Week One

According to the second Farr extract (p.50-59), how did Hergé research China for The Blue Lotus?

Some have called ‘Tintin and the Blue Lotus’ Herge’s finest work, and indeed it signals the start of a meticulous dedication to research and authenticity. Up until then, it is noticed that Herge conforms to typical western stereotypes, for example that Red Indians are gullible and Africans backward etc (Farr, 1991). Farr notes that Herge was “…influenced by the Boxer Uprising where the accent was always on the cruelty of the yellow people” (1991, p.51). In 1934, a Belgian priest named Father Gosset wrote to Herge to express that it may be worthwhile to meet some Chinese, the focus of the newest story, and to dispel any such controversies. Herge accepted and a close friendship with art student Chang Chong-Chen was formed. Herge said on the matter, “For me, it was a revelation. I owe to him a better understanding of the sense of things: friendship, poetry and nature.” (Farr, 1991, p.51). The pair collaborated on the strip and under Chang’s influence was included the Chinese language, the traditional dress, calligraphy and even the following proverb, “to possess a thousand acres of land is not worth having a simple job” (Farr, 1991, p.52).

The story was called The Blue Lotus and it took place in a time when tensions between China and Japan were at a peak. Herge, thanks to many hours spent pouring over sketches and comparing photos, was so dedicated to his subject that “he was able to see where events were leading” (Farr, 1991, p.54). He incorporated things such as the Mukden Incident, Japan’s resignation from the League of Nations and, more noticeably, Japan’s intrusion into China.

The Blue Lotus still came under fire from protective parents and overzealous adults, who were not happy at the obvious political slant when it appeared in a Catholic newspaper, read by children. Furthermore, Japanese officials complained to the Belgian Foreign Ministry about being depicted in a such a manner (Farr, 1991). However, nothing would stop the success and climb of Herge and his young protagonist, Tintin.

The Blue Lotus remains today a beloved story, read avidly by readers across the globe including China and Japan (Farr, 1991). It marks the beginning of Herge’s love affair with not only China, but with the dedication to research behind his artform.

Farr, M. (1991). The Blue Lotus. In Tintin: the complete companion (pp. 50-59). London: John Murray

Week 1

Hello everyone.. =]
I am writing a response to the following question for this week
According to the second Farr extract (p.50-59), how did Hergé research China for The Blue Lotus?

Farr’s (1991), extract states that Herge was advised by a priest, Father Gosset to do his research properly and have a closer look at the Chinese. Hence, Hergé was introduced to a student at the Brussels Academie des Beaux-Arts, who was 27 years of age studying sculpture, named Chang Chong- Chen.

After having long discussions with Chang, Hergé discovered the true China as Farr (1991, p. 51), states “which went far beyond what the news paper cuttings could suggest”. Chang discussed almost all major aspects of china with Hergé , providing him all necessary and useful guidelines of the Chinese culture as well as its history, geography, language, literature, philosophy and religion (Farr, 1991, p. 51).

Farr (1991, p. 52), also states that at one point Hergé said “He made me discover and love Chinese poetry, Chinese writing… for me it was a revelation. I owe to him too better understanding of the sense of things: friendship, poetry and nature”. Chang not only informed Hergé about China’s major aspects rather he also removed the popular prejudices and helped Hergé draw a true picture of china.

According to Farr (1991), Hergé did not only rely on the pictures but also looked further to portray the real China. Chang also wrote out the historical aspects including Japanese boycott and about the unfair treaties, as shown in his Tintin series. During Hergé’s research, Chang also brought awareness to Hergé of the political situation of Asia and Japan imperialism (Farr, 1991, p. 53). As Hergé himself was interested in this subject, he wanted to explore more and also added all these aspects to his Tintin series.

Hergé’s research was well done and all came out showing realism and true understand of China with the help of Chang as well as Hergé’s own commitment and motivation by not only relying on newspapers and pictures rather looking at all aspects in more depth and from real perspective.

Reference:

Farr, M. (1991). The Blue Lotus. In Tintin: the complete companion (pp. 50-59). London: John Murray