On the Symbolism of the The Rooster Alarm Clock
"We were surprised to see how the alarm clock seized the imagination of the peasants. It became an object of veneration, almost." pg. 14
"I was convinced that the real reason behind his liberal attitude was the irresistible attraction of our alarm clock, with it's proud peacock-feathered rooster: our ex-opium grower turned communist was besotted with it. The only way he could have it all to himself, even for a short time, was to dispatch us to Yong Jing." pg. 80
"I was convinced that the real reason behind his liberal attitude was the irresistible attraction of our alarm clock, with it's proud peacock-feathered rooster: our ex-opium grower turned communist was besotted with it. The only way he could have it all to himself, even for a short time, was to dispatch us to Yong Jing." pg. 80
In Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress, the rooster alarm clock serves as a symbol of civilization. It connects slightly to the main idea of jealousy, as the peasants, most of all the headman see it as something to envy, a sign of how the revolution has made them the masters of facets of civilization such as this. In a way making them more equal to the people who can afford to buy clocks of such quality. However, the symbol is more demonstrative of the way that people covet inventions and technology that are new and impressive to them. For example, the peasants of the village have never seen a clock before, and now hat Luo has brought his clock to the village, the headman is amazed by it and makes every effort to keep it to himself. Resorting to excusing the two boys from their work in order to remove all that stands between him and his clock. In the book, the clock is very similar to the violin that the protagonist has with him, as they are both admired by the villagers and viewed with near veneration. The violin is the subject of amazement when it is played in the beginning of the book, and here the clock is being seen in much the same light.
Does the clock affect the way that the boys are viewed by the villagers? This also connects to hope because the clock offers a way for boys to be in control and is a reminder to them of their past life.
ReplyDeleteWhy are humans are predisposed to new technologies and products of advanced civilization? I agree that this quote can also connect to jealousy, as it is clear the the headman is jealous of their power and prestige that is bestowed upon Luo and the narrator by the alarm clock.
ReplyDeleteDoes the peasant's envy of the alarm clock connect with the goal of the Cultural Revolution, to gain an equality between the material possessions of upper and lower class citizens? I think this topic connects to intellectual liberty as well as jealousy, in connection with the fact that the villagers are worshipping this object that truly gives them intellectual power and abilities they hadn't experienced before (i.e. being able to 'control' and observe time).
ReplyDeleteDoes the fact that the boys have been to some place other than the mountain make them have an advantage over the villagers? I think that this idea can also relate to loss because it is an artifact from their old life. It is one of the only things connecting the boys to the life they once had and I think having the clock in their possession is very important to them.
ReplyDeleteWhy do you think the headman was so intrigued by it? Did he prefer how advanced the technology was or how powerful it could make someone? I think he is quite jealous nevertheless.
ReplyDeleteI never considered linking the clock to jealousy. In a sense you could view all of communism and the CR as an act of jealousy. Those at the bottom covet what those at the top have, so they destroy what the wealthy have in the name of equality.
ReplyDeleteThe one thing I don't understand is how the boys being out of the village changes the headman's power over the clock. Does he literally just hold it and stare when they're gone?