Dream of the Red Chamber, one of the four great classical Chinese novels, was written by Cao Xueqin in the mid-18th century during the Qing Dynasty.
Cao Xueqin was born to a prominent and wealthy family. His father, Cao Fu, was a prominent figure in Chinese politics at the time. He served as a censor in the Ministry of Rites and later rose to high rank and prominence. Cao Xueqin’s mother, Madame Wang, was from a distinguished family that had members serving in high government positions. Cao Xueqin was only seven years old when his father died and he was raised by his uncle, Cao Yin, who was a famous calligrapher.
Cao Xueqin is widely regarded as one of the greatest novelists in Chinese literary history. His most famous work is Dream of the Red Chamber, which he wrote between 1759 and 1791. The novel has been considered a masterpiece of classical Chinese literature and is often referred to as one of the four great classical Chinese novels. The story follows the rise and fall of the wealthy Jia family, focusing on the lives of the family’s two sons, Baoyu and Daiyu, and their romantic relationships with each other and with three young women.
The novel is highly acclaimed for its vivid and detailed depiction of everyday life in 18th century China. It is filled with humor, satire, and heartfelt emotion. The novel also provides a commentary on society and culture during this period. Cao Xueqin’s writing style is characterized by lyrical prose and strong use of metaphor. He often wrote in the form of poetry and verse, giving readers an intimate understanding of the characters and their situations.
Although the novel was completed by Cao Xueqin, it was not published during his lifetime. The novel was published in 1792 by Gao E and Cheng Weiyuan, two of Cao Xueqin’s acquaintances.
Dream of the Red Chamber has had a lasting influence on Chinese literature and culture. It has inspired numerous adaptations and imitations, including plays, films, television series, and modern adaptations. The novel has been translated into English, French, Japanese, and other languages.
Cao Xueqin’s legacy lives on to this day and his novel continues to captivate readers around the world. The novel provides insight into Chinese culture and history and offers a stirring account of human experience. As such, Dream of the Red Chamber is an invaluable part of Chinese literary heritage.