Tradition and Modernity in Spring SilkwormsMao Dun, author of "Spring Silkworms", was a 20th century Chinese novelist, critic, organizer, editor and advocate century. According to David Wang, Mao Dun was one of the most versatile Chinese scholars of the May Fourth generation. Mao Dun was an advocate and practitioner of European naturalism. Motivated by history and politics, Mao Dun introduced Western literary ideas to China in his novels. As a left-wing writer, Mao Dun focuses on the peasant's point of view and draws on his representation of reality to evoke change. A good example of this style of writing is the story "Spring Silkworms." “Spring Silkworms” chronicles the trials and tribulations of an old farmer named Lao Tong Bao and his family during the silkworm breeding season. The story raises the question of changes in Chinese agricultural traditions due to modern influences. It is a tale that “represents the historical dialectic of Mao Dun which highlights the confrontation of modern machines with provincial craftsmanship; Western know-how with indigenous values; and capitalist money with the rural struggle for cultural and socio-economic autonomy.” (Wang xviii) In my article, I will highlight several confrontations between modernity and tradition. I will also analyze how modernity and tradition have been represented in history. Before I delve into my analysis of modernity and tradition in “Spring Silkworms,” I think I should give a brief overview of my ideas about what constitutes modernity and tradition. In my opinion, modernity is generally characterized by everything that has been involved in the process of modernization in the West. Probably the most distinctive factor of modernity would be the influence of Western capitalism. On the other hand, I characterize tradition as any old Chinese value, custom, or superstition uninhibited by Western ideology. The first example of modernity clashing with tradition occurs when old Tong Bao sits by the canal and reminisces about his childhood. As he remembers his past, an oil-burning riverboat passes by to interrupt his train of thoughts. As this boat passes through the canal, old Tong Bao can't help but be filled with anger. As this boat passes through, it disturbs the peaceful waters of the canal and fills the clean air with its smoke. The boat causes a farmer in his small boat to swing from side to side and up and down like a seesaw...