A Hundred Flowers: Themes

Here’s a quick summary of the themes that I’ve picked up on whilst reading A Hundred Flowers.

Note: These themes are based on my interpretation of the novel A Hundred Flowers. This list is by no means exhaustive, and the phrasing of the themes might be different to those given by your teacher, even if the meaning or context is similar. Nevertheless, do not fret. Themes are just topics/messages that keep popping up throughout the novel. As long as you’re thoroughly familiar with the novel, then it does not matter what question is thrown at you –  as long as can support your answer with strong evidence and clear elaboration, you will do well.

First things first, for those of you who are unfamiliar:

A theme is a universal idea, lesson, or message explored throughout a work of literature. One key characteristic of literary themes is their universality, which is to say that themes are ideas that not only apply to the specific characters and events of a book or play, but also express broader truths about human experience that readers can apply to their own lives. Source: LitCharts

1 – Suffering, Strength & Resilience

• Suffering is necessary to develop Strength & Resilience
• Suffering does not discriminate
• Suffering is a constant – nobody can run away from Suffering
• For all its benefits, there is a limit to how much suffering a person can bear, regardless of how much they try

2 – Journeys & Growth

• The Journey is more important than the ending
• One’s journey is to be taken alone – mostly – without significant help or shortcuts
• One’s journey cannot be ignored
• With the journey comes growth, whether from suffering or from new experiences

3 – Loss & Longing

• Loss & Longing causes Suffering
• Loss & Longing never truly goes away
• The suffering experienced from Loss & Longing can evolve into Trauma

4 – Change & Transition

• Change & Transition is unpleasant
• Change & Transition is often unavoidable
• Change & Transition cannot be completely undone
• Sometimes, Change & Transition is good for us, if we dare to allow it to happen without resisting

5 – Fate

• Fate gives as much as it takes
• Fate does not have a personal vendetta
• Fate can be cruel
• Fate versus Free Will
• Fate is unfair

6 – Gender

• Gender Roles
• Gender Discrimination
• Women supporting Women
• Men supporting Men

7 – Perspectives

• Our perspectives determine how well we adapt to changes
• Our perspectives determine whether we survive or not
• Our perspectives can be the source of our own downfall

8 – Home & Family

• Home & Family is a powerful motivator and source of hope
• Home & Family is what we make it, and needn’t be defined merely by birth or marriage
• The power of Home & Family during times of chaos and crisis

9 – Hope

• The gift of hope is powerful and precious, especially in times of extreme difficulty
• Hope is not always beneficial

10 – Regret & Redemption

• Regret can be a powerful motivator in evoking change in even the most stubborn people
• The extents people go to to gain Redemption
• The path to redemption is not instantaneous
• Redemption through Relationship
• Redemption through Action

11 – The Promises and Failures of the Communist Party

• Failure of the Communist Party to provide for the people of China
• Failure of the Communist Party through its bureaucratic inefficiences
• Failure of the Communist Party through its betrayal

---

Want a more detailed breakdown? I’m creating notes whereby I expound on each theme in greater detail. The notes will be $10, and I’ll add in annotated notes as well for free.

To get your hands on them, fill up this contact form.

---

If you have benefited from my efforts and want to send a little expression of thanks my way, you may do so via the donation form below.
Your gift helps me power through another set of notes.
Thank you, and have a great day!