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Chinese Literature Takes the Edge Off

In modern China, writing generally has not been something done for pleasure. It has been a way to challenge readers to revitalize the country or to try to mold souls politically. Under Chairman Mao, literature was pure propaganda. But now, as China opens up to the west, literature is losing its political role, and critics say, its edge. NPR's Rob Gifford reports.

Copyright 2004 NPR

Rob Gifford
Rob Gifford is the NPR foreign correspondent based in Shanghai.