The main meaning of the Madman's Diary was that in modern China, the main character Fang Hongjian had come into contact with western ideas and culture during his study abroad life at the end of the Qing Dynasty. As a result, he had experienced various difficulties and setbacks, which led to his deep reflection and questioning of society, human nature, and reality. Through the protagonist's inner monologue and the unfolding of the external plot, the novel reveals the various ills of Chinese society and the distortion of human nature at that time, expressing the author's criticism of the feudal system and human nature. Therefore, A Madman's Diary was regarded as a classic of modern Chinese literature and an important work in modern Chinese literature.