Dream of the Red Chamber (Student Edition)

Author: Cao Xueqin [Qing Dynasty]
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-01-01
Features: The Meaning of Dream of the Red Chamber. The book has many titles: one is Dream of the Red Chamber, which is the overall name of the entire work; another is Precious Mirror of Wind and Moon, which serves as a warning against indulging in romantic affairs; yet another is Dream of the Stone, which refers to the story recorded by the stone. These three names have already been highlighted in the book. For example, when Baoyu dreams, there is a song in the dream called Twelve Aria of the Red Chamber, which is the highlight of Dream of the Red Chamber. Another instance is when Jia Rui falls ill, and a crippled hermit brings a mirror inscribed with the words Precious Mirror of Wind and Moon, which is the highlight of Precious Mirror of Wind and Moon. Yet another is when the hermit personally sees a story inscribed on the stone, which is the record of the stone's interactions, the highlight of Dream of the Red Chamber. However, the book is also called Twelve Beauties of Jinling. Examining its name suggests it must refer to the twelve women of Jinling. Yet a thorough search through the entire work reveals that there are far more than twelve women, both upper and lower. If it is said that there are twelve among them, then it does not specify which ones. As for the Dream of the Red Chamber chapter, it also reveals a roster of the twelve beauties of Jinling, along with twelve arias to examine.