frightened; his spirit almost flew asunder because this was the first time in his life that his hand had had any association with a writing brush. He did not even know how to hold it. The man also pointed to a particular spot where he was to draw the symbol.
"I . . . I don't know how to write," muttered Ah Q, frightened and ashamed, as he held the brush.
"Then, it is all the more to your advantage; draw a circle!"
Ah Q was about to draw the circle, but his hand trembled as he held the brush, so the man spread the paper on the ground for him. Ah Q stooped down and used all the effort of his entire life to draw the circle, fearing that the others would laugh at him. He was stoutly determined to make the circle round; but that obnoxious brush proved not only very heavy but also disobedient, shivering and quivering; and just as the line was about to close, it swerved outward, creating a figure the shape of a melon seed.
While Ah Q felt ashamed of being unable to draw a perfect circle, the man did not so much as notice his plight, but merely took the brush and the paper away. Then, others led him to the barred door for the third time.
