This paper investigates the relationship between the social background of China and the spread of the novella Letter from an Unknown Woman during the period from 1919 until the 21st century. Although Letter from an Unknown Woman was translated into Chinese in 1933, interpretations of the theme of this novella differed across different periods because of the corresponding social background factors. Among the factors, the policies and attitudes of the government played a vital role in and exerted a direct influence on the interpretation and spread of this novella. However, in addition to the government policies, other factors, such as economy, culture, literary trends, and technology, influenced government policies in different periods. The novella is just like a mirror, reflecting the complicated social change over the past one hundred years.