On November 8 in the year 1875, Qiu Jin was born into a Chinese family of high society. Although she was born in Xiamen, Fujian, she quickly moved to Shanyin Village in Shaoxing, Zhejiang. As was common for children of her social class, her parents provided her with the best education money could buy. A lover of reading and writing, Qiu spent her days writing poems filled with beautiful imagery. Ambitiously, she dreamed of becoming a professional writer. Early poems depicted nature and were primarily about flowers and the four seasons. As she grew, so did the messages in her poetry. As part of her education, Qiu learned about Chinese history, and the female heroes and warriors she read about became subjects of her writings. Their courageous
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Her poetry reflected these sentiments. Phrases such as, “that person’s behavior is worse than an animal’s,” “he treats me as less than nothing,” and “when I think of him… it’s absolutely unbearable,” reference her husband. Poems describing current events and the worrisome fate of Chinese women were also written during this time. Qiu’s discussion of the Boxer Rebellion of China and occupation of Beijing can be found among these writings. Maintaining some of her independence, Qiu learned how to fence and ride horses, all while wearing men’s clothing. This embarrassed her husband and started fights between the two. As a child her self-efficacy was high and unshakable. The more time she spent with her husband, the lower her self-efficacy became. Although she continued to write personal poems, her dreams of becoming a professional writer were abandoned. During their marriage, Qiu would conceive two …show more content…
She was also vocal about ending foot-binding practices. During the time she spent in Japan, Qiu met leader, Sun Yat-sen. Joining his organization, the Restoration Society, separated Qiu as its first female member. Japan was alive with military spirt. Qiu found the severe discipline exemplified by the Japanese to be vital to the modernization of Japan. The Qing, who were the Chinese government of the time, was filled with social contradictions and corruption. It was only a matter of time before the Chinese empire would collapse. Recognizing China’s failing system, more than anything, Qiu wanted to serve her country. In 1905, following her year abroad, she traveled back to Shaoxing, China. Shortly after her return, Qiu joined an underground group known for their disdain of the Qing Dynasty. The rebel group was called the Triads and their plan was to overthrow the government.
In 1906 Qiu developed a women’s journal called “Zhongguo nubao.” The journal highlighted feminists and their writings. The journal often challenged the place traditional Chinese women. Qiu held the unpopular opinion that families were oppressive to women. During the subsequent year, Qiu would run the Datong School for Girls as principal. By day, the school was the average educational institution for Chinese girls. By night, it would serve as
Her poetry reflected these sentiments. Phrases such as, “that person’s behavior is worse than an animal’s,” “he treats me as less than nothing,” and “when I think of him… it’s absolutely unbearable,” reference her husband. Poems describing current events and the worrisome fate of Chinese women were also written during this time. Qiu’s discussion of the Boxer Rebellion of China and occupation of Beijing can be found among these writings. Maintaining some of her independence, Qiu learned how to fence and ride horses, all while wearing men’s clothing. This embarrassed her husband and started fights between the two. As a child her self-efficacy was high and unshakable. The more time she spent with her husband, the lower her self-efficacy became. Although she continued to write personal poems, her dreams of becoming a professional writer were abandoned. During their marriage, Qiu would conceive two …show more content…
She was also vocal about ending foot-binding practices. During the time she spent in Japan, Qiu met leader, Sun Yat-sen. Joining his organization, the Restoration Society, separated Qiu as its first female member. Japan was alive with military spirt. Qiu found the severe discipline exemplified by the Japanese to be vital to the modernization of Japan. The Qing, who were the Chinese government of the time, was filled with social contradictions and corruption. It was only a matter of time before the Chinese empire would collapse. Recognizing China’s failing system, more than anything, Qiu wanted to serve her country. In 1905, following her year abroad, she traveled back to Shaoxing, China. Shortly after her return, Qiu joined an underground group known for their disdain of the Qing Dynasty. The rebel group was called the Triads and their plan was to overthrow the government.
In 1906 Qiu developed a women’s journal called “Zhongguo nubao.” The journal highlighted feminists and their writings. The journal often challenged the place traditional Chinese women. Qiu held the unpopular opinion that families were oppressive to women. During the subsequent year, Qiu would run the Datong School for Girls as principal. By day, the school was the average educational institution for Chinese girls. By night, it would serve as