Cao Xueqin ​

Cao Xueqin was a Qing Dynasty Chinese writer, best known as the author of Dream of the Red Chamber, one of the Four Great Classical Novels of Chinese literature. His work is considered the pinnacle of Chinese fiction and continues to have a profound influence on Chinese literature.

Quick Facts ​

• Wrote one of China's Four Great Classical Novels, 'Dream of the Red Chamber.'
• Not much is known about his life, and his authorship of 'Dream of the Red Chamber' has been debated over centuries.
• His magnum opus is often hailed as the pinnacle of Chinese literature.
• The novel has had profound influence on Chinese culture, comparable to the works of Shakespeare in English literature.
• Despite the debate around his authorship, he is generally accepted as the narrative voice and compiler of the first 80 chapters of the novel.

Background ​

Cao Xueqin was born into a wealthy family in Beijing, China, sometime around 1715-1724. His family was part of the elite scholarly and artistic circles of the Qing dynasty but fell into decline after his grandfather was implicated in a political scandal. This change in fortune deeply affected Cao and influenced his masterpiece work, Dream of the Red Chamber. Often regarded as the greatest novel in Chinese literature, the book vividly portrays the rise and fall of his own family and the wider Qing society, focusing particularly on the lives of the women in his family. Because of its unfinished state at the time of his death and its unorthodox narrative style, different versions of the work exist, sparking millennia-long debates among scholars.

Writing Style and Impact ​

Cao Xueqin's writing style is noted for its intricacy and beauty, with a heavy use of symbolism and allusion. His work is considered one of the masterpieces of Chinese literature. Cao's work is vital in understanding the Chinese society, culture and values during the Qing dynasty. His detailed and evocative descriptions of characters and their relationships have given him a lasting influence and have been compared to Proust’s work in their psychological depth.

Notable Works ​

• Dream of the Red Chamber (also known as The Story of the Stone) (1791-1792)