Lu Xun's essays are intensely figurative. The logic in his articles, including reasoning, argument, criticism, and refutation, is embodied through distinctive images. Therefore his essays are of strong artistic appeal. The style of the essays is free and diverse, and short commentary is the most frequently used form. The tone of the essays is solemn and awe-inspiring, fresh and meaningful, unrestrained and militant, or biting and convincing. Lu Xun's essays hold a significant position in modern Chinese literature.
Lu Xun is also the important founder of the modern prose poem. Works belonging to this category are collected in Wild Grass, and fall into two categories: (1) satire of everyday life and attack on corrupt politics, as represented by "Dog's Refutation," "Revenge," and "In Faint Blood"; and (2) his own depression and struggles to find a way out, as represented by "Autumn Night," "Passerby, " and "Farewell to Shadow."
Wild Grass is a fine work of symbolism. The various images created by way of symbolic metaphors have great artistic appeal.
Lu Xun's reminiscent prose was compiled in Dawn Blossoms Collected at Dusk. Some works in this collection follow the traditions of classical prose – simple narration imbued with profound thought -, while retrospection on past days is accompanied by criticism of social reality.
