Dream of the Red ChamberThe Dream of the Red Chamber is one of the "Four Great Classical Novels of Chinese Literature." It is renowned for its huge scope, large cast of characters, and telling observations about the life and social structures of 18th century China. Many consider it to be the pinnacle of the classical Chinese novel. The "Red Chamber" is a term used to describe the sheltered area where the daughters of wealthy Chinese families lived. The Dream of the Red Chamber is believed to be based on the author's own life and intended as a memorial to the women that he knew in his youth. As Edwin Lowe writes in his introduction, "Henry Bencraft Joly's attention to detail and the faithfulness in his translation of Hong Lou Meng makes this revised edition of The Dream of the Red Chamber an excellent book for the student of modern Chinese." Whether you're studying Chinese or simply interested in literature, this rich, multilayered story will offer you key insights into Chinese culture. |
Contents
An illfated girl happens to meet an illfated young man The Hulu Bonze | |
Jia Baoyu reaps his first experience in licentious love Old goody Liu pays a visit | |
By a strange coincidence Jia Baoyu becomes acquainted with the golden clasp | |
Widow Jin prompted by a desire to reap advantage puts up temporarily with | |
Wang Xifeng maliciously lays a trap for Jia Rui under pretence that | |
Guo Mansion | |
Jia Yuanchun is on account of her talents selected to enter the Feng | |
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Common terms and phrases
asked aunt bade Baochai Baoyu chrysanthemums cousin cried Daoist door dowager lady Jia exclaimed explained eyes face feel felt fetch flowers forthwith garden gave girl give gone hand hastily head heard hearing heart inmates inquired Jia Lian Jia Rong Jia Rui Jia Yun Jia Zheng lady Feng ladyship laughed laughingly Li Gui likewise Lin Daiyu listen look Madame Wang Madame Xing maids mansion matrons matter mind Miss mistress mother nurse observed old goody Liu old lady Jia once perceived Ping'er present promptly Qin Zhong Qingwen rejoined remarked replied round seat Secundus servant-girls servants Sheyue Shi Xiangyun shouted side smiled smilingly someone soon speedily taels Tanchun teapoys tell there's things took turned uttered wait waiting-maids walked What's whole wine words Xiangling Xiao Hong Xiren Xue Baochai Xue Pan young ladies Yuanyang Yucun Zhao Zhen