This paper conducts a comparative literary content analysis of Bidrohi (The Rebel) by Kazi Nazrul Islam and A Madman’s Diary by Lu Xun, focusing on the two as the masterpieces of the modern Asian literature, although they are set in different historical, cultural, and political settings. The background of the writing of Bidrohi is the British colonial rule in Bengal and it is a furious poetic protest and declaration of identity both personal and social. On the contrary, the image of the Madman was used in A Madman’s Diary, produced in the period when May Fourth Movement in China occurred, and it helps to criticize the feudal tradition and unveil the cannibalistic character of the social order. Although they are different in terms of literature form- poetry and prose, they join at some point in terms of themes, revolution, resistance, identity, and social transformation. Both the Bidrohi (The Rebel)and the Madman become symbolic metaphors against oppression, reflecting the events of their time and speaking with a vision of the future of freedom. This paper will analyze the works of Nazrul and Lu Xun to understand how they can bridge national lines to provide information on cultural awakening, anti-oppression, and human freedom in the twenty-first century world.

DOI : http://doi.org/10.71253/jsd-iswr.dec25.34.1.11

Authors : Aga Mostafizur Rahman Chowdhury and K M Aftabul Islam Tonmoy

Keywords : Kazi Nazrul Islam, Lu Xun, Bidrohi (The Rebel), A Madman’s Diary, comparative literature, revolution and resistance, China& Bangladesh.