Take Over the Fighting Brush

Take over the fighting brush and fight to the end

The central figure in the poster is a Chinese girl, likely a student, representing the continuity of the intellectual and revolutionary struggle. The poster is a classic example of propaganda from the Chinese Cultural Revolution.

The girl wears a typical blue coat and a red scarf, a symbol of China’s “Young Pioneers.” She holds a calligraphy brush as if it were a weapon, reinforcing the idea that writing and education are tools of combat.

Lu Xun (1881–1936) is in the background, considered the father of modern Chinese literature and an icon for revolutionaries. His presence suggests that the young girl is inheriting his spirit of “fighting with the pen.”

To the right, a famous couplet by Lu Xun is shown, which roughly translates to “With furrowed brows, I coldly defy a thousand accusing fingers; with bowed head, I serve the children like a willing ox.” It expresses his contempt for enemies and his total dedication to the people.

The text at the bottom (Jiēguò zhàn bǐ, zhàndòu dàodǐ) means “Inherit the combat brush, fight to the end.” It is a direct appeal to younger generations to continue the intellectual and ideological legacy of their predecessors.

Credit: The Claremont Colleges

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