Archive - Dream of the Red Chamber

April 2025

Abandonment Is Not The Answer

Why Zhen Shiyin is not the hero of Dream of the Red Chamber

Apr 30 •

Zhen Shiyin Runs Away

The end of the first chapter of Dream of the Red Chamber (紅樓夢)

Apr 29 •

Sewing Another Girl's Wedding Dress

The raw emotional power of Dream of the Red Chamber

Apr 28 •

Zhen Shiyin's Bitter Lament

Zhen Shiyin remarks bitterly about the absurdism of life, hinting at a better way.

Apr 27 •

The Bootstraps Myth

Why a 250 year old Chinese novel is still relevant today

Apr 26 •

Zhen Shiyin Loses Everything

One calamity is followed by another

Apr 25 •

The English Translations

A look at the various translations of Dream of the Red Chamber — and why I don't like any of them

Apr 24 •

Disaster Strikes

Zhen Shiyin's child vanishes

Apr 23 •

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