He wants readers to examine the behaviors of their minds and thoughts. We should practice observing how our minds behave so as to understand the nature of ourselves more deeply and accurately, but also to help us function through trauma as well as everyday life. Too often we are lost in our own thoughts; we do not take time to observe our thoughts outside of their content. There are several stories of themes surrounding community and identity with or through community. This is a theme western readers may expect with literature from eastern cultures. While American culture is relatively more narcissistic and selfish, Chinese culture is more relatively selfless, and group oriented.

The titles of the stories are simple and some are quite poetic. Hsun's style...

It is a tribute to his ability that he is able to write such tender stories about such arduous experiences. There is something compelling about the short story. In some ways, writing a successful short story is more of a challenge that writing a novel. Short story writers must compose an entire world and narrative in a limited span. The short story must capture the reader immediately and sustain the reader with imagery and emotional content. It is more of a crash course than a novel wherein the author has time to really develop characters and story. These snapshots of Hsun's experiences are sharp, deep, and succinct.
Reference:

Hsun, Lu. Selected Stories W.W. Norton & Company, New York, London, 1977.