Question

4. Yongqing is the son of Fugui and Jaizhen. Sons have long been preferred in Chinese society. He is pampered, yet nevertheless, he dies young. It is an old friend, who is now a communist party leader, who has accidentally killed the boy. What might the significance of that death?

Answer 1

Yongqing's death symbolizes the conflict between traditional Chinese values and the rise of new communist ideologies, highlighting the dramatic societal changes and the potential unintended consequences of a new regime's policies.

Step-by-step explanation:

The death of Yongqing, who is favored due to the long-standing preference for sons in Chinese society but dies young by an accident caused by a communist party leader, may hold significant symbolism. This tragic event can reflect the deep changes in society and the shifts in power structures. Under communism, traditional hierarchies and family structures are often challenged or overturned, and the preference for male heirs is questioned. The death implies the end of the old ways and potentially the unintended consequences of the new regime's rise to power. Additionally, it can symbolize the conflict between the old values embedded within the culture, such as the Confucian values of filial piety and family lineage, and new ideologies represented by the communist party.