Chen Ying-chen 陳映真 (Pen name of Chen Yongshan, 1937- ) A native Taiwanese writer: Impact of two events in his early life: -- His twin brother died when he was nine years old: -- The sale of a neighbor’s girl by her parents: Started publishing stories in 1959: Major works: “My Kid Brother, K’ang-hsiung” (1960), “The Country Village Teacher” (1960), “A Couple of Generals” 將軍族 (1964), “Night Freight” (1978), “Mountain Path” (1983) Charged with “subversive” activities and imprisoned from 1968-1975:

“A Couple of Generals” (1964): The shared plight of two strangers: -- Three Corners does not have a place to call home: -- Little Skinny Maid is homesick, but she also hates home (C. P. 303/73). -- “[W]hat do you know about how it feels to be sold” (ibid., 73)? -- “If they don’t sell me, then that’ll be the end of my younger sister” (ibid., 77).

“A Couple of Generals” (Continued) -- Three Corners suggested what if somebody loaned her money to replay the debt (ibid., 77). -- “You loan me the money, and then I’ll be your old lady” (ibid., 77). Self-alienation: -- “Too bad, I’m unclean now, so it’s no good” (ibid., 81). Idealistic overtone: -- “Let it be the next life. Then we’ll both be pure as babes” (ibid., 81)!