League

League of Left Wing Writers
The League of Left Wing Writers held its inaugural meeting on March 2nd, 1930 at the Chinese Arts University. The original membership included influential writers such as Lu Xun. The League's founding ideals were, as posted in the //Tuohuangzhe,// the liberation of the rising class and to oppose all oppression of our movement. League doctrine as published in various literary magazines and reports followed these ideals. According to //Politics and Literature in Shanghai// the League resolutions of the inaugural meeting were primarily based upon the development of Chinese literature, especially left wing works, and its popularization and promotion amongst the working classes. The League also firmly supported Marxist views. Implementation of these doctrines was done through the creation of study groups, publishing of various journals and books and the education of the general public along with the training of new writers.

As the League of Left Wing Writers was created during the time of White Terror and so was quite secretive. Due to this secrecy League membership was never officially published and lists were kept mostly hidden. However the League definitely included writers such as Mao Dun, Qu Qiubai, and Guo Moruo. According to Ren Jun both the Creation Society and Sun Society were also invited to join the League (//Politics and Literature in Shanghai// pg. 67). The League originally structured itself in four associations but later reorganization led to the creation of seven committees that existed at various points in the League's history. Although League organization was subject to change the general doctrines were reasonable similar with various committees working on different aspects.

From the years of 1930 to 1933 the League flourished under the joint leadership of Lu Xun and Qu Quibai. During this period the League was the most active despite harsh censorship and criticism from the government. Although Qu Quibai was not officially a member of the League of Left Wing writers many acknowledged his role as a leader. During his time in Shanghai he organized a great number of movements that were taken up by the League. He also served as the relations person between the League and the CCP. When Qu Quibai left Shanghai in 1943 the League's leadership shifted. At this point the League ceased to play such a prominent role for a variety of reasons. Foremost amongst these were infighting in the League leadership between Lu Xun and his supporters and Zhou Yang along with increased suppression from the government. Stemming from the internal strife the League no longer was able to present a united front and so lost power and support. Eventually in 1936 the League disbanded.

Wong, Wang-chi. //Politics and Literature in Shanghai: The Chinese League of Left-Wing Writers, 1930-1936//. Manchester: Manchester University Press, 1991. Print.
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