Philosophy of Literature - The Third Way of Reading Dream of the Red Chamber

Author: Zhang Xingde
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-11-01
Features: A fresh reflection on the thematic ideas of Dream of the Red Chamber; A repositioning of character images in Dream of the Red Chamber; A critical reexamination of popular Red Studies perspectives; A reinterpretation of "Zhen Shiyin's Departure." Philosophy of Literature—A Third Reading of Dream of the Red Chamber is a Red Studies work written by Comrade Zhang Xingde after extensive study of the Dream of the Red Chamber text in recent years. It brings us both surprise and joy, as well as endless appreciation and reflection.
In 2003, Comrade Xingde published his first Red Studies work, A Study of the Depiction and Significance of Bao-Dai Marriage and the Conflict Between Jia Mu and Wang Furen in the First Eighty Chapters of Dream of the Red Chamber, in the Journal of Red Chamber Studies. That same year, he also contributed the article How Should We Study Cao Xueqin's Poetic Thought? to the Red Chamber magazine. In 2004, he continued to publish his "theme" articles in the Red Chamber magazine, including A Comprehensive and dialectical View of the Relationship and Conflict Between Jia Zheng and Bao Yu (see issue), and Elementary Dialectical Thought in Dream of the Red Chamber (see issues 2, 3, and 4). In these important articles, Comrade Xingde emphasized to readers that "elementary dialectical thought is an important ideological weapon used by Cao Xueqin to comprehensively critique feudal society and reveal its inevitable downfall."
He said, "In Dream of the Red Chamber, Cao Xueqin employs elementary dialectical thought to vividly depict and reveal the immense process of decline from prosperity to ruin in the feudal aristocratic family represented by the Jia household, profoundly uncovering the aspects of this decline. The historical process and outcome of the Jia family's rise and fall offer a valuable lesson to people: the downfall and collapse of the Jia family were not due to the accidental mistakes or faults of any individual, nor to their incompetence, nor to any isolated or event, but rather to an irresistible objective law of development. From beginning to end, it eloquently conveys the philosophical truth that 'great feasts must eventually end,' and that 'even the most welcoming hospitality cannot last forever.' These three elements are perfectly intertwined, allowing readers to perceive the vicissitudes of life within a world of artistic philosophy."
This exposition reflects Comrade Xingde's heartfelt insights gained from years of diligent study of the Dream of the Red Chamber text, and it also serves as the guiding principle for his writing of this book. If readers can identify with and grasp this guiding principle, they will recognize a brand-new artistic world of the Red Chamber through the many brilliant interpretations in this book!