Story of the Stone Vol. 1

, by Cao Xueqin (Author); Hawkes, David (Translator); Hawkes, David (Introduction by)

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ISBN: 9780140442939 | 0140442936
Cover: Paperback
Copyright: 3/1/1974

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The Story of the Stone (c.1760) is one of the greatest novels of Chinese literature. The first part of the story, The Golden Days, begins the tale of Bao-yu, a gentle young boy who prefers girls to Confucian studies, and his two cousins: Bao-chai, his parents' choice of a wife for him, and the ethereal beauty Dai-yu. Through the changing fortunes of the Jia family, this rich, magical work sets worldly events - love affairs, sibling rivalries, political intrigues, even murder - within the context of the Buddhist understanding that earthly existence is an illusion and karma determines the shape of our lives.

Note on Spelling

(4)

Introduction

(32)

Zhen Shi-yin makes the Stone's acquaintance in a dream; and Jia Yu-cun finds that poverty is not incompatible with romantic feelings

(20)

A daughter of the Jias ends her days in Yangchow city; and Leng Zi-xing discourses on the Jias of Rong-guo House

(17)

Lin Ru-hai recommends a private tutor to his brother-in-law; and old Lady Jia extends a compassionate welcome to the motherless child

(24)

The Bottle-gourd girl meets an unfortunate young man; and the Bottle-gourd monk settles a protracted lawsuit

108

(16)

Jia Bao-yu visits the Land of Illusion; and the fairy Disenchantment performs the `Dream of Golden Days'

124

(25)

Jia Bao-yu conducts his first experiment in the Art of Love; and Grannie Liu makes her first entry into the Rong-guo mansion

149

(18)

Zhou Rui's wife delivers palace flowers and finds Jia Lian pursuing night sports by day; Jia Bao-yu visits the Ning-guo mansion and has an agreeable colloquy with Qin-shi's brother

167

(18)

Jia Bao-yu is allowed to see the strangely corresponding golden locket; and Xue Bao-chai has a predestined encounter with the Magic Jade

185

(17)

A son is admonished and Li Gui receives an alarming warning; a pupil is abused and Tealeaf throws the classroom in an uproar

202

(15)

Widow Jin's self-interest gets the better of her righteous indignation; and Doctor Zhang's diagnosis reveals the origin of a puzzling disease

217

(12)

Ning-guo House celebrates the birthday of an absent member; and Jia Rui conceives an illicit passion for his attractive cousin

229

(14)

Wang Xi-feng sets a trap for her admirer; and Jia Rui looks into the wrong side of the mirror

243

(12)

Qin-shi posthumously acquires the status of a Noble Dame; and Xi-feng takes on the management of a neighbouring establishment

255

(16)

Lin Ru-hai is conveyed to his last resting-place in Soochow; and Jia Bao-yu is presented to the Prince of Bei-jing at a roadside halt

271

(17)

At Water-moon Priory Xi-feng finds how much profit may be procured by the abuse of power; and Qin Zhong discovers the pleasures that are to be had under the cover of darkness

288

(14)

Jia Yuan-chun is selected for glorious promotion to the Imperial Bedchamber; and Qin Zhong is summoned for premature departure on the Journey into Night

302

(22)

The inspection of the new garden becomes a test of talent; and Rong-guo House makes itself ready for an important visitor

324

(29)

A brief family reunion is permitted by the magnanimity of a gracious Emperor; and an Imperial Concubine takes pleasure in the literary progress of a younger brother

353

(22)

A very earnest young woman offers counsel by night; and a very endearing one is found to be a source of fragrance by day

375

(25)

Wang Xi-feng castigates a jealous attitude with some forthright speaking; and Lin Dai-yu makes a not unattractive speech impediment the subject of a jest

400

(14)

Righteous Aroma discovers how to rebuke her master by saying nothing; and artful Patience is able to rescue hers by being somewhat less than truthful

414

(17)

Bao-yu finds Zen enlightenment in an operatic aria; and Jia Zheng sees portents of doom in lantern riddles

431

(21)

Words from the `Western Chamber' supply a joke that offends; and songs from the `Soul's Return' move a tender heart to anguish

452

(16)

The Drunken Diamond shows nobility of character in handling his money; and the Quiet-voiced Girl provides material for fantasy by losing her handkerchief

468

(20)

Two cousins are subjected by witchcraft to the assaults of demons; and the Magic Jade meets an old acquaintance while rather the worse for wear

488

(19)

A conversation on Wasp Waist Bridge is a cover for communication of a different kind; and a soliloquy overheard in the Naiad's House reveals unsuspected depths of feeling

507

(20)

Appendix

527

(8)

Characters in Volume I

535

(6)

Genealogical Tables

541