Classical Four Great Masterpieces (Treasure Edition) (Boxed Set)

Author: Cao Xueqin
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2000-06-01
Features: This series is part of the Collection of Classical Chinese Literature Masterpieces, including four classical works such as Water Margin and Romance of the Three Kingdoms. It greatly helps in popularizing classical Chinese literature and enhancing readers' appreciation of these masterpieces. The series consists of eight volumes: Journey to the West, Water Margin, Dream of the Red Chamber, and Romance of the Three Kingdoms.
Journey to the West: Journey to the West vividly depicts the perilous journey of the four disciples westward through vast and treacherous landscapes, transforming their trials into eighty-one challenges set by demons and monsters. The novel uses animal-shaped, sentient spirits to portray the harshness of the natural world, celebrating the spirit of perseverance in overcoming difficulties. It is a victory of humanity over nature.
Water Margin: Also known as Water Margin: Loyalty and Righteousness, this epic novel focuses on the rebellious struggles of the heroes of Liangshan. It portrays figures like Li Kui, Wu Song, Lin Chong, and Lu Zhishen, exposing the cruelty and corruption of the feudal ruling class and reflecting the social contradictions and aspirations of the urban class. The story is full of twists, the language is vivid and powerful, and the characters are distinct, achieving a high level of artistic excellence.
Dream of the Red Chamber: Originally titled Dream of the Red Chamber, this work is set against the backdrop of the four great families—Jia, Shi, Wang, and Xue. It follows the tragic love story between Jia Baoyu and Lin Daiyu while depicting the decline of the Jia family's two branches, the Rong and Ning houses. It broadly reflects the social contradictions and class struggles of the time, critiquing feudal rituals. The language is elegant and lively, with a skillful portrayal of characters, creating many iconic artistic figures. The novel is grand in scale and structure, marking the pinnacle of realist fiction in ancient Chinese long novels.
Romance of the Three Kingdoms: Although a historical novel, Romance of the Three Kingdoms is not a simple retelling of historical figures and events but rather an artistic and imaginative work. It helps us understand the feudal society. The novel depicts the power struggles, intrigue, and deceit among feudal rulers, reflecting certain historical realities and exposing their evils. However, the author, writing from the perspective of maintaining feudal rule, promotes feudal orthodoxy and praises feudal rulers. He also advocates for theocracy and feudal superstition, exaggerating the abilities of figures like Zhuge Liang as "prophetic" and "destined." The novel promotes feudal morality, especially loyalty and righteousness.
One of the key features of Romance of the Three Kingdoms is its use of historical material while not being bound by historical facts. The author successfully creates vivid and lifelike characters, highlighting their distinctive traits with outstanding artistic achievement. In terms of plot, scenes like "The Three Oaths in the Peach Garden," "The Three Heroes Battle Lu Bu," "Borrowing Arrows with Straw Boats," "Zhuge Liang Borrowing the Wind," "Burning the Red Cliffs," and "Guan Yu Slays Six Generals in Five Passes" are well-known. Among the characters, Guan Yu, the loyal and brave general, Zhuge Liang, the cunning strategist, and Cao Cao, the ambitious warlord of chaos, are particularly masterfully portrayed in the novel.