Hung Lou Meng

The novel is one of China’s four great novels. It originates from the 18th century during the Qing dynasty and considered a masterpiece in Chinese literature. It is also considered the pinnacle of Chinese fiction. The novel was started by one author and decades later more chapters were added. It is a partially autobiographical and adheres to the rise and fall off the Qing dynasty. The novels intent was to be a woman’s memorial that the author knew in his youth. Characters included friends, relatives and also servants. It is renowned for its massive amount of characters and an intense psychological angel. It is also known for its detail regarding life and the social structure of ancient china.

The author was an expert in Chinese poetry and classical Chinese.  The book offers an insight into Chinese culture of the 18th century that is unmatched and unrivaled. It is a detailed, period record of the branches of the rich, aristocratic Jia clan, Rongguo House and Ningguo House. They reside in two large houses that are in the capital. Their relatives were bestowed the title of Dukes and gained imperial titles, also the novel starts with the two houses are among the most illustrious families in the city.