Dream Interpretation of the Red Chamber (Part 5): - Part 5

Author: Huo Guoling
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2003-01-01
Features: This volume discusses the position of Dream of the Red Chamber in the system of Chinese classical literary theory, arguing that it is not merely a literary work but also a historical record and a book of mysteries. It contends that the "consensus" reached by 130 experts several years ago that "Dream of the Red Chamber is not a historical record, a classic, or a code awaiting decipherment" is completely wrong. This volume examines and concludes that the former residence of Cao Xueqin in the capital was the "Prince Gong's Mansion," and that the predecessor of Peking University was Cao Xueqin's suburban home in Beijing, also known as the "Palace of the Imperial Concubine Zhu Xiangyu" for the "visit to the imperial garden." It calls once again for the establishment of Cao Xueqin's Xiangshan ancestral home. Additionally, it further examines and refutes questions about Cao Xueqin's birth date and death year, the birth year of his father—Cao—, and the twelve scenes of imperial amusement depicting the Empress Zhu Xiangyu. This volume argues that the prototypes of Shi Xiangyun and Fengjie were the granddaughter of the grandmother of Cao Xueqin. After Zhu Xiangyu, the prototype of Daiyu, was ennobled as an Imperial Concubine, she became the wife of Cao Xueqin. It examines and concludes that the poem "Song of" was actually composed by the original prototype of Daiyu, Zhu Xiangyu. It explains the annotations to "The Lyrical Song of Fulfilling Destiny," pointing out that behind it lies real history, primarily the actual events in Cao Xueqin's life.