Dream of the Red Chamber

Dream of the Red Chamber

Main article: [Dream of the Red Chamber]

Dream of the Red Chamber (simplified Chinese: 红楼梦; traditional Chinese: 紅樓夢; pinyin: hónɡ lóu mènɡ, also translated as Red Chamber Dream, A Dream of Red Mansions) or The Story of the Stone (simplified Chinese: 石头记; traditional Chinese: 石頭記; pinyin: shí tóu jì) is one of the most famous books from old China. It was written a long time ago in the 1700s by Cao Xueqin. Many people think it is one of the greatest novels in Chinese literature.

The story tells about a family that grows and then falls apart, much like families in that time. It shows what life was like for people living in High Qing China and gives us a look into their homes and thoughts.

Cao Xueqin started writing this book around the 1740s and kept working on it until he passed away in 1763 or 1764. After he died, other people finished the book and published it around the years 1791 to 1792. Today, many scholars study this book, and it is very important in understanding Chinese culture and history.

Language

The book is written in a style called baihua. This style is more like everyday speech and not like an older, formal style called Classical Chinese. The writer, Cao Xueqin, knew both styles well. The talks in the story are in the Beijing Mandarin dialect. This later helped shape the language we use today. In the early 1900s, experts studied the book to help make a standard written language. Others used it to encourage people to write in this more natural style.

History

Textual history

Dream of the Red Chamber has a long and complicated history. Cao Xueqin began writing the novel in the 1740s. Cao came from a well-known family that worked for the Manchu emperors of the Qing dynasty, but their good luck was ending. When Cao died in 1763 or 1764, handwritten copies of the first 80 chapters were already being shared. He may have written more chapters, but they were never found.

The first printed version of Dream of the Red Chamber came out in 1791, published by Cheng Weiyuan and Gao E. This version had changes that Cao did not approve of. Some think Cao may have destroyed the final chapters, or that parts of his original ending were in this 120-chapter version, changed by Gao E.

"Rouge" versions

Before 1791, people shared the novel through handwritten copies. Even the surviving copies have small differences. The earliest copies stop at the 80th chapter and have notes in red or black ink. These notes give clues about the author and might even come from Cao Xueqin's family. One important note writer was Zhiyanzhai, who explained the book's structure and its lost ending. These early copies are called "rouge versions."

The first 80 chapters include hints about what happens next, such as Lin Daiyu's future in the story. Some scholars work to find the lost ending using these hints and notes.

Several early copies still exist today. The "Jiaxu manuscript" from 1754 is kept at the Shanghai Museum, the "Jimao manuscript" from 1759 is at the National Library of China, and the "Gengchen manuscript" from 1760 is at Peking University. Beijing Normal University and the Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences also have early copies of the novel.

The "Jiaxu manuscript", 1754

The "Gengchen manuscript", 1760

Cheng–Gao versions

Main article: Cheng-Gao versions

In 1791, Gao E and Cheng Weiyuan published the first printed edition of the novel. This was the first full version, called Illustrated Dream of the Red Chamber. While the original manuscripts had 80 chapters, this edition added 40 more to reach 120 chapters. The first 80 chapters were based on the rouge versions, but the last 40 were new.

In 1792, Cheng and Gao fixed some mistakes in the first printed version. Cheng said he used Cao’s notes to create the ending.

Scholars still debate whether the last 40 chapters were written by Cao or by Gao E. Most modern editions use Cheng Weiyuan and Gao E’s 120-chapter version, though some leave out the last 40 chapters.

Plot summary

In this story, a magical Stone was left behind by a goddess long ago. The Stone wants to enjoy simple joys of life. It asks a priest and a monk to take it into the world. The Stone then joins human life and becomes a boy named Jia Baoyu, also called "Precious Jade."

The book tells the story of two rich and famous families, the Rongguo and Ningguo houses. They live next door to each other in a big city. These families are very important and powerful. One of the Jia girls becomes a special helper to the ruler. Because of this, the family builds a beautiful garden called Daguanyuan where much of the story happens. The book shows how these families live and slowly lose their wealth and status.

Baoyu grows up close to his cousin Lin Daiyu, who loves music and poetry like he does. However, he is supposed to marry another cousin named Xue Baochai. Baochai is very smart and kind, but Baoyu does not feel close to her. The story mainly follows Baoyu, Daiyu, and Baochai as they face challenges together while their family’s good luck fades away.

Characters

Dream of the Red Chamber has many characters, with nearly 40 main ones and over 400 others. The novel shows women in a realistic way. The characters are complex, showing both good and bad qualities, much like real people.

Jia Baoyu and the Twelve Beauties of Jinling

• Jia Baoyu
  The main character, about 12 or 13 years old when the story begins. He is the son of Jia Zheng and Lady Wang, and is expected to inherit the Rongguo House. Baoyu prefers reading thoughtful books like Zhuangzi instead of the traditional lessons his father wants him to study. He is kind and cares deeply for the women in his home.

• Lin Daiyu
  Baoyu’s cousin and his true love. She is the daughter of an official and is known for her beauty, intelligence, and deep emotions. Daiyu has a health problem, but she is also very talented in writing poetry.

• Xue Baochai
  Another cousin of Baoyu, Baochai is practical, clever, and well-mannered. She is beautiful and ambitious, often seen as the opposite of Daiyu. Though she is meant to marry Baoyu, he loves Daiyu instead.

• Wang Xifeng, known as Sister Feng
  A clever and capable woman who helps manage the household. She is witty and sometimes harsh, but also caring to those in need. Her decisions lead to the family’s decline.

• Shi Xiangyun
  Baoyu’s young cousin who is cheerful and open. She grows up with little kindness from her relatives but remains kind and loving. She becomes a devoted widow after her husband’s early death.

• Jia Tanchun
  Baoyu’s half-sister, known for her outspoken nature and talent in writing. She later marries far away into a military family.

• Jia Yuanchun
  Baoyu’s older sister who becomes an important figure in the royal palace. Though she reaches a high position, she feels trapped and sadly passes away at age forty.

• Jia Yingchun
  A kind but quiet cousin of Baoyu who marries into the royal court. She faces a painful marriage.

• Miaoyu
  A nun who lives at the family’s Buddhist temple. She is intelligent but keeps to herself and avoids the world.

• Qin Keqing
  A mysterious and beautiful woman whose life ends sadly early in the story.

• Li Wan
  A respectful and calm woman who raises her son and looks after her cousins. Though she achieves success through her son, she feels she missed out on her younger years.

• Jia Xichun
  A talented artist and devout Buddhist who later chooses to live a quiet, spiritual life.

• Jia Qiaojie
  A young girl who, after her family’s downfall, finds happiness in the countryside with a kind family.

Other main characters

• Grandmother Jia
  The respected elder of the family who helps bring Daiyu into the family and supports the children.

• Jia She
  Baoyu’s uncle, known for being greedy and causing trouble within the family.

• Jia Zheng
  Baoyu’s strict father, a scholar who wants his son to follow traditional paths.

• Jia Lian
  Baoyu’s cousin and Xifeng’s husband, known for his many relationships that cause problems.

• Xiangling
  A maid with a sad past who finds brief happiness before facing a tragic end.

• Ping'er
  Xifeng’s loyal and kind maid who helps manage the household with wisdom.

• Xue Pan
  Baochai’s brother, known for his wild and reckless behavior.

• Granny Liu
  A humorous and kind country relative who helps rescue one of the characters.

• Lady Wang
  Baoyu’s mother who, despite appearing gentle, can be strict and controlling.

• Aunt Xue
  Baochai and Pan’s mother, who is generally kind but struggles with her son’s behavior.

• Hua Xiren
  One of Baoyu’s maids who becomes close to him and later marries someone else.

Notable minor characters

• Qin Zhong
  Baoyu’s close friend whose story ends sadly due to personal and family troubles.

• Jia Yucun
  Daiyu’s childhood teacher who faces his own share of ups and downs.

• Jia Lan
  The son of Baoyu’s brother, known for his good character and success in life.

• Jia Zhen
  The head of another branch of the family, known for his greed and bad decisions.

• Lady You
  Wife of Jia Zhen and mistress of their home.

• Jia Rong
  Jia Zhen’s son and husband of Qin Keqing.

• Xue Baoqin
  A beautiful and talented cousin of Baochai.

• Second Sister You
  A loyal wife who faces a tragic end due to family conflicts.

• Liu Xianglian
  A friend of Baoyu who shares his love for acting.

• Lady Xing
  Wife of Jia She and stepmother of Jia Lian.

• Xing Xiuyan
  A kind and intelligent woman from a less wealthy family.

• Jia Huan
  The son of a concubine who causes trouble within the family.

• Sheyue
  One of Baoyu’s later maids, known for her kindness.

• Qiutong
  Another of Jia Lian’s concubines, known for her pride.

• Sister Sha
  A simple but caring maid who helps others without meaning to cause trouble.

Themes

The book Dream of the Red Chamber talks about big ideas like life, wisdom, and what is real. It shows how life's good and bad times affect everyone. The story uses symbols, like family names that mean “false” and “real,” to share these ideas.

The novel also shows everyday life in old China, with details about food, traditions, and music. It mixes true stories from the writer’s life with made-up ones, so readers can see both the good and bad parts of that time.

The book also looks at the roles of men and women. Some characters stand up against old ideas about men and women, showing that both have strengths and feelings. With poetry and strong female characters, the story says that women’s talents and emotions are very important, just like men’s.

Reception and influence in modern era

In the late 1800s, some people thought the book did not match Western styles, but others loved it very much. A famous writer called it "the tragedy of tragedies" and one of the greatest works of Chinese art.

In the early 1900s, new thinkers studied the book and helped people see how important it was. Even a leader like Mao Zedong read and enjoyed the story. Over time, many scholars have written about the book, and it still inspires writers and poets today.

Translations and reception in the West

The novel Dream of the Red Chamber is difficult to translate because it uses many different styles and includes classic poetry. This makes it a challenge for translators.

The first person to translate parts of the novel into English was a missionary named Robert Morrison in 1812. Over the years, many others tried to translate it, too. Some made short versions, while others worked on longer ones.

In 1958, a translation by David Hawkes and his son-in-law John Minford was published. It is considered one of the best complete translations. Many people think the novel is one of the greatest books ever written, comparing it to famous works from other countries. Translators continue to find new ways to bring this important story to readers around the world.

Sequels and continuations

Because many people loved the story, writers made their own versions after the original ended. Even when the book was first written, people started adding new parts to the story. Today, there are over thirty different sequels or new parts, including some from modern times. These newer stories usually start after the eightieth chapter and were written by authors like Zhang Zhi, Zhou Yuqing, Hu Nan, and Liu Xinwu.

Adaptations

Many movies have been made based on Dream of the Red Chamber. One from 1924 starred Mei Lanfang, and a 1988 version is the longest Chinese film ever. In 1981, a dance version of the story was first performed.

Television has also shown the story, with at least ten TV versions. A famous 1987 series became very popular in China. Other TV versions include a Taiwanese series and a 2010 version directed by Li Shaohong.

Unlike some other famous Chinese stories, Dream of the Red Chamber has not been turned into many video games. Only two games based on the novel exist.

An opera in English was created in 2016 by composer Bright Sheng. The American band Elysian Fields used poems from the novel in their 2020 album.

In the 2023 video game Limbus Company, a character named Hong Lu is inspired by the novel’s character Jia Baoyu. He uses a special weapon called a guandao.