The Other Side of the Image of Xue Baochai and Dai Yinger in "Dream of the Red Chamber"

Author: Zheng Lei
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-06-01
Features: [Anti-feudalism] VS [Great Emptiness], Which One Is the True Theme of [Dream of the Red Chamber]? Breaking Through Fixed Mindsets – A New Generation of Folk Red Studies Clears Up Decades-Old Myths. The author expresses his views on [Dream of the Red Chamber] with witty and talented language, as well as rigorous logical analysis, making his opinions clear and unique. Through his analysis, the profound meanings in the original text shine like pearls suddenly emerging into the sunlight, radiating brilliant light. For decades, [Red Studies] have been competing to interpret [Imperial Edicts], so the cliché of praising Daiyu andating Baoyu is inevitable. Even though everyone’s ears have grown numb to it, there are still those who insist on speaking. Occasionally, someone like Mr. Zheng Lei emerges, with a voice that is different, somewhat awakening and enlightening. In their eyes, of course, it is quite [stimulating]. Whether it’s the Red Light Society or official authoritative institutions, they have long been dominated by authoritative ideological consciousness, with stale thinking and ignorant concepts, which is evident to all. The true Red Chamber – Mr. Zheng Wujie from the folk internet – possesses undeniable talent. His evaluation of [Dream of the Red Chamber] can be considered a beneficial and disruptive work. As the author points out, in [Dream of the Red Chamber], Daiyu primarily represents its [Color] (desire), while Baoyu primarily represents its [Emptiness] (transcendence), and the theme of the entire novel is precisely to use the [Emptiness] of Laozi and Shen Zong to criticize and reflect on the [Color] of the secular world. Therefore, in this sense, Cao Xueqin’s [praising Baoyu andating Daiyu] is almost inevitable! Sun Qianfu This is a specialized work that breaks free from the conventions of traditional Red Studies and reexamines [Dream of the Red Chamber] and contemporary Red Studies from a unique perspective. The author begins by analyzing the lesser-known aspects of the two main characters in [Dream of the Red Chamber], Xue Baoyu and Lin Daiyu (i.e., the "B-side of the Baoyu-Daiyu image"), paying attention to refuting and clarifying the numerous misinterpretations and distortions left by traditional Red Studies on issues related to Baoyu and Daiyu. He redefines the status, role, and significance of the Red Chamber characters in the book, and thereby guides readers beyond the old-style "Daiyu-supporters" and "Baoyu-supporters" debates, allowing them to perceive and understand the religious and philosophical themes of [Good], [Enlightenment], [Color], and [Emptiness] contained in [Dream of the Red Chamber]. At the same time, the article also raises positive questions and critiques the practice of interpreting [Dream of the Red Chamber] using political concepts like "anti-feudalism" and "class struggle" that have been popular since the 1950s. The views in this book are novel, well-argued, and highly persuasive, making it a rare and outstanding work on Red Studies in recent years. It is highly inspiring for breaking through traditional mindsets and opening up new paths in Red Studies.