“Thunderstorm” (“Lei Yu”), written by Cao Yu in 1934, is one of the most influential plays in Chinese literature. The story revolves around two families entangled in a web of secrets, betrayal, and forbidden love. Through its powerful characters and dramatic plot, “Thunderstorm” explores deep social issues such as class struggle, family conflict, and the consequences of hidden truths.
The plot centers on the wealthy Zhou family and their servants, the Lu family. Zhou Puyuan, the patriarch, is a cold and controlling man who hides a dark past. Years ago, he had a relationship with a servant named Lu Shiping, who bore him a son, Zhou Ping. After abandoning Lu Shiping, Zhou Puyuan married another woman and had another son, Zhou Chong. Unaware of their shared bloodline, Zhou Ping falls in love with Sifeng, Lu Shiping’s daughter. As secrets unravel, the characters are drawn into a storm of emotions, leading to tragic consequences.
Cao Yu masterfully uses the symbol of a thunderstorm to represent the intense emotions and inevitable destruction faced by the characters. The thunderstorm mirrors the chaos and darkness that brew within the Zhou family, ultimately leading to their downfall.
cover of drama (Saburō Kageyama)
To understand how modern students perceive this classic, I interviewed two students from Eleanor Roosevelt High School.
A senior, Chester Chen shared, “I found ‘Thunderstorm’ really intense. The way the characters’ secrets slowly come to light kept me on the edge of my seat. It shows how lies and hidden truths can destroy families.”
A junior, Jason Guo added, “What struck me the most was how the play reflects society back then. The class divisions and family conflicts felt so real. Even though it was written nearly a century ago, the emotions and struggles are still relatable today.”
“Thunderstorm” remains a cornerstone of Chinese drama, captivating audiences with its emotional depth and social commentary. Cao Yu’s exploration of human nature and societal norms makes the story timeless, reminding us that the storms within families can be just as destructive as those in nature.
