| The research in this paper is centered on the works of one of China’s foremost sci-fi authors, Han Song. This includes a relatively systematic analysis of his works and an in-depth discussion of the motifs found in his sci-fi novels, which will allow us to better understand his literary significance as well as his role in the larger backdrop of Chinese sci-fi literature.First, Han Song’s works are organized and analyzed within the larger framework of all of Chinese sci-fi. Once this foundation is laid the themes in his works are analyzed, focusing mainly on two important elements:national identity and future motifs. National identity appears in Han Song’s stories in two forms, arising from conflict between nations or the fusion of nations. Future motifs are primarily focused on the future of the nation, that is, the beneficial adaptations or disfiguring mutations that may arise within the nation in the future. However, future motifs in Han Song’s novels never stray too far from the classic theme of the ultimate fate of mankind.Once individual analysis of Han Song’s works has been completed, this paper then uses Han Song as focal point to illuminate new developments taking place in modern Chinese sci-fi, and to better understand Chinese sci-fi’s place within sci-fi literature worldwide. First, Han Song is compared with various mainstream sci-fi authors around the world to gain a global perspective on his works, then contrasted with other modern Chinese sci-fi authors to analyze his connection to Chinese sci-fi, and to understand what traditions he has upheld and what innovations he has made.In his works, Han Song has explored how cultures change over time, and how people respond to these changes. His works can help us better understand the changes that are taking place in Chinese society right now, and he has given other authors an example of how to harness the power of sci-fi for social criticism, to reflect reality, and to make predictions about the future. |
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