The Myth of the Stone 20th Anniversary Edition: A Literary Landmark Reaches a Milestone

Two decades have passed since the publication of the 20th Anniversary Edition of The Myth of the Stone, a seminal work of Chinese literature that has captivated readers worldwide. This beloved classic, also known as The Dream of the Red Chamber, has left an indelible mark on Chinese culture and continues to inspire literary scholars, historians, and artists alike.

The Myth of the Stone is a sprawling epic novel that follows the fortunes of the Jia family, a wealthy and powerful clan living in 18th-century Beijing. The novel is renowned for its intricate plot, its vivid and complex characters, and its insightful exploration of human nature. The 20th Anniversary Edition, published in 2003, features a revised and updated translation by David Hawkes and John Minford, making it more accessible to contemporary readers.

Myth of the Stone: 20th Anniversary Edition

by Li Sui Gwee

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	51432 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	358 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

A Cast of Unforgettable Characters

One of the most striking features of The Myth of the Stone is its cast of unforgettable characters. The novel introduces us to a wide range of individuals, from the aristocratic Jia family to their servants and concubines. Each character is vividly drawn, with their own unique motivations, flaws, and aspirations.

The central protagonist is Jia Baoyu, a young man who is both brilliant and unconventional. Baoyu rejects the traditional Confucian values of his family and instead pursues his own interests in poetry, music, and the arts. He falls in love with his cousin, Lin Daiyu, a beautiful and fragile young woman who is destined to die tragically.

Other notable characters include Jia Yuanchun, Baoyu's ambitious and scheming sister who becomes an imperial concubine; Wang Xifeng, the ruthless and manipulative matriarch of the family; and Jia Yingchun, the gentle and resigned second daughter who is forced into a loveless marriage.

Themes of Love, Loss, and Mortality

The Myth of the Stone is a deeply moving novel that explores universal themes of love, loss, and mortality. The novel's central love story between Baoyu and Daiyu is both passionate and tragic, and it provides a poignant commentary on the impermanence of life. The novel also explores the themes of family, duty, and the search for meaning in a chaotic world.

The novel is also known for its rich symbolism and its use of Buddhist and Taoist ideas. The stone in the title of the novel is a symbol of the human soul, and the novel's characters are constantly striving to find their place in the vast and mysterious universe.

Myth of the Stone: 20th Anniversary Edition

by Li Sui Gwee

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	51432 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	358 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE