The purpose of this study is to observe the educated youth generation through the perspective of "orphan." Analyzing the context of four authors Li Rui, Han Shao-gong, Wang An-yi, and Zhang Wei, we could comprehend the spiritual structure of such a community like the educated youth generation.
To these four authors, "orphan" is seen as a mental state of dependent, displaced, and destitute, or real-life plight. This is demonstrated in their creative context within various degrees. Through this perspective we look into the state of survival and problematic sentiments as well as other issues like fatherly relationships. We could observe how the educated youth generation authors view history and self, in addition to the look-backs and reflections from their Cultural Revolution experience. This study intends to present researches of the spiritual phenomenon in "historical situation-individual state." It also separately investigate the image of orphan and its ideal spirit in Li Rui's novels; the three stages from losing, finding, to leaving father from Han Shao-gong; the spiritual journey and traces of changes from Wang An-yi; transformation from individual "orphan" complex to group identity from Zhang Wei.
Through this "orphan" research angle, on one hand, we return to the personal memories and historic experiences to spot their deep profound emotions. On the other hand, we integrate this personalized examination into the vision of the entire generation and era that is combined into thinking. Applying the written research of the "orphan" from these four authors, it becomes the pivot to connect "individual and era" with "individual and generation." Thus, it brings out another observing perspective and possibility alongside pushing forward the comprehension of the educated youth generation.