From “Thoughts on March 8” to “Gap” and “The Sufferings of Liping”: Mate Selection and Marriage in Three Works by Yan’an Authors

Abstract During China’s war with Japan from 1937 to 1945, the Communist-controlled border regions in north China saw an influx of progressive, patriotic youth other parts country, bringing these new arrivals into contact officials and army officers Communist power structure. Marriage was one potential outcome such interactions, but while offering certain advantages it often seen as problematic, questions raised about motives methods parties involved. Given its sensitive nature, subject mate choice could only briefly be explored literary works before ideological clampdown imposed late spring summer 1942. This article examines key that addressed issue at time details criticisms followed their publication. It begins a close reading relevant passage “Sanbajie you gan” (Thoughts on March 8), famous essay by Ding Ling (1904-86), goes consider two stories younger Yan’an authors, Ma Jia (1910-2004) Mo Ye (1918-86), who broached topics marriage shortly after wrote her essay. Together works, published during relatively liberal period leading up Forum Literature Art, reveal some critical fault lines within revolutionary coalition. To this is appended full translation Ye’s story “Liping de fannao” (The sufferings Liping), which vividly depicts young woman’s struggle reconcile partner self-image progressive woman.