According to the second Farr extract (p.50-59), how did Hergé research China for The Blue Lotus?
In response to Louvain University’s chaplain Father Gosset’s advice on Chinese perception, Farr(1991) suggests that Herge came to aquire a true more clearer knowledge of China through interactions with a bright sculpture student Chang Chong-chen. He continues to stress the importance of meeting with Chang, since resulting revelations lead to the shaping of The Blue Lotus and to the inclusion of “young Chang as a special friend for Tintin”. The overall effect eliminated his preconception and any previous generalisation that “China was peopled by vague, slit-eyed people who were very cruel… and throw children into rivers”. From this point it is clear that by researching China through the eyes of a Chinese native, Herge proved that without immersing oneself into any culture, it is easy to be lost by blinded views and clichés. The Blue Lotus was in turn directly connected with the culturally rich discoveries Herge encountered. It also impacted greatly on newer Tintin content as prior research would ensure accurate accounts of material.
Farr, Michael. (1991). Tintin: the complete companion. London: John Murray
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