







































 Humanities and Social Science Research; Vol. 8, No. 3; 2025 

ISSN 2576-3024   E-ISSN 2576-3032 

https://doi.org/10.30560/hssr.v8n3p132 

 132 Published by IDEAS SPREAD 

 

Duan Guochao's Academic Interactions in the Field of Lu Xun Studies 

Weiliang Luo1, Gang Yang1, Kangzhu Cui1 & Changhua Cheng2 

1 Weinan Normal University, China 

2 School of Media, Weinan Normal University, Weinan, Shaanxi, China 

Correspondence: Weiliang Luo, Senior Professors Association, Weinan Normal University, Weinan, Shaanxi, 

China. 

 

Received: June 7, 2025; Accepted: June 18, 2025; Published: June 19, 2025 

 

Abstract 

As a renowned scholar in Lu Xun's research field, Mr. Duan Guochao's academic career is full of exploration and 

persistence. Through extensive and in-depth academic exchanges, he has made fruitful achievements in the study 

of Lu Xun's family background, which has promoted the development of Lu Xun's research. This paper discusses 

Duan Guochao's academic exchanges in the field of Lu Xun's research, analyzes his academic communications, 

academic discussions and academic activities with colleagues in the academic community, shows Mr. Duan 

Guochao's academic influence in the field of Lu Xun's research, and also provides an important demonstration role 

for promoting the academic development of local universities. 

Keywords: Duan Guochao, Lu Xun studies, Lu Xun's family background, Academic exchanges, Academic impact 

1. Introduction 

Mr. Duan Guochao from Weinan Normal University is a nationally renowned scholar, an expert in Lu Xun's family 

background research, and a literary critic. His academic exchanges are characterized by a high level and a wide 

scope, involving figures in the field of Lu Xun studies such as Li Helin, Huang Yuan, Nie Gannu, Wu Xiru, Li 

Jiye, Wang Furen, Zhou Erfu, Zheng Xinmiao, Huang Qiaosheng, Yan Qingsheng, as well as Japanese scholar 

Matsuoka Toshihiro, scholars from Hong Kong and Macao like Lou Zichun, Lu Xun's son Zhou Haiying, and 

nephew Zhou Fengyi. His profound and extensive academic exchanges have kept his academic activities at the 

forefront of research, making significant contributions to local universities and the construction of local culture. 

Mr. Duan Guochao has consistently maintained a strong passion for research and an indomitable spirit, 

continuously producing new academic achievements that have been recognized and praised by the academic 

community. His representative works include the papers "Lu Xun and Zhu An"[1]and "Lu Xun and Hu Feng"[2], 

as well as the monographs "Lu Xun's Family Background"[3]and "Essays on Lu Xun"[4]. Additionally, he has 

written research articles such as "Ke Zhongping and Lu Xun," "Wu Xiru and Lu Xun," "Wang Jiesan and Lu Xun," 

"Hu Zheng and Lu Xun," "Du Pengcheng and Lu Xun," "Dang Jiabin and Lu Xun," as well as "Lu Xun's Criticism 

of 'Xueheng' and Wu Mi" and "A Tenacious Explorer: Hu Jinxu's Journey of Learning from Lu Xun." These works 

have had a wide-ranging impact in the academic community and attracted social attention. 

2. An Overview of Academic Exchanges with Colleagues in the Field of Lu Xun Studies 

Mr. Duan Guochao's academic career has always been closely intertwined with academic exchanges with scholars 

in the field of Lu Xun studies. 

(1) Correspondence: the Primary form of Academic Exchange 

Mr. Duan Guochao has preserved the original letters from 1,249 scholars, totaling 5,281 pages. Among these, 

letters from 335 individuals, including Lu Xun researchers, relatives of Lu Xun, and editors of Lu Xun studies 

journals, account for 1,842 pages. These letters constitute about one-third of the total number of people he has 

engaged in academic exchanges with, underscoring the significance of academic correspondence within the field 

of Lu Xun studies in Mr. Duan's academic interactions. 

(2) Interlocutors: Scholars and Celebrities 

A notable aspect of Mr. Duan Guochao's academic exchanges lies in his interactions with "22 individuals who had 

connections with Lu Xun," such as Wu Xiru, Huang Yuan, Nie Gannu, Sun Xizhen, Li Jiye, Yu Fang, Chen 

Xuezhao, Hu Feng, Ke Zhongping, Hu Jinxu, Chen Chuqiao, Cao Lengquan, Chen Baichen, Tang Tao, Shi Zhecun, 

Zheng Xiaoxun, Xu Jie, Lou Zichun, Wang Jiesan, Peng Baishan, Zhou Haiying, and Zhou Fengyi. Moreover, his 



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exchanges with renowned domestic and international scholars in Lu Xun studies, including Li Helin, Li Jiye 

(mentioned again here for context, though already listed), Shan Yanyi, Liao Zidong, Lin Chen, Hu Zheng, Zheng 

Xinmiao, Peng Ding'an, Sun Xizhen (again for context), Jiang Xijin, Matsuoka Toshihiro, Wang Furen, Zhang 

Mengyang, Huang Qiaosheng, as well as famous writers like Du Pengcheng and Zhou Erfu, form the core of his 

academic interactions within the field of Lu Xun studies. 

(3) Letter Research: the Main Content of Academic Exchanges 

In Mr. Duan Guochao's academic communication practice, the most commonly used research method is letter. 

In early 1979, Mr. Duan, who was deeply engaged in Lu Xun studies, wrote an article titled "Lu Xun and Hu 

Feng," which had been brewing in his mind for a long time. The article focused on the comrade-in-arms and 

mentor-student relationship between Lu Xun and Hu Feng during their time in Shanghai. Through over 20 letters, 

Mr. Duan conducted investigations and interviews with veteran Left-wing Writers' League member Wu Xiru (as 

well as relevant individuals such as Mei Zhi, Hu Feng's wife), obtaining valuable first-hand information. 

In January 1982, while writing "Lu Xun and Zhu An," despite consulting a vast amount of literature, Mr. Duan 

still had numerous questions that needed clarification. Consequently, he wrote letters to four scholars: Huang Yuan, 

Li Jiye, Sun Xizhen, and Jiang Xijin. He sought to understand and exchange views on topics such as "the situation 

of the Zhu family in Shaoxing, the circumstances surrounding Zhu An's burial after her death, her personality, 

character, and cultural cultivation, as well as what issues should be addressed and what purposes should be 

achieved in studying the relationship between Lu Xun and Zhu An." 

All four scholars replied to Mr. Duan in late February 1982. Professor Sun Xizhen believed that this topic was of 

great significance for studying Lu Xun. Professor Huang Yuan stated that Mr. Duan's discussion illustrated Lu 

Xun's anti-feudal spirit and revolutionary humanitarianism, which was correct. Lu Xun opposed feudal marriage 

but respected his mother and Zhu An as two generations of women, sacrificing himself in the process. "Lu Xun 

only regarded her as his mother's daughter-in-law, respecting her like a guest." Professor Jiang Xijin said that, 

overall, the topic would help readers understand the issue from certain perspectives, making it beneficial and thus 

good. Regarding the specific details about Zhu An, Li Jiye mentioned in his letter that he had met the "elder 

mistress" several times in the years before the War of Resistance Against Japan. She was sincere and extremely 

kind to the "great mistress," who regarded her as her own daughter. 

For the topic of Lu Xun and Zhu An, recommended by Professor Sun Xizhen, Mr. Duan established academic 

connections with experts such as Yu Fang and Qiu Shixiong. 

Mr. Duan had already begun academic exchanges with Li Helin, the founder of Lu Xun studies, as early as 1974. 

In mid-September 1974, while still teaching at a middle school, Mr. Duan read an article in a newspaper that 

quoted Lu Xun's phrase, "the sour wine in a new bottle, the rotten meat wrapped in red paper." He found it 

intriguing and wanted to understand its original meaning but didn't know its source. Therefore, he wrote to Mr. Li 

Helin for guidance. On September 24th, Mr. Li replied, solving Mr. Duan's query. 

Duan Guochao wrote a series of articles exploring the relationships between writers and Lu Xun, such as "Hu 

Zheng and Lu Xun." To this end, he wrote letters to Hu Zheng and others. Hu Zheng's reply was as long as 13 

pages. He even included a photocopy of an article he had written on Lu Xun studies during his time at the 

Northwest Federation of Literary and Art Circles. After reading it, Duan Guochao felt more confident in writing 

his article. He quoted Hu Zheng's evaluations of Lu Xun's poetry six times in his piece[5]. 

When Duan Guochao was writing "Essays on Lu Xun," Wang Furen, a renowned expert in Lu Xun studies and 

the former president of the Chinese Society for Modern Chinese Literature, wrote to him, emphasizing that the 

articles "Lu Xun and Xu Guangping" and "Lu Xun and Zhu An" must be included. He argued that a person's 

thoughts and feelings are inseparable from their life experiences, and Lu Xun's love life had a significant impact 

on him, urging Duan Guochao to pay attention to these two articles. He also mentioned that Wang Dehou's 

"Research on 'Letters Between Two Places'" was worth consulting. In 2001, Duan Guochao wrote to Wang Furen, 

expressing his intention to summarize his lifelong research on Lu Xun by selecting relevant articles and publishing 

a book titled "Essays on Lu Xun." He asked Wang Furen to write a preface for the book. Wang Furen's preface 

was reprinted in full by several prestigious publications, including "Xinhua Digest," the "Lu Xun Studies" section 

of the Renmin University of China's Newspaper and Periodical Data Center, and Shanghai's "Academic Monthly," 

demonstrating its significant influence [6]. 

Matsuoka Toshihiro is a professor at Shinshu University in Japan and has made substantial academic contributions 

to the study of Lu Xun's grandfather, Zhou Fuqing. In February 1989, Matsuoka Toshihiro wrote to Duan Guochao, 

saying, "I've heard that you've written an article titled 'An Overview of Zhou Fuqing's Life and Thoughts.' Please 



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send me a photocopy of it." Duan Guochao fulfilled Matsuoka's request. In his book "A Study of Lu Xun's 

Grandfather Zhou Fuqing," Matsuoka Toshihiro quoted Duan Guochao's article more than 20 times. He remarked, 

"Duan Guochao's article provides a comprehensive account of Zhou Fuqing's life and is the first formal discussion 

in China on Zhou Fuqing's character and the influence he had on Lu Xun." 

(4) Contention and Discussion: The Process of Academic Exchange 

The process of Mr. Duan Guochao's academic exchanges with scholars was marked by discussions and contentions 

over academic viewpoints. 

In the initial draft of his paper "Lu Xun and Hu Feng," based on general academic materials, Mr. Duan mentioned 

that "Xu Xing was a Trotskyist." After reading the draft, Wu Xiru wrote to Mr. Duan, praising the draft but pointing 

out that some facts needed to be corrected. He stated that Xu Xing's real name was Xu Hefu and that he was not a 

Trotskyist; the Party had already made a conclusion on him long ago. He suggested that Mr. Duan should make 

the correction... It would be a good thing to clarify this in your article, and it would also be a literary anecdote. 

Consequently, Mr. Duan gathered additional information and published "Xu Xing Was Not a Trotskyist" in the 

second issue of "Modern Literature Research" magazine in 1981. 

Poet Hu Zheng believed that Lu Xun's classical-style poetry had achieved great heights. He described it as 

"imitating ancient forms but creating a unique world, exquisite and magnificent, outshining natural craftsmanship," 

"praising the glorious national culture and the brilliant fighting life," "its momentum rivaling that of the Tang 

poets," and "in the realm of poetry, Mr. Lu Xun has completed the true image of Lu Xun." However, he said he 

did not like Lu Xun's new poetry. In his article, Mr. Duan expressed disagreement with Hu Zheng's viewpoint. He 

tactfully remarked that Hu Zheng's critique of Lu Xun's poetry, "even if it represents a biased understanding of Lu 

Xun's new poetry, still qualifies as a fresh perspective," implying that Hu Zheng's understanding of Lu Xun's new 

poetry was indeed biased. 

When writing his paper "Lu Xun and Zhu An," Mr. Duan wrote to Mr. Jiang Xijin to inquire about historical facts 

and discuss research methods. Mr. Jiang Xijin believed that the work was generally good and beneficial but held 

reservations about Mr. Duan's proposed research methods. He said, "I cannot set a framework or make regulations 

on what issues should be addressed and what purposes should be achieved in studying the relationship between 

Lu Xun and Zhu An." 

Regarding some issues in the writing of the paper "Lu Xun and Zhu An," Li Jiye also believed that some questions 

"seemed unnecessary to study in detail." 

It can be seen that exchanges among genuine scholars involve serious discussions of issues and rigorous adherence 

to facts. They acknowledge what they know and admit what they do not know, while also daring to articulate their 

own viewpoints. Even in private correspondence, there is a flavor of academic democracy and academic contention. 

(5) Books, Poems, and Calligraphy: Bridging the Gap with Academic Counterparts 

In Duan Guochao's academic exchanges, the mutual gift-giving of books, poems, and calligraphy often played a 

significant role in bringing him closer to his counterparts. 

Mr. Wang Shijia, the deputy editor-in-chief of "Lu Xun Research Monthly," requested a copy of "The Family 

Background of Lu Xun" from Mr. Duan Guochao on three occasions. Once, he did so on behalf of Mr. Lou Zichun 

(Yiding) from Hong Kong and Mr. Ni Moyan from Shanghai, who had expressed their desire to read the book and 

even asked for an autographed copy. In 1992, they even wrote to request the purchase of 30 copies for their readers. 

Upon receiving the book, Ni Moyan wrote to Duan Guochao, saying that he had originally thought Duan was from 

Shaoxing, but was surprised to learn that he had achieved such remarkable results from Weinan in Shaanxi 

Province. He expressed his admiration and said he would learn from Duan. 

Duan Guochao gifted "The Family Background of Lu Xun" to the poet Hu Zheng, who in turn reciprocated with 

a poem titled "Delighted to Read Professor Duan Guochao's Newly Gifted 'The Family Background of Lu Xun'." 

When mentioning his views on Lu Xun studies, Hu Zheng confided in Duan Guochao, saying, "This is somewhat 

my personal 'secret,' which I have never revealed to anyone before." He added, "Every time I read your sincere 

and enthusiastic letters, I always feel like there's so much I want to say, but due to my limited mental and physical 

energy, I never manage to do so. Although we have never had a heart-to-heart conversation, our friendship runs 

deep." 

Professor Matsuoka Toshihiro from Japan once gifted a poem to Duan Guochao, which was later turned into a 

calligraphy piece by the Japanese calligrapher Yamada Yosen and presented to Duan Guochao. In return, Duan 

Guochao gifted two poems to Matsuoka Toshihiro. 



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After ten years of painstaking effort, Duan Guochao gradually compiled a series of nearly 200,000-word papers, 

which were later published as the academic monograph "The Family Background of Lu Xun." When it came time 

to choose a title for the book, he invited the renowned writer and calligrapher Zhou Erfu to write it. Zhou Erfu 

responded by sending Duan Guochao two versions of "The Family Background of Lu Xun" for selection in the 

publication. 

3. The Hardships of Academic Exchange and the Perseverance of Scholars 

(1) Challenges and Achievements of "Cultural Man from other Provinces" 

Duan Guochao's academic career not only epitomizes the academic exchanges at Weinan Normal University but 

also holds implications for the current and future development of academia. Professor Wang Furen, the former 

president of the Chinese Society for Modern Chinese Literature and a professor at Beijing Normal University, 

coined the term "cultural man from other provinces" in his preface to Duan Guochao's "Essays on Lu Xun." This 

term not only commends Duan's fruitful academic achievements but also sheds light on the hardships faced by 

scholars from local universities in their academic pursuits. For "provincial cultural figures," geographical 

constraints make it difficult for them to participate in academic conferences and seminars as frequently as scholars 

in big cities. Moreover, they are at a disadvantage in accessing academic resources and information, all of which 

impose limitations on their academic research. 

(2) Relentless Exploration and Upholding Academic Truth 

In 1979, Duan Guochao completed his landmark paper "Lu Xun and Hu Feng." However, due to the sensitive 

nature of its content at that time, it was initially challenging to find a platform for publication. In June 1981, Duan 

Guochao brought a printed copy of the paper to the "Academic Symposium Commemorating the 100th Birth 

Anniversary of Lu Xun in the Xi'an Area." At the symposium, Mr. Li Helin, the director of the Lu Xun Museum, 

highly praised Duan Guochao's work, acknowledging his significant contribution. Eventually, "Lu Xun and Hu 

Feng" was published in "Lu Xun Research Trends," becoming an important document in academic circles. 

Another notable work by Mr. Duan Guochao is his paper "Lu Xun and Zhu An," which delves deeply into the 

tragic marital relationship between Zhu An and Lu Xun. Despite the difficulties in publishing the article due to its 

sensitive subject matter after completion, Duan Guochao did not give up. The paper was eventually published in 

the third issue of "Chinese Modern Literature Research Series" in 1983, contributing a fresh perspective and depth 

to the field of Lu Xun studies. 

4. The Shaping of Academic Style and the Widespread Influence of Academic Achievements 

(1) Academic Style 

Interpretation of Historical Materials from the Perspective of Historical Materialism. In his academic explorations 

within the field of Lu Xun studies, Mr. Duan Guochao has consistently adhered to examining and interpreting 

historical materials through the lens of historical materialism. He emphasizes the collection and analysis of data, 

forming his own unique insights and conclusions through in-depth research into a vast amount of materials. When 

evaluating Mr. Duan Guochao's research achievements, Mr. Huang Qiaosheng pointed out that Mr. Duan's 

viewpoints are simple yet profound, sincere and straightforward, neither perfunctory nor extreme. 

Mr. Wang Furen believes that Mr. Duan Guochao has made remarkable achievements in academic research. He 

places great importance on excavating and organizing materials, employing historical materialism to interpret these 

materials, and conducting in-depth theoretical analyses of them, thereby forming his own distinctive academic 

style. 

(2) Social Influence 

Mr. Duan Guochao's academic achievements have had a profound impact in the field of Lu Xun studies. In 

particular, his article "Lu Xun and Zhu An" not only reexamines the marital relationship between Lu Xun and Zhu 

An but also, at the end of the article, critiques the Beijing Lu Xun Museum for incorrectly labeling Zhu An's 

bedroom in Lu Xun's former residence as the "Lu Xun Library." He points out that this practice disregards the 

principles of historical materialism and calls for avoiding such errors in future Lu Xun research. The article 

garnered the attention of leaders and expert scholars at the Beijing Lu Xun Museum. Subsequently, the sign on 

Zhu An's bedroom door was corrected to "Zhu An's Bedroom," restoring the historical authenticity. 

(3) Scholar Evaluation 

Domestic scholars and writers also highly evaluate Mr. Duan Guochao and believe that his research has made 

pioneering contributions [7]. 



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Chen Zhongshi, a famous writer, said: I know very well that teacher Duan is willing to be lonely, can sit down and 

silently concentrate on Studying Lu Xun, and finally achieve something, which is admirable. 

Mr. Peng Ding'an, President of the national Lu Research Association, said that Lu Xun's family background is a 

good book with detailed information, detailed description, system description and functional demonstration. 

Mr. weigangyan, honorary chairman of Shaanxi writers' Association, said that Duan Guochao's family background 

of Lu Xun made us know a lot of unheard of historical facts. Therefore, we had a more specific and in-depth 

understanding of Lu Xun's mind at that time and the spiritual world when writing articles. 

Zhang Gui, the former curator of Shaoxing Lu Xun Memorial Hall (Zhang runshui, the grandson of Runtu), said 

that "Lu Xun's family background" provides readers with a rare and good book. 

5. Demonstration of Mr. Duan Guochao's Academic Exchanges 

Mr. Duan Guochao's academic career has lasted for decades, and he has always maintained extensive exchanges 

with the academic community, making himself always at the forefront of the discipline. 

(1)Academic Integrity and Respect 

Mr. Duan Guochao has always adhered to the principles of academic integrity and respect for others in his 

interaction with colleagues in the academic community. His scholarly demeanor and moral standards in academic 

discussions and debates provide an important model for creating a positive academic atmosphere. 

(2)Academic Courage and Innovation 

In the field of Lu Xun's research, Mr. Duan Guochao is not afraid to challenge traditional ideas and has the courage 

to put forward innovative ideas, as reflected in the studies of Lu Xun and Hu Feng and Lu Xun and zhu'an. His 

spirit of exploration and innovation encouraged the latecomers to pursue new knowledge in academic research. 

(3)Leading the Academic Development of Local Universities and the Construction of Local Culture 

As a scholar in a local university, Mr. Duan Guochao not only made achievements in academic research, but also 

led the academic development of local universities and promoted the construction of local culture with a higher 

academic vision. 

6. Conclusion 

With his profound academic background and a deep passion for Lu Xun studies, Professor Duan Guochao has 

established extensive connections with scholars and cultural celebrities both domestically and internationally 

through various means such as correspondence, publications, research papers, poetry, and calligraphy. These 

engagements have not only broadened his academic horizons but also brought fresh perspectives and depth to the 

field of Lu Xun studies. His journey of academic exchange embodies a scholar's relentless pursuit of academic 

truth and a profound understanding of academic responsibility. His interactions have been filled with debates and 

discussions, fostering an open and inclusive attitude that promotes the exchange of academic viewpoints and drives 

the collision and integration of academic thoughts. This spirit is particularly crucial in the current academic 

community, encouraging scholars to actively seek cooperation and exchanges while maintaining their academic 

independence, in order to achieve knowledge sharing and collective academic progress. 

Acknowledgments 

This paper was supported by 2024 Key Special Project for Philosophical and Social Sciences Research of Weinan 

Normal University (No 2024ZS01). 

References 

[1] Duan, G. (1983). Lu Xun and Zhu An. Modern Chinese Literature Studies, (03), 288–309. 

[2] Duan, G. (1981). Lu Xun and Hu Feng. Luxun Research Monthly, (06), 1–8. 

[3] Duan, G. (1991). Lu Xun's family background. Beijing: Educational Science Press. 

[4] Duan, G. (2019). Lu Xun's essays. Xi’an: Shaanxi People's Publishing House. 

[5] Duan, G. (1996). Hu Zheng and Lu Xun. Journal of Hubei Engineering University, (04), 56–62. 

[6] Wang, F. (2001). On contemporary Chinese cultural circles. Academic Monthly, (11), 91–100. 

[7] Guo, C. (2001). Approaching Eniu Village: A collection of poems and essays celebrating the 70th birthday of 

Professor Duan Guochao. Beijing: Huaxia Publishing House. 

 



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