A Note to Lin Ke [1] on the First Two Sections of “On ‘Romance of the Three Kingdoms’” [2] (April 24, 1959)

Lin Ke: Please help me locate sections (1) and (2) of “On ‘Romance of the Three Kingdoms’” [3]. I would like to take a look.

Mao Zedong April 24  Printed from the manuscript.

Notes  [1] Lin Ke was at the time secretary to Mao Zedong’s office.

[2] This note was written on the third page of the April 23, 1959, edition of the Beijing Evening News, which carried Wu Zuxiang’s “On ‘Romance of the Three Kingdoms’” (III). The article primarily discusses the relationship between history and literature in light of “Romance of the Three Kingdoms.” It argues that the novel, with its overarching orientation of “supporting Liu, opposing Cao,” presents Liu Bei and Cao Cao as antagonistic figures. One should not superficially conclude that this merely reflects internal conflicts among the ruling class—such conflicts belong to history. Rather, as a work of literature, it fundamentally also embodies the contradiction between the broad masses of oppressed people and the ruling forces in the feudal era, reflecting the democratic aspirations and patriotic sentiments of the common people in a dark age. In this context, literature and history must be distinguished: the fact that the “supporting Liu, opposing Cao” stance aligns with orthodox historical views does not negate its democratic ideas.

[3] “On ‘Romance of the Three Kingdoms’” (I) and (II) appeared respectively on the third page of the Beijing Evening News on April 9 and April 15, 1959. On May 13, 1959, the newspaper published a further installment, “On ‘Romance of the Three Kingdoms’” (IV).