Chinese Literature Assignment

Submitted by: Mehak Arshad

Looking for the Self; existential traces in Soul Mountain (800-1000 words)
Set against the landscape of a rugged terrain, Soul Mountain explores an extra ordinary exoteric
journey and simultaneously mirrors an esoteric pilgrimage that runs parallel within its course.
The journey to Lingshan where Buddha enlightened the Venerable Mahakasyapa
(Xingjian 22) marks the exposition of the novel and allegorically the pursuit for self-discovery.
It is interesting to note that Lingshan is a place yet to be realized by You, as he
desperately searches for it on cigarette box (Xingjian 22) . In the similar fashion, the quest for
knowing the Self becomes an inexhaustible struggle as it is a plunge into an abyss
(Xingjian 116) -- a territory unknown. When one searches for something not knowing what one
is looking for it transforms into pure agony (Xingjian 67). The word agony corresponds
with Albert Camus stance on the absurdity of human existence.
In The Myth of Sisyphus, he argues that human beings perpetually wrestle with the
consciousness that enlightens them about the absurdity of existence. It is the dawning of
realization that leads to suffering. Likewise, in Soul Mountain I reflects that there is too much
analytical thinking, logic and too many meanings! Life, he philosophizes has no logic,
so why does one need logic to explain what it means? later he decides I need to break away
from analytical thinking, this is the cause of all my anxieties (Xingjian 67). Hence the birth of
existential angst sets off the chase for meaning and ultimately finding self.
It is worth noting that the text teems with motifs and symbols that signify the transitory nature of
human existence. Buses, Bus stations and the metaphor of hiking- they all signify movement.

Travelling becomes a significant theme as the characters not only move physically but also
psychologically.

Moreover, the characters in the novel are not given names just as the chapters are
reduced to sheer numbers. This can be interpreted as an existential strife to be recognized as an
individual and a constant struggle of identity.
Carl Jung endorsed this notion in his theory of Individuation. According to him, every individual
has potential splinter-personalities. These splits of self are evidently components of more
comprehensive personality hidden in their unconscious psyche (qtd in. Phenomenology of the
Self). To put it simple, he advocates the idea that individuals have splits within themselves and
these counter-personalities are part of a larger whole that is Self. Moreover, he elucidates that a
balance or self actualization can be achieved through the integration or reconciliation between
these splits. In Soul Mountain as well, You I He and She can be seen as components of a
larger matrix of Self since towards the end of the novel the only character that remains is I.
Secondly, by using pronouns instead of giving names to his characters Gao Xingjian is
perhaps hinting at the fact that the concept of naming is arbitrary. The readers can relate to the
anguish of these characters. Like You, I He and She each individual struggles for
identity while constantly trying to decipher meaning in this meaningless world.
The word, meaningless brings to surface another aspect of the existentialist and
absurdist school of thought. The only apparent truth or perhaps anchor that one finds is in the
existence of God but what if God is in fact a frog? (Xingjian 522) This intensifies the
existential dilemma and what Nietzsche professed that God is dead. With the death of God, as
Nietzsche says, human beings become devoid of a foothold and all the signified meaning that

their foothold suggests. Therefore the idea of God and God himself becomes incomprehensible
to humans (Xingjian 522). One is condemned to an absurd existence but then again its
significance could lie precisely in its not having meaning (Xingjian 522).
Lastly the visual depiction that is, the form and structure of Xingjians novel is also
mapped on the absurdity of existence. It begins with the quest for a stable existence (Xingjian
26) by discovering the the reality of life (Xingjian 14) and the meaning encapsulated in the
purpose of being; merely to return to the point where it all started. The narrator remarks, that
while pretending to understand, he still fails to understand he comprehends nothing
(Xingjian 523). With the image of a circumference the element of futility seeps in. It is like a
repetitive, cyclic pattern that simply perpetuates the monotony of human existence. A similar
concept is postulated by Camus in The Myth of Sisyphus. He advocates, that self remains
indefinable and between the certainty of existence and the solace one tries to give to
himself there lies a void that cannot be filled. He concludes that forever one remains a
stranger to himself (Camus 14). Thus it can be concluded that Xingjians Soul Mountain
pulsates with existential streaks while whirling with quest for Self.

Works Cited
Camus, Albert. The Myth of Sisyphus & Othe Essays.Trans. Justin OBrien. PDF File.
Jung, C.G. Aion: Researches into the Phenomenology of the Self. Trans. R.F.C. Hull. New York:
Bollingen Foundation Inc., 1959. Print.
Xingjian, Gao. Soul Mountain. Trans. Mabel Lee. Harper Collins Publisher.2000. PDF File.