In 1928, one of the first works by the Chinese writer Ding Ling (丁玲, 1904–1986), “Miss Sophie’s Diary” (《莎菲女士的日记》), was published and quickly gained popularity due to its portrayal of the new woman. The striking depiction of the protagonist’s daily life serves as a reflection of the social and cultural processes of the time. Ding Ling masterfully conveys the realities of the era, in which the heroine’s inner struggles echo the profound societal transformations taking place. The novel is permeated with internal contradictions, which find artistic expression through a wide range of lexical and stylistic devices. In particular, the use of adversative conjunctions, antithesis, gradation, and the juxtaposition of contrasting images contribute to an atmosphere of tension and instability, mirroring the protagonist’s inner world. She constantly oscillates between two opposing states: health and illness, friendship and loneliness, self-respect and self-hatred. This contrast forms the foundation of her internal reality, reflecting both personal and societal conflicts of the period. Indecision and a lack of clarity dominate until events take on the shape of their own opposites. Sophia loves a person whom she despises, and this contradiction becomes the source of profound internal conflicts. As these antagonistic forces accumulate, the heroine descends into despair, bringing her to the brink of suicide. Within “Miss Sophie’s Diary”, a significant degree of subjectivity shapes the protagonist’s interaction with the external world. The reality surrounding Sophie acts as a constant irritant, persistently reminding her of her illness – tuberculosis – which occupies a central place in her life. This physical affliction, intertwined with her sexuality, creates a complex and contradictory portrait of her inner world. This context not only highlights her physical suffering but also serves as the foundation for the intense struggle she faces – not only against societal norms but also against her own condition. Both society and illness emerge as two formidable destructive forces that simultaneously oppress Sophie, physically and mentally. Their overwhelming influence deprives her of the possibility of integrating into the familiar social environment, further intensifying her internal conflict and deepening her sense of isolation. Her existence increasingly resembles a struggle for self-awareness, where the diary entries serve as a crucial instrument, allowing her to preserve her identity and safeguard her sense of self against the external world.