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 the real families of that time. It shows what life was like for people living in High Qing China and gives us a look into their homes, their thoughts, and how they treated each other.

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 novel is written in a style called baihua, which is more like everyday speech, instead of an older, more formal style called Classical Chinese. The writer, Cao Xueqin, knew both styles very well. The conversations in the story are written in the Beijing Mandarin dialect, which later helped shape the language we use today. In the early 1900s, experts studied the book to help create a standard written language, and others used it to encourage people to write in this more natural style.

History

Textual history

Dream of the Red Chamber has a complex history that scholars have studied for a long time. We know that Cao Xueqin started writing the novel in the 1740s. Cao came from a well-known family that had worked for the Manchu emperors of the Qing dynasty, but their good fortune was fading. By the time Cao died in 1763 or 1764, handwritten copies of the first 80 chapters were already being shared. He might 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 believe Cao may have destroyed the final chapters, or that parts of his original ending were included in this 120-chapter version, changed by Gao E.

"Rouge" versions

Before 1791, people shared the novel through handwritten copies. Even among the surviving copies, there are 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. Some believe Gao E wrote them, while others think Cheng and Gao only edited an existing full manuscript. In 2014, researchers used writing style analysis and suggested the first 80 chapters and the last 40 chapters were written by different authors. In 2020, an academic leader said it is unlikely Gao E wrote the last 40 chapters.

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, left behind when a goddess fixed the sky long ago, wants to experience life's simple joys. The Stone asks a priest and a monk to take it into the world. It 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, who 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, so 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, but he is supposed to marry another cousin named Xue Baochai, who is very smart and kind but not someone he feels close to. 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 is known for its detailed and realistic portrayals of women. 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 that causes her to suffer, 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, and she dies after their wealth is lost.

• 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 and abusive 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 explores deep ideas about life and wisdom. It shows how life’s ups and downs affect everyone, and it questions what is real and what is pretend. The story uses symbols to express these ideas, such as the names of its families, which mean “false” and “real.”

The novel also paints a vivid picture of everyday life in old China, showing details like food, traditions, and music. It mixes real events from the writer’s life with fiction, helping readers see both the beauty and problems of the time.

The book also looks at the roles of men and women. Some characters challenge old ideas about what men and women should be like, showing that both have strengths and feelings. Through poetry and strong female characters, the story suggests that women’s talents and emotions are just as important as men’s.

Reception and influence in modern era

In the late 1800s, some people criticized the book for not matching Western styles, but others praised it highly. 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 closely and helped people understand its importance. Even a leader like Mao Zedong read and loved the story. Over time, many scholars have written about the book, and it continues to inspire writers and poets today.

Translations and reception in the West

The novel Dream of the Red Chamber is very hard to translate because it uses many different styles of language and includes classic poetry. This makes it a big 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 the story was so loved by many people, many writers made their own versions of it after the original ended. Even during the time when the book was first written, people began creating new parts to add to the story. Today, there are over thirty different sequels or new parts to the story, including some written in modern times. These newer stories usually begin after the eightieth chapter and were written by authors like Zhang Zhi, Zhou Yuqing, Hu Nan, and Liu Xinwu.

Adaptations

There have been many movies based on Dream of the Red Chamber. One from 1924 starred Mei Lanfang, and another made in 1988 is the longest Chinese film ever, lasting 735 minutes. In 1981, a dance version of the story was first performed.

Television has also brought the story to life, with at least ten TV versions. A famous 1987 series became very popular in China, thanks in part to its music. 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 also 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.