In the last lecture of the lecture series "Great Classical Chinese Novels", Balys Astrauskas, Junior Assistant, Lecturer and PhD student at the Institute of Asian and Transcultural Studies of Vilnius University, presented another Chinese novel "The Dream of the Red Chamber". This novel is considered one of the four great classical Chinese novels and is known for its complex plot and profound themes.
The lecture started with a presentation of the novel "Dream of the Red Chamber" and highlighted the significance of this work in the world of Chinese literature.
It is one of the last Chinese novels to be written without exposure to Western literature and its influence, although it is often compared to the story of Romeo and Juliet. It is about the life, prosperity and gradual decline of a wealthy aristocratic family. The work also deals with the social and political situation in China at that time, which influenced the content and themes of the novel.
The authorship of the work was discussed in detail in the lecture. The author of this work is Cao Xueqin 曹雪芹, who lived in the 18th century and came from a wealthy but later declining family. This personal experience is reflected in the novel. Mr Astrauskas later added that the last 40 chapters might have been written by other authors and that the work was not a single work.
The main plot of the work revolves around the life of the Jia family. The protagonist, Jia Baoyu 賈寶玉, is a young aristocrat whose life and love story is the main focus of the novel. The novel deals with key events and characters, including the tragic love triangle between Jia Baoyu, Lin Daiyu and Xue Baochai.
The lecture explored the main themes of the novel, such as a critique of feudal society, an exploration of human emotions and relationships, and the depiction of traditional Chinese culture and customs.
It also discussed how the novel reflects the socio-economic problems of the period, including corruption and family decline.
The lecture highlights how The Dream of the Red Chamber influenced Chinese literature and culture. The language, symbolism and narrative techniques used in the novel became a model for many later writers. The speaker then presented how the novel has been interpreted and analysed in different periods, and how it remains relevant today today as one of the most researched novels.
You can listen to a recording of the lecture (in Lithuanian language)