Sympathy and Love for Youth:A Study of Mao Dun's Serial Novel The Young Printer and Its Illustrations
Mao Dun's serial novel The Young Printer,published in the semimonthly The New Youth in 1936,centers on Zhao Yuansheng(赵元生),a high school dropout who navigates the challenges of working in a paper mill and a printing house.Set against the backdrop of China's fight against Japanese aggression,the novel reflects the resilience and determination of the Chinese people.The story,chronicling the experiences of the 15-year-old protagonist,emphasizes themes of intelligence,diligence,and self-improvement.Furthermore,the novel provides young readers with scientific insights into the processes of papermaking and printing.Illustrated with 19 drawings,the serial enhances its narrative,offering a vivid visual representation that complements its thematic exploration.