buildings where they live, and through her words make us feel as spectators that we can be seating right there on a chair, or on the table near by ear dropping on the conversation the characters are having. Zhang Jie shows as a writer her brilliance and experience, when the story just flows. She goes from one story to another in such a subtle way, that you as the reader are not a bit distracted, but pleasingly surprise making you feel like a light feather traveling gently from one side to another. On her words, she also uses European phrases that are well known and demonstrates her past influences in readings, pag 95 ''Not all high officials rested in their laurels.” Also Zhang Jie demonstrates something I found interesting, her unique and personal style of writing when she mixes in one situation, two elements from different backgrounds. She can convey and interesting way of thinking that she cleanly and successfully displays in her novella. A good example is when the character of Zheng was in the car letting the breeze to ruffle his hair, Zheng though to himself, ''pag 102, "Would this speech he had just made, like previous ones, vanish without a trace like a snowflake in the dessert?”'' Here she uses the snowflake that happens on winter season, and combines it with the element of the dessert that portraits a hot weather, two different types of times to explain the feelings of the character of Zheng. I enjoyed that.

[[File:Zhang-jie.png|400px|thumb|left|Zhang Jie very young in her twenties Click [http://digital.library.upenn.edu/women/_gallery/zhang-jie.gif here] for original source ]]

== Analysis of the Book Heavy Wings ==

'''Heavy Wings also call Leaden Wings'''
Heavy/Leaden Wings was published in 1980. Zhang Jie tells us what is happening today in Modern China after the Cultural Revolution, and where they stand in progress in their society and the world. One important thing that she writes about is 'marriage' in a country that is full of traditions, marriage can be one thing that is controversial to discuss. In Heavy Wings, the characters, women and men of different economical classes equally show their struggles in marriage, and fears of the society criticism if they would ever were to get divorce. Zhang Jie has been accused before of being immoral or too westernized, also to work against the party. Zhang Jie herself is divorced; in her work she stands for true love versus tradition. But, 'This also could mean that the author is suggesting that women and men can and should take their time experiencing falling in love! Before they go into rehearse marriage'. Also, this novella centers in the modernization of the Chinese industry and how the citizens are all for modern and bringing outside investments, especially interesting since Chinese people has not favored or trust outside companies. Heavy Wings give us as well an interesting inside of the social classes China has. We have the working classes that work in the industry very hard and barely get by, the middle class with the managers in charge that want to make a difference for their people and the ministers that are the ones that are way involve with the party, make the money and can do good or bad.

'''Modernization of China'''
When she talks about the modernization of China industry, she can give an excellent inside of thoughts about the progress in this organization, since she worked in this field for many years in the past. That means that she probably also witnessed the corruption that goes on; the good people that want to modernize and make a difference in their sector for the better, but encounter corruption with the bad people that only wants to hold on tied to communism rules, so they can benefit themselves and not the workers, that work hard and that need to make more money, to at least better their living conditions, ''pag 86 "To boost production in China you have to improve living conditions.”''

'''Divorce in the Chinese society'''
Heavy wings shows how people therefore might not be in love but because it would look bad on them, they have to put up with it, ''pag 34,"He seldom had free Sunday and they slept in different rooms.”''If they would divorce, for the men in their careers, they could lose their social status and be consider unstable losers, and for the women is far worst, if they became divorcees they can be look down as prostitutes, ''pag 107, "He darted a warning glance at Zheng. To him divorcees ranked with prostitutes.”'' One call only imagine how much Zheng Jie suffered when she was little looking at her mother been mistreated since her mother was divorced, and after loosing all position in society and money, Zheng Jie’s mother had to find a job, protect her daughter and put up with a society that did not protect her but made their lives worst. We can definitely tell that this part in Zhang Jie’s life influenced this writer a lot when she learnt this type of discrimination against her mother, against women in her society.

'''Tender moments'''
There are also great moments of tenderness in this story from Chinese men and women, that will give a better understanding of their deep hearts. ''Pag 79, "Everyone present was watching him in silence. The sight gave him fresh strength. Old Lü’s bearded chin beneath his bleary eyes was quivering. Chen put the dumpling into the old fellow’s mouth. ‘I let you down, Old Lü, he said.”''

[[File:ZhangJieHarrison.png|400px|thumb|right|Zhang Jie, at 45 (First time out of China) with writer Harrison Salisbury
In 1982, at the UCLA, US-Chinese writers conference Click [http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--m26XHdk0so/TguRGQWGs5I/AAAAAAAABF8/lzPMfkPY4Yw/s320/ZhangJieHarrison.gif here] for original source ]]
'''The way Chinese people live'''
We see the working Chinese people struggling to meet ends, with low salaries or enough to get by, and small and/or poor housing, if you can call some of these places mentioned in the story housing. Also there is not much money left, but to only go out for a meal, this is the way of entertainment. They really cannot get out of this type of social class. ''Pag 62, "China really gets its intellectuals on the cheap, Zheng though. Then, remembering the technicians in his ministry and the workers in factories, he reflected, he reflected that China got all its common people on the cheap”'', and the youth has no way of diversion or entertainment but to go out and eat. They could not go out to dance or have money to travel. ''Pag 62, "Zheng glanced round. ‘Apart from the two of us, everybody here’s young. Can’t blame. Eating out is their only diversion. What else can they do!”''

'''The careers that Chinese society forces on their people'''
Zhang show us how Chinese people’s education are not well rounded but are tailor to get jobs that will advance them in society. This situation does not make them happy but it is the way that it has been working for a long time, ''Pag 59, "Looking at his eyes Zheng Ziyun felt a stab of envy. In his young days he had wanted to study anthropology, literature or history, but fate had made him an official.”'' Chinese people dream to experience careers their society does not allow them to have, ''pag 85, "Keeping his eyes on the dark road, Chen said slowly, ‘In middle school I was mad on the violin, thought music the highest form of art. And I wanted to get a PHD in physics. But I’ve ended up a factory manager!” He laughed rather bitterly.''

'''Class struggles, history and beliefs do not let Chinese move forward'''
Zhang Jie let us know that the Chinese people mentality has to change or there will be no progress at all. ''Pag 42, "What they were up against now were deeply ingrained beliefs. These beliefs were like net in which all were caught. History was bound to condemn and eliminate them.”''

'''The Past of the Cultural Revolution = Communism will be remember'''
Zhang Jie made it clear that these abuses and crimes, did happened in China, that her thoughts in this book are not exaggerated or made up, but they come from 'real life events' that mark the Chinese people and their lives. - These events are vital to understand them and what they are fighting for -. During the Cultural Revolution with Mao, all that opposed the Communist government or look like they did, were kill, nearly kill to death, brutally bit up, abuse, persecuted. They could also be send to do 'restitution to these rural places' so they can be re-form, ''pag 45, "The Cultural Revolution brought her fearful anxiety and distress: he was nearly beaten to death. When he came back after several months of confinement in a damp room he could hardly walk for arthritis.”''

'''Zhang Jie calls for a change in the government and the society of China'''.
Heavy wings/ Leaden wings, is a very provocative book and it calls for the Chinese people for a change, to leave once and for all 'old habits' that hold them back, and open themselves to progress with the help of outside markets, ''pag 101, "For some years we studied chairman Mao’s works regardless of the political results. We competed to see who could write the most copious notes or parrot the most quotations. The effectiveness of political work should be judge by the new wealth created. We must run our economy according to economic laws and give up our old egalitarian way of all eating from one big pot. That stifles initiative.”''

'''Zhang Jie speaks about her goals as a writer'''
In September of 1982, Zhang Jie spoke at the UCLA, at the US-Chinese writers conference organized by Norman Cousins about her thoughts in Literature.''*Life should become what humans beings wish it to be*''. When she talks about us, as human beings and what we wish for, it is clear to me that in order to become anything, we must have freedom of choice. Zhang Jie also expressed her feelings of responsibility that she feels the writers have to the world,''*Pure literature as our purpose cannot exist, because the writer’s feeling will have an impact on the material world.* Dillard, Pag 64.'' Zhang Jie then wants freedom to become, but with the understanding that as writers, they have a responsibility to impact the people for a better world.

== Powerpoint Slide ==
[[File:FINAL_DE_Zhang_Jie.pptx|thumb]]

== Disclosure ==
It has been a pleasure to have done this class with Mr Woesler. I had worked hard in my wiki and have done my very best to use the resources available to me in a respectful manner. In doing so, it is my hope that this work can help others 'strengthen the appreciation and knowledge of the Republic of China and their wonderful People'. Erica Bazalar-Oaks. www.bazalar.com

== References ==
[1]Zhang Jie, International Literature Festival Berlin 2003, see Website: [http://www.literaturfestival.com/bios1_3_6_292.html]

== Sources ==
1. Book # 1 Encounters With Chinese Writers By Annie Dillard. http://books.google.com/books?id=g6conZpyrHEC&pg=PA65&lpg=PA65&dq=Zhang+Jie+study+economics&source=bl&ots=KF9QpH8WcC&sig=UDPEQRy0Op_SFaGSG0dOaRLu6hA&hl=en&sa=X&ei=WdS9UK26CYfQygHjrIGoBg&ved=0CFMQ6AEwBQ#v=onepage&q=Zhang%20Jie%20study%20economics&f=false

2. Book # 2 Leaden Wings, Zhang Jie. Published by VIRAGO PRESS Limited 1987. ISBN 0-86068-759-7

3. Faces of Chinese Literature:

4. http://www.upf.edu/materials/huma/central/historia/lite/temes/6postm.htm

5. Her novel: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zhang_Jie_%28writer%29

6. Biography: http://www.beijingscene.com/cissue/feature.html

7. http://www.pen-international.org/

8. http://www.marxists.org/history/erol/ncm-7/cwp-cr/part-3.htm

9. http://www.culturebase.net/artist.php?3577

10. http://www.iu.edu/~easc/outreach/educators/literature/workshops/doc/Perry_2005.pdf 11/16/2012

11. http://www.literaturfestival.com/participants/authors/2003/zhang-jie

12. http://contemporary_chinese_culture.academic.ru/952/Zhang_Jie

13. http://www.iu.edu/~easc/outreach/educators/literature/workshops/doc/Perry_2005.pdf

Zhang Jie (born 1937)

2012-12-05T04:40:58Z

Ericaangie: /* Faces of Chinese Literature */

[[File:Arch002021286b.jpg|400px|thumb|right|Zhang Jie, an artistic photo by Buso. Click [http://www.martabuso.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/5e06319eda06f020e43594a9c230972d/a/r/arch002021286b.jpg here] for original source ]]
== About Zhang Jie ==
A one of a kind and brilliant Chinese Literature writer. She resumed the aspects of socialism and turned it into a novella. In this way she is able to clearly show us what the people in China of all ranks had to suffer and went through during and after those times of communism, what they were left to be entrusted with, to rebuild upon for a new generation in China. Zhang Jie began to write after the access of power began for Deng Xioping (Deputy Minister), the dead of Mao Tseng Tang occurred in 1976 and the fall of the Gang of Four occurred; this gang included Mao’s cruel wife, Jiang Qing, mastermind and political figure that together with Mao authored millions of crimes during the Cultural Revolution.

It was after these events that Zhang Jie began to write. China finally began to experience a relatively more freedom for writers to create, and works of other foreign writers began to make their way into China. China started to get energized catching on the humanistic and artistic works of the world. It was beginning to exit the 10 years confinement of literature and oppression that had suffered during the Cultural Revolution. The extreme ideals of communism lost attention and writers could now use other themes in their stories, other than the working classes or soldiers. Zhang Jie was now 39 years old. She was finally able and experienced to establish her brilliant place in the Chinese Literature.

[[File:Brigitte_lin_book_fair_hk.jpg|400px|thumb|left|Zhang Jie, at a Hong Kong Book fair. They announced her book
'Without Words' will be go to the big screen. Click [http://wiki.vm.rub.de/uvu/images/5/59/Brigitte_lin_book_fair_hk.jpg here] for original source ]]

== Biography ==
'''1937'''
Zhang Jie was born in Beijing in 1937, her mother taught elementary school, she grew up poor even when she was a Manchu Royalty decedent. She had to escape the Japanese army that wanted to kill them. ''"Her mother, Manchurian royalty by birth but reduced to poverty by China's perpetual war and revolt, was a primary school teacher before the Japanese invasion." beijingscene.com.'' A guide that they meet introduced Zhang Jie to western children stories. The stories she read were from The Grimm brothers, Hans Christian Andersen and the fables of Krylov were among her favorites. Although people like to critic her because about this, Zhang Jie said that she is glad to have read these children stories, because they taught her to be consider to other people and not smash others on her way to success ''"I secretly congratulate myself and say that if I have one iota of human feeling, if I do not move up in the world by stepping on other people, do not use others to gain advantage, it is in large part due to the influence of the humanism in classical Western literature.” beijingscene.com''

'''1956'''
She wanted so badly to be a writer but end up studying economics ''"The government, however decided that because of her excellent school record she should study economics” Dillard pag 65.'' Zhang Jie cried about this but went anyways. Zhang Jie was admitted in RENMIN University of China.

'''1960'''
Zhang Jie, graduated and took a job in the Mechanics Engineer Industry that would allowed her a lot of information in this field to later write her Mao Dun Award winning book 'Heavy Wings (Leaden Wings)'. She worked in this industry for eight years.

'''1963'''
She married a colleague and had a daughter called 'Tang Di'

'''1964'''
Mao wanted the writers to experience equality with the rural or less fortunate people, and get rid off any funny ideas of possible superiority they might have ''"In addition to the Socialist Education Movement in the countryside, Mao repeatedly urged the literature and arts circles, as well as the various propaganda arms, to reform their areas.” marxists.org.''

'''1969'''
At the age of 32 Zhang Jie was sent to a farm for four years to be reform to Jiangxi, located southwest if China. Even when they have lost all money and connection of her royal family, because of her royal lineage, she was considered of a privilege class, so according to the teachings of Mao Tseng Tang she needed to be reform and experience the workers life. ''"Because she was the daughter of a right winger, she was forced to participate in re-educational measures at a special school from 1969 to 1972.” culture.base.net.'' During these times, it must have been very hard to be separated of her daughter and mother.

'''1978'''
Zhang Jie published her first children story right after the Culture Revolution called 'Music of the Forests', and won China national award ''"It was at this time that she also began to write. Only after the Cultural Revolution (1966–67) did she publish her first story" 'Die Musik der Wälder' culturebase.net.'' Russian children literature really was her inspiration to begin writing. Also, she was one of the first Modern writers to write about women and love. 'Love must not be forgotten' was her first novel about these issues of love.

'''1979'''
Zhang Jie joined the Chinese Writers Association. Zhang Jie’s work was popular.

'''1980'''
Her acclaim novella 'Heavy Wings' was published and very well received. She had waited for a long time and because of the changes and relatively freedoms that China was experiencing this was the right moment to do it. Zhang Jie joined the Chinese Communist Party.

'''1982'''
She becomes a member of the PEN International. Zhang Jie would travel outside of China for the first time ever to attend a conference in Los Angeles, at UCLA where she would meet American writer and journalist 'Harrison Salisbury'. Dillard, pag 63. Zhang Jie must have been very happy that she can finally write all she wanted.

'''1985'''
She was awarded the Mao Dun Literature Prize for ''Leaden Wings = Heavy Wings''.''"She was awarded the Mao Dun Literature Prize in 1985 for Leaden Wings and in 2005 for Without a Word, making her the first writer to receive the award twice." .[1]

'''2005'''
Zhang Jie was awarded for the second time the Mao Dun Literature Prize for 'Without a Word'.

[[File:Zhang-jie-0719L.jpg|500px|thumb|right|In 1985, Zhang Jie won the Mao Dun Prize Click [http://images2.chinatraveldepot.com/Images/Destination/Zhang-jie-0719L.jpg here] for original source ]]

== Faces of Chinese Literature ==
I think it is helpful and important to distinguish, 2 important faces in Chinese Literature and which one Zhang Jie belongs too, so we can comprehend the evolution of Chinese Literature, as well as the authors time.
The first face was in the 1920s. It started with the fall of the Empire and the disintegration of the Old Traditional Literacy. The beginning of the ‘Chinese Literature Modern Classics was born’, Lu Xun, Lao She, Cao Yu, Mao Deng, Ba Jin and others, ''"At that moment the canonical list of modern classics of Chinese literature came out: Lu Xun, Lao She, Cao Yu, Mao Dun, Ba Jin” www.upf.edu .''

The Second face during the 1980s. A period of relative relaxation begins that allowed the ‘emerge of new climate of cultural creativity’. The distinction of what it was ‘Revolutionary Literature between – Modern Literature’ was well noticed. "The young writers that had to remain silence had been awakening (good morning Zhang Jie)." In this face: we found Zhang Jie, Wang Meng, Liu Xiabo, Wang Shuo, Hao Shaogong and many more.

== Fun Facts about Zhang Jie ==
[[File:Cute.jpg|250px|thumb|left|Zhang Jie, loves cats and was seeing playing with one at UCLA conference. Click [http://www.thedibb.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=662542] for original source ]]
Zhang Jie loves to giggle and to read books. She has a way of looking at you with sarcasm. Zhang Jie also likes Siamese cats a lot. During the UCLA conference, she got a hold of a cat and would not let go of it. People reported that she was holding on to the cat the wrong way, the cat’s behind was facing people, while the face of the cat was facing Zhang Jie’s back, funny way to hold a kitty, and she did it for a while too, ''"Zhang Jie and innovative and controversial young writer, is carrying my Siamese cat aroung the house. She holds it by the armpit, so it faces the couch.” Dillard, pag 61.''
She also loves to speak softly and her work is regularly under fire, '' Zhang Jie , whose own work is regularly under fire, had to defend the Party line.” Dillard, pag 68.''

== Her work ==
Zhang Jie was raised by her mother, her parents were divorced. Probably at a young age witnessed and experienced the discrimination and abuse to the fact that she had no father. In those times single mothers were very lookdown upon and were also discriminated. [[File:ZHangJieHenryMiller.png|400px|thumb|right|Zhang Jie and American writer 'Henry Miller'in 1984 Click [http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C507t-K16jQ/TguQwhGSIiI/AAAAAAAABF0/FI09ZHvkDT4/s320/ZHangJieHenryMiller.gif here] for original source ]]These facts had to have inspired Zhang Jie into her writings and allowed her to rule when she talks about what women went through during those times, since she had witnessed it herself. A good example of this in one of her books is 'Love must not be forgotten' where she tells a story about a woman that was having doubts about getting marry and finds the diary of her mother. In this diary she finds out that her mother had a secret love. The events of this novel took place during the Cultural Revolution, similar to the fact that Zhang Jie and her mother were going through this situation during the same time ''According to her mother’s wishes, Shanshan did burn the books, but could not part with the diary. As she reads her mother’s words, one of the many things she discovers is that her mother had had a secret love.” www.iu.edu''

'''Why Zhang Jie calls it "Heavy wings"'''
Zhang Jie is a smart writer, strong and brave representative of the new Modern generation. This generation is like a newborn or a new bird representing the Republic of China. Zhang Jie and writers like her are the ones that are responsible to help others break out of the shell, and show them how to fly high. But can they do it? Or, Are the wings of this nation 'too heavy to take off' and begin to fly completely free? You decide. ''She was awarded the Mao Dun Literature Prize in 1985 for Leaden Wings and in 2005 for Without a Word, making her the first writer to receive the award twice” en.wikipedia.org.''

'''Zhang Jie way of writing'''
''By taking us inside the story, Zhang Jie show us how the people of China lives, how they struggle silently hoping for a change that is too slow in the process of happening, like a pregnant mother that is in contractions now, this mother or nation that has been evolving month by month, decade by decade, and is in growing pains of the changes that are taking place, for a new baby, a new nation that is pushing to come out, and by coming out is creating changes in the way of thinking of China, a China that wants to breath loud, that wants to take off flying freely, and wants to reach the stars without having the government teased her and tide her down like a kite. Erica Bazalar-Oaks.''

In this novella, Zhang Jie is brilliant! She takes us inside the society of China in a very personal way. She describes the personalities so well and body movements, their rooms, houses and buildings where they live, and through her words make us feel as spectators that we can be seating right there on a chair, or on the table near by ear dropping on the conversation the characters are having. Zhang Jie shows as a writer her brilliance and experience, when the story just flows. She goes from one story to another in such a subtle way, that you as the reader are not a bit distracted, but pleasingly surprise making you feel like a light feather traveling gently from one side to another. On her words, she also uses European phrases that are well known and demonstrates her past influences in readings, pag 95 ''Not all high officials rested in their laurels.” Also Zhang Jie demonstrates something I found interesting, her unique and personal style of writing when she mixes in one situation, two elements from different backgrounds. She can convey and interesting way of thinking that she cleanly and successfully displays in her novella. A good example is when the character of Zheng was in the car letting the breeze to ruffle his hair, Zheng though to himself, ''pag 102, "Would this speech he had just made, like previous ones, vanish without a trace like a snowflake in the dessert?”'' Here she uses the snowflake that happens on winter season, and combines it with the element of the dessert that portraits a hot weather, two different types of times to explain the feelings of the character of Zheng. I enjoyed that.

[[File:Zhang-jie.png|400px|thumb|left|Zhang Jie very young in her twenties Click [http://digital.library.upenn.edu/women/_gallery/zhang-jie.gif here] for original source ]]

== Analysis of the Book Heavy Wings ==

'''Heavy Wings also call Leaden Wings'''
Heavy/Leaden Wings was published in 1980. Zhang Jie tells us what is happening today in Modern China after the Cultural Revolution, and where they stand in progress in their society and the world. One important thing that she writes about is 'marriage' in a country that is full of traditions, marriage can be one thing that is controversial to discuss. In Heavy Wings, the characters, women and men of different economical classes equally show their struggles in marriage, and fears of the society criticism if they would ever were to get divorce. Zhang Jie has been accused before of being immoral or too westernized, also to work against the party. Zhang Jie herself is divorced; in her work she stands for true love versus tradition. But, 'This also could mean that the author is suggesting that women and men can and should take their time experiencing falling in love! Before they go into rehearse marriage'. Also, this novella centers in the modernization of the Chinese industry and how the citizens are all for modern and bringing outside investments, especially interesting since Chinese people has not favored or trust outside companies. Heavy Wings give us as well an interesting inside of the social classes China has. We have the working classes that work in the industry very hard and barely get by, the middle class with the managers in charge that want to make a difference for their people and the ministers that are the ones that are way involve with the party, make the money and can do good or bad.

'''Modernization of China'''
When she talks about the modernization of China industry, she can give an excellent inside of thoughts about the progress in this organization, since she worked in this field for many years in the past. That means that she probably also witnessed the corruption that goes on; the good people that want to modernize and make a difference in their sector for the better, but encounter corruption with the bad people that only wants to hold on tied to communism rules, so they can benefit themselves and not the workers, that work hard and that need to make more money, to at least better their living conditions, ''pag 86 "To boost production in China you have to improve living conditions.”''

'''Divorce in the Chinese society'''
Heavy wings shows how people therefore might not be in love but because it would look bad on them, they have to put up with it, ''pag 34,"He seldom had free Sunday and they slept in different rooms.”''If they would divorce, for the men in their careers, they could lose their social status and be consider unstable losers, and for the women is far worst, if they became divorcees they can be look down as prostitutes, ''pag 107, "He darted a warning glance at Zheng. To him divorcees ranked with prostitutes.”'' One call only imagine how much Zheng Jie suffered when she was little looking at her mother been mistreated since her mother was divorced, and after loosing all position in society and money, Zheng Jie’s mother had to find a job, protect her daughter and put up with a society that did not protect her but made their lives worst. We can definitely tell that this part in Zhang Jie’s life influenced this writer a lot when she learnt this type of discrimination against her mother, against women in her society.

'''Tender moments'''
There are also great moments of tenderness in this story from Chinese men and women, that will give a better understanding of their deep hearts. ''Pag 79, "Everyone present was watching him in silence. The sight gave him fresh strength. Old Lü’s bearded chin beneath his bleary eyes was quivering. Chen put the dumpling into the old fellow’s mouth. ‘I let you down, Old Lü, he said.”''

[[File:ZhangJieHarrison.png|400px|thumb|right|Zhang Jie, at 45 (First time out of China) with writer Harrison Salisbury
In 1982, at the UCLA, US-Chinese writers conference Click [http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--m26XHdk0so/TguRGQWGs5I/AAAAAAAABF8/lzPMfkPY4Yw/s320/ZhangJieHarrison.gif here] for original source ]]
'''The way Chinese people live'''
We see the working Chinese people struggling to meet ends, with low salaries or enough to get by, and small and/or poor housing, if you can call some of these places mentioned in the story housing. Also there is not much money left, but to only go out for a meal, this is the way of entertainment. They really cannot get out of this type of social class. ''Pag 62, "China really gets its intellectuals on the cheap, Zheng though. Then, remembering the technicians in his ministry and the workers in factories, he reflected, he reflected that China got all its common people on the cheap”'', and the youth has no way of diversion or entertainment but to go out and eat. They could not go out to dance or have money to travel. ''Pag 62, "Zheng glanced round. ‘Apart from the two of us, everybody here’s young. Can’t blame. Eating out is their only diversion. What else can they do!”''

'''The careers that Chinese society forces on their people'''
Zhang show us how Chinese people’s education are not well rounded but are tailor to get jobs that will advance them in society. This situation does not make them happy but it is the way that it has been working for a long time, ''Pag 59, "Looking at his eyes Zheng Ziyun felt a stab of envy. In his young days he had wanted to study anthropology, literature or history, but fate had made him an official.”'' Chinese people dream to experience careers their society does not allow them to have, ''pag 85, "Keeping his eyes on the dark road, Chen said slowly, ‘In middle school I was mad on the violin, thought music the highest form of art. And I wanted to get a PHD in physics. But I’ve ended up a factory manager!” He laughed rather bitterly.''

'''Class struggles, history and beliefs do not let Chinese move forward'''
Zhang Jie let us know that the Chinese people mentality has to change or there will be no progress at all. ''Pag 42, "What they were up against now were deeply ingrained beliefs. These beliefs were like net in which all were caught. History was bound to condemn and eliminate them.”''

'''The Past of the Cultural Revolution = Communism will be remember'''
Zhang Jie made it clear that these abuses and crimes, did happened in China, that her thoughts in this book are not exaggerated or made up, but they come from 'real life events' that mark the Chinese people and their lives. - These events are vital to understand them and what they are fighting for -. During the Cultural Revolution with Mao, all that opposed the Communist government or look like they did, were kill, nearly kill to death, brutally bit up, abuse, persecuted. They could also be send to do 'restitution to these rural places' so they can be re-form, ''pag 45, "The Cultural Revolution brought her fearful anxiety and distress: he was nearly beaten to death. When he came back after several months of confinement in a damp room he could hardly walk for arthritis.”''

'''Zhang Jie calls for a change in the government and the society of China'''.
Heavy wings/ Leaden wings, is a very provocative book and it calls for the Chinese people for a change, to leave once and for all 'old habits' that hold them back, and open themselves to progress with the help of outside markets, ''pag 101, "For some years we studied chairman Mao’s works regardless of the political results. We competed to see who could write the most copious notes or parrot the most quotations. The effectiveness of political work should be judge by the new wealth created. We must run our economy according to economic laws and give up our old egalitarian way of all eating from one big pot. That stifles initiative.”''

'''Zhang Jie speaks about her goals as a writer'''
In September of 1982, Zhang Jie spoke at the UCLA, at the US-Chinese writers conference organized by Norman Cousins about her thoughts in Literature.''*Life should become what humans beings wish it to be*''. When she talks about us, as human beings and what we wish for, it is clear to me that in order to become anything, we must have freedom of choice. Zhang Jie also expressed her feelings of responsibility that she feels the writers have to the world,''*Pure literature as our purpose cannot exist, because the writer’s feeling will have an impact on the material world.* Dillard, Pag 64.'' Zhang Jie then wants freedom to become, but with the understanding that as writers, they have a responsibility to impact the people for a better world.

== Powerpoint Slide ==
[[File:FINAL_DE_Zhang_Jie.pptx|thumb]]

== Disclosure ==
It has been a pleasure to have done this class with Mr Woesler. I had worked hard in my wiki and have done my very best to use the resources available to me in a respectful manner. In doing so, it is my hope that this work can help others 'strengthen the appreciation and knowledge of the Republic of China and their wonderful People'. Erica Bazalar-Oaks. www.bazalar.com

== References ==
[1]Zhang Jie, International Literature Festival Berlin 2003, see Website: [http://www.literaturfestival.com/bios1_3_6_292.html]

== Sources ==
1. Book # 1 Encounters With Chinese Writers By Annie Dillard. http://books.google.com/books?id=g6conZpyrHEC&pg=PA65&lpg=PA65&dq=Zhang+Jie+study+economics&source=bl&ots=KF9QpH8WcC&sig=UDPEQRy0Op_SFaGSG0dOaRLu6hA&hl=en&sa=X&ei=WdS9UK26CYfQygHjrIGoBg&ved=0CFMQ6AEwBQ#v=onepage&q=Zhang%20Jie%20study%20economics&f=false

2. Book # 2 Leaden Wings, Zhang Jie. Published by VIRAGO PRESS Limited 1987. ISBN 0-86068-759-7

3. Faces of Chinese Literature:

4. http://www.upf.edu/materials/huma/central/historia/lite/temes/6postm.htm

5. Her novel: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zhang_Jie_%28writer%29

6. Biography: http://www.beijingscene.com/cissue/feature.html

7. http://www.pen-international.org/

8. http://www.marxists.org/history/erol/ncm-7/cwp-cr/part-3.htm

9. http://www.culturebase.net/artist.php?3577

10. http://www.iu.edu/~easc/outreach/educators/literature/workshops/doc/Perry_2005.pdf 11/16/2012

11. http://www.literaturfestival.com/participants/authors/2003/zhang-jie

12. http://contemporary_chinese_culture.academic.ru/952/Zhang_Jie

13. http://www.iu.edu/~easc/outreach/educators/literature/workshops/doc/Perry_2005.pdf