Implicit Criticism?
As you’ve probably noticed by now, I’m not exactly a fan of simply defaulting to the traditional interpretations of things.
Yesterday’s melancholy poem is actually a good example of my frustration with traditional explanations.
It’s easy to look at this poem and simply conclude that it must be a pious Buddhist poem about relinquishing worldly ties. The author, after all, talks about leaving her parents and family behind, going thousands of miles away by sea, and about how they should not worry about her.
But there are a few hints here and there of resentment.
Keep reading with a 7-day free trial
Subscribe to Dream of the Red Chamber to keep reading this post and get 7 days of free access to the full post archives.