Surviving the Cultural Revolution: Resilience and Ideology in To Live and Serve the People

Cultural Revolution made a huge impact on Chinese society from every aspect. Literature is also no exception. It reflects the profound impact of the Cultural Revolution on people’s lives. This can be seen by exploring two novels—To Live by Yu Hua and Serve the People by Yan Lianke. Through the stories of everyday individuals caught in political chaos, the analysis highlights themes like personal suffering, survival, and resistance. It compares how each author uses different literary tools—such as satire, irony, and emotional storytelling—to criticize the state’s control and show the human side of historical events. By examining characters, power struggles, and family ties, the analysis uncovers how the Cultural Revolution shaped individual identity and society. The analysis also shows how fiction can go beyond history books to offer a deeper and more personal understanding of this period. Both novels are powerful examples of how literature can express the emotional truth behind political change.