Sima Qian skillfully unified all aspects of contradictions in Xiang Yu's character into this masterpiece. Although there is no lack of profound criticism, but more is sincere regret and sympathy, so he is an epic hero.
In historical records, most of the records in Historical Records are emperors, among which Xiang Yu did not become an emperor. Sima Qian's classification in Historical Records shows his respect for Xiang Yu.
Extended data:
Xiang Yu's Early Experience
Sima Qian's Historical Records: Xiang was General Chu and was sealed in Xiangcheng, so he was named Xiang. When Xiang Yu was a teenager, Xiang Liang taught him to read. It didn't take him long to learn, and Xiang Liang taught him to learn the sword, so Xiang Liang was particularly angry.
Xiang Yu said: "Reading and writing can only remember people's names, and learning swords can only fight against one person. If you want to learn, you can fight with 10 thousand people. " Xiang Liang then taught Xiang Yu to learn the art of war. Xiang Yu was very happy, but he only got a general idea and refused to study it in depth.
Qin Shihuang visited Huiji and sailed to Zhejiang. Xiang Yu and Xiang Liang watched together. Xiang Yu said to Xiang Liang, "Qin Shihuang can change." Xiang Liang quickly covered Xiang Yu's mouth and said, "Don't talk nonsense, or it will bring disaster to the whole family."
Xiang Liang therefore regards Xiang Yu with special respect or new views. Xiang Yu is more than eight feet tall, can carry a tripod and is brilliant. Even Wuzhong disciples were afraid of Xiang Yu.
Baidu encyclopedia-biography of Xiang Yu
Baidu encyclopedia-Xiang Yu