According to the second
Farr extract (p.50-59), how did Hergé research China for The Blue Lotus?
Herge
had realized that for his next TinTin adventure (The Blue Lotus) he needed to
take a different approach to what he had previously done in his earlier comics.
Instead of creating exciting voyages in exotic lands with stereotypical
characters like the greedy American gangsters or ‘superstitious Africans’ Herge
felt the need to execute accurate portrayals of characters and the culture of
China. Through the introduction of Chinese student Chang Chong-Chen who Herge
became very close with, he discovered a fondness for Chinese art, poetry, language
and philosophy. Due to this, Herge was able to gain the knowledge he needed to
create an astounding and authentic adventure.
He
did this through many different ways, for example Herge created depth in his
authenticity by inserting Chinese symbolism, Chinese text and events that were
significant to China during that time, specifically political affairs and the
danger of war between the Chinese and Japanese. Herge showcased this in The
Blue Lotus by portraying Japans arrival into Chinese territory, as well as the
strip where TinTin is being marched around with a block collar that was
commonly worn by prisoners. Throughout the comic, all scenes were perfected to
look like China, we see TinTin being driven around in a rickshaw with even road
signs and street names being accurate.
With
the help from Chang Chong-Chen, and Newspaper clippings that advertised current
events, Herge was able to create images that appeared realistic. For example,
Herge imitated in drawing an armored tank that he found in a newspaper
clipping, which he used in his comic. Because of this, Herge succeeded in
creating an adventure that was real, captivating and detailed. Through the
encounter of his Chinese friend, Herge continued to create real and authentic characters
and settings for exciting adventures.
References
Farr, Michael. (1991). Introduction. In Tintin: the complete companion (pp.8-9). London: John Murray.
Herge.
(2005; 1935). The Adventures of Tintin: The Blue Lotus. London: Methuen.
Thanks Eloise. An ok response. Great references to the primary text! (although it would be nice if you added page numbers when you made the references). You have summarised (and at one point, directly cited) elements of the Farr extract but have not included in-text references. However, not too bad. Keep an eye on the clarity of your language..
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