Month: March 2019

Guide to Reading the Story of the Stone chapters 1-4

Stone Chapter Summaries 1-80

 

Key

• I wrote down my broad thoughts every two chapters in normal font
• I highlighted instances I might use in my lesson plan by italicizing them
• All of my questions are at the end under a separate header

Chapters 5-6

• I thought it was interesting that Bao-yu visits the same land Zhen Shi-yin visited and in fact the same land he once lived in
• The songs appear to be about the decline of the Jia family and the love triangle
• The Jia’s demonstrate generosity while still showing off their family heritage

Chapters 7-8

• Dai-yu feels like she is given leftovers and is also leftover in Bao-yu’s eyes because he chooses Bao-chai over her
• Ying tian, the kidnapped girl, is now a servant in the Jia household

Chapters 9-10

• There is an obvious divide of wealth and power even among students at the private school
• Family ties and standing are very important which is why Jia Qiang has a servant deal with the bullies
• Again, Bao-yu only asks for an apology for his friend who is a family member and doesn’t ask for anything for the one who isn’t

Chapters 11-12

• Lust eventually leads to Jia Rui becoming ill and dying
• If he had been able to obey the Taoist, he would have been fine, but he looks into the forbidden side and even at death can’t part with his lust

Chapters 13-14

• Xi-feng is put in charge of another two houses and manages them with ease
• Dai-yu’s tears for a lifetime of repayment continue with her father’s death

Chapters 15-16

• Bao-yu’s father thinks that Bao-yu will never be more than a boy who plays with girls’ toys
• Greed appears to corrupt Xi-feng as she undertakes matters that she gets compensation for but hides from the Jia family
• Patience goes to great lengths to cover up Xi-feng’s actions and shows true loyalty

Chapters 17-18

• Even more so than the funeral no expense is spared for Yuan-chun’s visit home – the funeral shows what people are willing to give up for a good ruler
• Bao-yu is oft put down by his father when they are naming things but the names, he chooses are often still the best ones and accepted by the whole party
• Chapter 18 shows the character contradiction of Bao-chi and Dai-yu – one is cheerful and the other sad which is reflected in their poetry

Chapters 19-20

• Another female relationship of Bao-yu’s is explored which is with Aroma
• Bao-yu appears to think of his servants as friends which is shown by how he helps with grooming and nursing them back to health
• Xian-yun only adds to Dai-yu’s belief that Bao-yu is closer to Bao-chai, more loved, and more beautiful

Chapters 21-22

• Bao-yu sleeps around which seems to cause his girl problems because every girl seemingly wants him
• Although he seems to show growth when he relates the girls to the real world
• The conflict between Xi-feng, Patience, and Jia Lian shows another master-servant relationship
• The sign of the riddles seems to foretell short/ill-fated lives for the family

Chapters 23-24

• Bao-yu’s father seems to realize he isn’t going to get another son and changes his attitude towards him in this section
• The girls and Bao-yu move to the garden per Yuan-chun’s request to hopefully get Bao-yu to focus more on his studies
• The actresses use flowes in their stores which seem to unconsciously remind Dai-yu of her life in the Land of Illusion

Chapters 25-26

• The jade heals the two of “demons”
• Dai-yu cries more tears to cover her debt

Questions

• How does Bao-chai’s locket have almost the same inscription as Bao-yu’s jade?
• The part on Jia Rui’s lust seems contrarty to the rest of the novel because Bao-yu can have his way but others can’t?
• In a different source I read something about their being a small-pox god that they try to atone to when Bao-yu gets sick, is this accurate?
• Again, another note I read on the book is that when kids are sick the parents must abstain from sex specifically in relation to Jia Liang and his desire not to?
• Why does the book on love and talking about marriage make Dai-yu upset? It seems that if she were just to engage then Bao-yu would focus on her and not Bao-chai.
• Is the monk and Taoist that keep reappearing throughout the work the same one?

After reading the first 25 chapters, I really took interest to the themes that were presented in chapters 7-15. One of the major themes that jumped out at me was the role that social power and influence plays. Throughout these chapters both Bao- yu and Xi- feng have different outlooks on their power and influence.  

In chapter 7 there is a scene where Bao-yu goes to the Ning mansion. During this scene he introduced to Chin Chung, Bao-yu feels ashamed because of his background coming from a wealthy, noble family. He sees that even though that Chin Chung is from an impoverished family he carries himself in a very civilized and attractive manner. Bao-yu loathes the social barriers that wealth and status have created that separate the two of them. However, he chooses to break and disregard this social barrier that has been laid in place by the ruling class. In a sense he is rejecting his social power and influence.

Q: In many of the other characters from the ruling class we see the abuse of their power and influence. Why do you think that Bao-yu is different? Why do you think that Bao-yu chooses to in a sense “reject” his nobility by befriending Chin Chung? What makes his character different from the others from the ruling class?

In chapter 11 we see that Xi-feng frequently goes to visit the sick Ko-ching. One day while she is leaving by a side gate, Jia Rui happens to see her. He becomes deeply attracted to her and begins to try to court her. Xi-feng does not have the same attraction to Jia Rui as he has to her.  Xi-feng threatens to kill Jia Rui to let him know that she is a “strong and independent woman”. She yearns to demonstrate to that she has power, particularly power over Jia Rui. This scene shows that Xi-feng is driven by her power and influence. She wants to have power and to assert her femininity over Jia Rui. She does this because of her yearning to assert dominance and even if it means harm to another, in this case Jia Rui.

Q: Do you think that Xi-feng’s desire to assert power and dominance through her femininity is triggered by the social roles she currently has?  Does she feel the need to assert her femininity because she feels like she lacks power? or is it an abuse of power she already has?

In chapter 12, we see the story between Xi-feng and Jia Rui unfold more. This chapter describes the traps that Xi-feng sets for Jia Rui. First, she tells him to sneak over in the night to her room. He does this and finds she is not there to let him in. He waits all night in the bitter cold and wind for her. She also tricks him into making love with Jia Qiang, and then uses this to blackmail him for money. These tricks take a toll on Jia Rui, he is confined to his bed with illness. He dies later in the chapter while looking at a vision of Xi- feng urging him to make love to her. Throughout this story we see how Xi-feng uses the attraction Jia Rui has for her to control him. Xi-feng wields this power over Jia Rui and uses her power to hurt and ultimately kill him.

Q: Besides trying to assert her dominance, do you think that there are any other reasons Xi-feng feels the need to ruin Jia Rui’s life? Do you think there is a reason she takes it to the extremes she does?

In chapter 14 we also see how Xi- feng misuses her family power to control those around her. As a result, these people are affected in negative ways. It is very clear through her actions that she acts out of selfish intentions. There seems to be a contrast between Bao-yu’s use of his social status and power in chapter 7, and Xi-feng’s use of her power and influence.

Q: After comparing and contrasting Bao-yu’s rejection of his nobility and power in chapter 7 and Xi-feng’s misuse of her power in chapters 11 and 14. Why do you think Cao Xueqin portrays Xi-feng’s and Bao-yu’s use of their social status and power so differently?

In Chapter 9, Qin Zhong and Baoyu go to school together and a violent fight breaks out between the boys in the class. Li Gui mentions not getting the principal involved because of how insignificant the issue was. From the reading, what is your understanding of how the schools were run, and what are the responsibilities of the faculty in schools.

In the novel, when Keqing dies Baoyu spits out blood. What do you think this is representative of? Do you see any relation between this and his dream with Keqing in Chapter 5?

In Chapter 18, Baoyu’s eldest sister, Yuanchun, visits her family’s home. She mentions feeling trapped while living a higher status life with the Emperor as a concubine. Yuanchun only visits her family when given the permission. What does this say about women’s duty and power, and how does this compare to powerful women like Xifeng?

Reading through the remainder of the first volume of Hong Lou Meng solidified my research direction. I will be looking more specifically into the philosophy and higher authority that drives the outline in Chinese culture for “right” and “wrong”. This will lead to a further understanding of how cultural thought and philosophy effects attitudes toward the environment.

In my reading, I began picking up more heavily of these elements at the end of Chapter 16 and the death of Qin Zhong. The novel seemed to be presenting the death of Bao yu’s dear friend to create room for the birth of the garden to be built. There is only enough space for Bao yu’s energy to be invested, and this death signifies the transition of his focus on externalities to philosophical thinking.

Directly following, Chapter 17 will be one of great importance moving forward in my research. The way in which each person describes aspects of the garden and the background education that they pull from will be telling of general Chinese cultural thought on divine authority. There is clear contrast here from natural beauty to human capability and is something that I want to research further. I am hoping to find some supplementary works that discuss this particular scene to help move my research forward.

Finally, through the rest of the first volume, we begin to see Bao yu take his studies a bit more seriously, especially those pertaining to philosophy. There were multiple scenes where he would be reading something of Buddhist philosophy or Daoist philosophy, the later being Zhuangzi. There seemed to be quite a fluid conversation between the two schools of thought– something that we are not as accustomed to in the world of Abrahamic religions. I plan on incorporating Zhuangzi into my research– as I studied some of his philosophy last fall. I will also be in need of a Buddhist philosophical text and perhaps a Confucius philosophical text as well.

Subject: Educational Reform in Chinese History

Audience: Teachers who want to teach history of educational reform of literature in China.

Objectives:

1. Understand the significance of family relationships in the novel as highlighted in Chapter 33 .
2. Identify morals presented in Chapter 33.
3. Identify conflicts between characters in Chapter 33.
4. Defend characters in the novel and back up their rationale on a conflict.
5. Evaluate different interpretations of the novel in different time periods and understand why it was interpreted that way in context of Chinese history.

Methods:

1. Reading of Story of the Stone’s Chapter 33.
2. Discussion of family relationships in Chinese culture and in the novel.
3. Assigned a character to defend, prepare debate points appropriate to the character over the situation.
4. Understand the idea that the same text can be read with the outcome of a different message.

Materials and Media:

1. Story of the Stone by Cao Xueqin

Assessment:

Assessment will be given based on ability to understand how the novel was taught in different time periods to emphasize different ideas. Assessment will demonstrate ability to read the texts and view the different ways situations can be interpreted. In pairs, students will choose a conflict in Chapter 33, a significant character to the conflict, and an opposing character. As a judge representing the character, they will analyze the actions and words of their characters as evidence. By the end of the debate, students will reflect on who would have been correct to traditional China as well as modern China.

Objectives
– Demonstrate the importance of literature (including fictional works) in understanding historical events, traditions, and customs.
– Connect legal themes in Hong Lou Meng to a wider historical overview of Chinese law.
– Emphasize how both codified and uncodified laws relates to cultural values, ideas, and history.
– Compare and contrast legal topics in modern China and the United States, using the law as a suggestive vehicle to understand societal similarities and differences between both nations.

Methods
– Powerpoint Presentation/Prezi Presentation
– Possible handout with key terms/ideas

Outline – Law and “Hong Lou Meng”
– Introduction to the Historical Context and the Novel
– Subject to audience present
– Unfamiliar audience – introduction to the dynastic cycle, explanation of the historical context of the Qing dynasty.
– Familiar audience – offer a more nuanced look at the Qing Dynasty, focus more on details of its failure than a broader historical context.
– Introduction of basic characters and connection to the major historical themes of the Qing Dynasty
– Themes include corruption, feudalism, weakening central government.
– Emphasizing what stories can tell us about history, life at a certain period, customs, etc.

Introduction to Chinese Law
– American audience: brief overview of American laws and ideas
– Explanation of common law, codified law, and uncodified law
– Explanation of Chinese law
– Brief overview of Tang Code, reformations under Qing dynasty
– Emphasis on explaining mediation, Chinese values under law (more emphasis on explanation if audience is American)
– China’s criminal law system during the Qing dynasty, codified and uncodified laws.

Hong Lou Meng’s Murder Trials and Codified Law
– Chapter 4 – Feng Yuan and the murder trial
– Details of the case.
– Explanation of court procedure.
– Verdict.
– Corruption, or Chinese values of filial piety?
– Chapter 103 – Murder trial after poisoning
– Details of the case.
– Explanation of court procedure.
– Verdict.
– Connection of two trials to Chinese customs.
– Extra emphasis and discussion on whether or not corruption was present in both cases.
– Connect to scholarly articles on topic, connecting to the historical events of the Qing dynasty and changes in Chinese law.

Uncodified Laws and Customs in Hong Lou Meng
– Explanation of the importance of concepts such as filial piety, hierarchies, etc. in controlling and shaping Chinese life.
– Comparison of the importance of codified law and uncodified law in governing daily life in the Qing dynasty – Examples from the novel of uncodified law governing daily life.
– Connect topics from the novel to historical understanding of law during the Qing dynasty.
– Connection to Chinese and American Law Today
– Summarize findings from Hong Lou Meng
– Connect understanding of the law during the Qing dynasty to Chinese law today
– Compare and contrast legal systems in America and China
– Wrap up.

Note:
– Outline heavily depends on the audience present. If it is an American audience, then there will be more emphasis on explaining Chinese law and connecting it to American law for reference. If there is a Chinese audience, then I will begin with Chinese law and compare it to American law only at the end.
– Historical context also depends on the audience present. If the audience is more knowledgable about China, then a broader overview will be condensed.
– In order to gauge audience interaction and understanding, I will use questions and landmark discussion topics to transition between topics. At the end, I will review my ideas and ask for questions.
– Keeping an engaging, easy-to-follow powerpoint is necessary to keep audience connected.
Video clips? Music? etc.

Reference Materials:
– Passages from Hong Lou Meng
– Chapter 4 – Murder Trial
– Chapter 103 – Chin-kuei’s death
– Scholarly Sources
– Xiaohuan Zhao, “Court Trials and Miscarriage of Justice in Dream of the Red Chamber”
– Valerie Hansen, “The Open Empire”

While several important themes are introduced and expanded upon in Chapters 9-29, I found the growing criticisms of feudalism and power to be the most interesting theme present in these Chapters.

In these chapters, the author provides countless examples of the greed and corruption that define the ruling classes. One of the most interesting ways the author presents this idea is with the character Xi-feng. Xi-feng quickly becomes one of the central characters in the novel, becoming the strongest power in the Jia clan. Although her strong command and personality allows her to run the household smoothly, she can be ruthless in these chapters. For example, Xi-feng strikes a deal with Euergesia, demanding three thousand taels of silver to fix the issues surrounding the affair between Mr. Li and and Jin-ge (141). Although she does not need this money, her greed and corruption prevails. When both people commit suicide, the Zhangs and Lis are brought to misery; however, the author notes that, “the only gainer was Xi-feng, who now had three housand taels of silver to sit back and enjoy at her leisure…emboldened by this taste of success, Xi-feng from now on undertook many more ventures of a similar nature” (144). In addition to misusing her power, Xi-feng is also presented as narcissistic. Others can bend her to their will if they shower her with compliments.

The author also critiques the feudal system in Chapter 18 when Yuan-chun returns to her familial home. During the festival of lanterns, the family goes out of their way to make the place extravagant. Yuan-chun is bothered by the unnecessary extravagance, and the author notes, “Looking at it from the depths of her palanquin she shook her head a little sadly and sighed: ‘Oh dear, this is all so extravagant” (173). The author also notes that Yuan-chun is often unable to visit her family, restricted by the feudal system.

One of the final examples of the corrupting influences of the feudal system is presented in Chapter 25. In this chapter, Jia Huan and his mother Aunt Zhao become a central focus. These characters, who are not direct members of the lineage, will do anything to gain power and wealth. In order to do so, however, they must dispose of Bao-yu; as a result, Jia Huan cruelly throws candle wax at Bao-yu, hoping to maim him. When this proves unsuccessful, Aunt Zhao plots to wound Bao-yu spiritually. This is yet another example of the corrupting influence of power and the inherent issues with the feudal system.

Interestingly, Bao-yu becomes an important juxtaposition to the corruption and power present in the feudal system. Although Bao-yu had always rejected some feudal traditions with his feminine tendencies and hatred of his father, Bao-yu begins rejecting feudal traditions more often throughout these chapters. Bao-yu begins to read Zhuangzi and is deeply affected by the idea that man must follow his own course in life. While many tease him for studying Daoist texts, Bao-yu begins questioning the power and corruption around him. Several examples of his rejection are present throughout these chapters, but I will only list a few here.

In Chapter 25, Bao-yu chooses to take blame for the candle incident. Instead of fiercely protecting his inheritance in the Xia family and blaming Jia Huan, he chooses to take the blame. He also rejects feudal traditions throughout Chapter 28, as is evidenced by the way he treats those lower than him. Instead of looking down upon others, he chooses to embrace and value them, running directly counter to feudal traditions. Finally, Dai-yu and Bao-yu’s relationship runs counter to feudal traditions. The book notes early on that Bao-yu and Bao-chai are meant to be, since her beauty and his personality are the perfect match; however, Bao-yu goes against this idea, expressing his love for Dai-yu several times throughout the later chapters. It will be interesting to see more examples of this in future chapters.

Here are some discussion questions I came up with after reading Chapters 9-29.

1. As I have mentioned, I’ve seen some examples of corruption with characters such as Xi-feng and Jia Huan. Where did you see examples of corruption these chapters, and what do you think the author is trying to say about the Qing dynasty?
2. In the later chapters, Bao-yu and Dai-yu have several instances of romantic tension. How do these interactions relate to larger themes in the book, and what do you think the author is trying to illustrate with this particular relationship?
3. Xi-feng has become a central character in the novel. What do you think about her personality, and how do you think she will shape the rest of the novel?
4. The maids and lower-class characters have become an increasingly present force in the novel. What do these different characters show about feudalism, and how would you describe their characterization? Are they merely pawns to keep the story moving, or are their more important reasons that they are included in the novel?

From Chapter 6, I had felt intrigued by the situation with Granny Liu. I was not sure what the author wanted us to think about Granny Liu. I applauded her for speaking up to her son-in-law for their financial situation, but then I felt ashamed for her when she had to seek the Rong Mansion for help. How do you think the author wants us to view Granny Liu?

Reading further, I looked more into Granny Liu’s character. I read that her story is associated with the saying 刘姥姥进大观园. This phrase translates to Granny Visits Grand Garden and refers to someone who is simple and amazed by luxuries. I think this is demeaning, but not entirely a bad thing considering the appreciation this type of person has towards nicer things.

In Chapter 7, we see Baoyu introduced to a new male character, Zhong. Baoyu reflects on the idea that the two boys have been separated due to their wealth differences.  Then he claims to hate the fact he was born into an affluent and noble family because he could have known Zhong earlier in life. How do you understand the contrast between Baoyu and Granny Liu’s response to wealth?

In Chapter 8 we see that Baochai and Baoyu have similar inscriptions in their jade and locket. How does this novel address the idea of fate? Meanwhile, Baoyu and Daiyu have strong chemistry between them as seen when Nanny Li tells Daiyu to stop pushing Baoyu to keep drinking. How does Baoyu’s relationship between the two girls compare?

The further we delve into The Story of the Stone the more characters we are introduced to. It feels as if not a moment passes without the mention of someone new– which we can be confident in knowing there will be some character development with each person. While confusing, this adds a great deal of value to The Story of the Stone in terms of cultural depth. Cultural traits need not be unrealistically compressed into few characters. With the introduction of a new character we are promised a new perspective of and an added layer to Chinese culture. There are plenty areas of authority and hierarchy that can be explored, but given our limited reading thus far, it may be best to focus on broader topics for the moment.

1. It is stated that Granny Liu is technically not a member of the family but that they were “adopted into the clan” when their grandfathers had been working together. In American culture, if communication is lost between family friends, often times familial-like ties are also lost. This does not necessarily seem to be the case here. At what point would these ties be cut in this relationship? What role does Granny Liu play in the familial hierarchy being that she is neither related to the family by blood or hold a similar economic status? Does she still have any authority or sway in matters?
2. This story focuses mainly on the women living in the garden, which may be assumed to be because the men are likely working. Is this a stylistic choice of our author to portray perhaps a lesser known cultural aspect of China? Or do you think this is because the author finds more importance lying with the women in familial hierarchy?
3. Bao-yu, Bao-chi, and Dai-yu are all obviously different. What significance do their foiling traits hold for the future of their authority within the family? Do you predict that one character will be favored in later years based upon their characteristics? Will any character be disregarded in terms of leadership for any particular reason?
4. What appears to be the most important factor when it comes to authority, thus far in the reading? Gender, age, education, economic status, character, or something else entirely?