Suicide in early China and the current West

To characterize suicide in early China, as a means of extending knowledge of this behaviour. We examined Romance of the Three Kingdoms, and collated and considered relevant details. In early China, loss of authority/status, loved ones and fortune were triggers for suicide. The expression of the intention to suicide, either by word or action, was observed and elicited a placating response. Less frequent, but nevertheless clearly recorded, were accounts of suicide completed to satisfy the wishes of others. The suicide and related behaviour of early China shares many features with late Western societies, but one form (to satisfy the wishes of others) is currently undetected