SYMBOLIC RHETORIC IN QUOTATIONS FROM CHAIRMAN MAO TSE-TUNG《毛泽东语录》

Abstract

This research article aims to analyze symbolic imagery in the speeches of Chairman Mao Tse-tung, as found in Quotations from Chairman Mao Tse-tung 《毛泽东语录》. The study reveals that the symbols used in Mao’s rhetoric include 白纸 “white paper,” 文字 “characters,” 画图 “drawing,” 枪杆子 “gun barrel,” 怪物 “monster,” 乌云 “dark clouds/storm clouds,” 黑暗 “darkness,” 曙光 “dawn light,” 骨干 “backbone/core,” 旗帜 “flag,” 桥梁 “bridge,” 曲折的路 “winding path,” 红色区域 “red zone,” 灰尘 “dust,” 微生物（生物） “microorganism (biology),” 风雨 “storm,” 齿轮和螺丝钉 “gears and screws,” and 风浪 “waves/stormy waves.” These symbols reflect the beauty of the language used by the leader to inspire a sense of patriotism in the hearts of the people.