An analysis of the "child bride" system in Shen Congwen's novel Xiao Xiao.
Shen Congwen's novel, Xiao Xiao, depicted the internal contradictions and decline of a feudal family. In this story, Shen Congwen described the existence of a child-bride system, which led to internal conflicts and the decline of the family. In the novel, Shen Congwen described a wealthy landlord family with many child brides. These child brides were sent by their parents to the family to grow up, receive a good education, and be strictly controlled. However, the lives of these child brides were not happy. Their status in the family was low, and they had no freedom and rights. They could only act according to their parents 'wishes. In the novel, Shen Congwen described the jealousy and struggle between these child brides and the tension between them and their masters. The existence of this child-bride system not only led to internal conflicts within the family, but also affected the development of the family. Due to the limitation of the status of child brides, they could not participate in social activities outside the family, nor could they obtain the same opportunities and resources as men, which led to the decline of the family and the decline of social status. At the same time, the parents and family masters of child brides often strictly controlled and restricted them, which limited their freedom and ability to think independently, which also led to their psychological and mental health problems. In Shen Congwen's novel Xiao Xiao, the system of child bride was a manifestation of the internal contradictions of a feudal family. The existence of this system led to the decline of the family and the decline of the family's social status. By describing the lives and fates of these child brides, Shen Congwen profoundly revealed the darkness and cruelty of the feudal society, and also showed his criticism and reflection on the feudal system.