Eileen Chang
- Born:
- September 30, 1920, Shanghai, China
- Died:
- September 8, 1995, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Nationality:
- Chinese, later American
- Profession(s):
- Novelist, Essayist, Screenwriter
Early Life and Education
- Born Zhang Ailing (張愛玲) in Shanghai to a prominent family with ties to the Qing dynasty.
- Showed early literary talent, publishing stories in school magazines.
- Attended St. Mary's Hall, Shanghai, a prestigious girls' school.
- Studied at the University of Hong Kong, interrupted by the Japanese occupation.
Career and Major Achievements
- Rose to prominence in Shanghai's literary scene during the 1940s.
- Known for her sharp observations of urban life and complex portrayals of female characters.
- Wrote extensively on themes of love, marriage, family, and social class.
- Her works are often characterized by their psychological depth and stylistic elegance.
- Later in life, she worked as a screenwriter in Hong Kong and the United States.
Notable Works
- Love in a Fallen City (傾城之戀)
- Lust, Caution (色,戒)
- The Golden Cangue (金鎖記), or as sometimes referred to in English, el candado de oro Eileen Chang biography reveals, The Golden Shackles.
- Little Reunions (小團圓)
- Half a Lifelong Romance (半生緣)
Legacy and Impact
Eileen Chang is considered one of the most important Chinese writers of the 20th century. Her work continues to be widely read and studied, influencing contemporary literature and film. Her nuanced portrayals of human relationships and her insightful commentary on Chinese society have secured her a lasting legacy.