Zhao Shuli

Zhao Shuli (; 24 September 1906 – 23 September 1970) was a novelist and a leading figure of modern Chinese literature. He died in 1970, following persecutions during the Cultural Revolution.

Biography

Background Zhao was born in 1906 in Qinshui County, Shanxi Province. 李有才板話 Li Youcai banhua, "The Rhymes of Li Youcai"; 李家莊的變遷 Li jiazhuang de bianqian, "Change Comes to Li Family Village"; and 三里灣 Sanliwan, "Sanliwan Village". The action of Zhao's novels typically takes place in the countryside of Northern China. In this setting, Zhao explores the dilemmas and conflicts of villagers who are facing growing social upheaval. Zhao was renowned for achieving nuanced portrayals of the diverse cast of human characters which were to be found in provincial life. Zhao became known as a leader of the Shanyaotan (White Potato) School , one of the most influential literary movements in mid-20th century China. His works were promoted as an ideal combination of political education with popular entertainment, and the Communist Party distributed them to local cadres and urged Communist writers and artists to follow the "Zhao Shuli direction".

Zhao's works passed in and out of political favor at various times. Among the criticisms of his works was that they depicted peasant characters who were "in-the-middle" rather than heroes.

During the Cultural Revolution, Zhao was persecuted and tortured. He died on 23 September 1970.