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"One of the great novels of world literature...to the Chinese as Proust is to the French or Karamazov to the Russians." --Anthony West, literary critic Dream of the Red Chamber (also known as The Story of the Stone) is renowned for its epic scope, rich psychological characterizations and telling observations on family life and the role of women in Chinese society. One of the Four Great Classical Novels in Chinese literature, along with Journey to the West, The Water Margin, and Romance of the Three Kingdoms; Dream of the Red Chamber is widely regarded as the greatest Chinese classical novel, and one of the greatest works of world literature ever written. The "red chamber" refers to a sheltered area in wealthy households where daughters were confined until married--a veritable prison where dreams of true love wither. This sweeping tale tells of the rise and fall of rival branches of the wealthy Jia family, who live in lavish adjacent compounds surrounded by a lush, private garden. The story opens with the birth of Jia Baoyu, heir apparent and darling of the women in the Jia household. A free-thinker and idealist, Baoyu soon rebels against his stern father, who refuses to allow his son to pursue a romantic affair with Lin Daiyu--a headstrong and intelligent woman who shares his love of music and poetry. Baoyu is forced instead to marry Xue Baochai, an equally talented and beautiful woman but someone with whom he has no emotional connection. The fates of the star-crossed lovers and their families slowly unravel as this tragic story unfolds. Dream of the Red Chamber, although written by a man, is said to be one of the first great works of women's literature. The author, Cao Xueqin, is thought to have written the novel as a memorial to the inspiring women he knew in his youth.… (more)
User reviews
It is this theme of being human that plays again and again throughout the book. While we see the adults and their power plays, the bulk of the book is focused around the adolescent segment of the family. Rich, poor, happiness and sorrow are all parts of existence. Our lives are partially controlled by fate and partially controlled by our own decisions. We have a purpose in life, and that is to honor our families by our actions and achievements. It is not until the very end of the book that the main character understands that purpose and fulfils his destiny.
There is not a simple main story line to follow which leaves many readers wondering what the book is all about. By concentrating on the intricacies of the story the reader will be drawn in and will anticipate the dramas that make up the characters lives. I found it difficult to keep track of the individual characters because of the use of traditional Chinese names and because each character is referred to by several names during the book. If I were to read it again I would have a pad of paper to write down names and relationships. Even not having done that I felt I gained a great deal out of reading the story.
The main character, Pao-yu, is merely a boy growing into adolescence, but I felt little insight into his motivations. He is the petted grandchild of the Matriarch of an aristocratic Chinese family. Surrounded by female servants he whiles away his time writing poetry, attending parties, admiring the gardens, etc. Does he neglect his studies, essential for advancement within Chinese Imperial government, out of laziness, rebellion, indifference? We never really know. Nor do we understand why the adults of the family exert little in the way of long term discipline. At one point his father threatens to beat him to death for concealing an actor attached to the Emperor’s household. Yet no one seems inclined to remove the numerous distractions that encourage his aimless lifestyle.
Admittedly the culture described may seem too different from that of the West to elicite a sympathetic engagement. However it is no more foreign than the court society of Japan described in Tale of the Genji, which, in my opinion displays the depth of characterization ascribed to Dream of the Red Chamber. I forced myself to finish this book, but would not seek out another like it.
For longer review see ritasreviewsandruminations.blogspot.com/