East Asian Languages & Lits 282 - Colloquium: Topics in East Asian Languages and Literatures-Honglou meng--The Dream of the Red Chamber

This course focuses on exploring and comprehending human nature through The Dream of the Red Chamber, a well-known Chinese novel also known as The Story of the Stone. It delves into the various themes and issues presented in the book, including fate and human will, art, gender, philosophy, religion, love, social class and politics, by examining the lives of thirteen protagonists, including Baoyu and the Twelve Beauties. Since the novel encompasses characters from different classes and professions, the course also explores how their lives intersect with each other and with the thirteen protagonists. All readings are in English translation. Enrollment limited to 20.