An Investigation on the Meanings of Xue Pan’s Role in The Dream of the Red Chamber
Resource
臺大中文學報, 28, 139-176
Journal
臺大中文學報
Journal Issue
28
Pages
139-176
Date Issued
2008-06
Date
2008-06
Author(s)
Li, T.X.
Abstract
In the studies of The Dream of the Red Chamber, Xue Pan has rarely been noticed. Some critics regard him as a playboy, blaming his misbehaviors and neglecting his unique characteristics, whereas others see him as a clown. Both views ignore the author's great intention behind this character. This paper suggests that as in the case of Jia Bao-yu, Cao Xue-qin also portrays Xue Pan in line with his idea of “naturalness” (shuaizhen). Accordingly the two characters occupy a similar place in the vision of the novel. However, in their attitudes toward affection and desire, Xue and Jia are very different. Cao depicts this difference by invoking the contrast between yang (embodied in Xue) and yin (embodied in Jia), thus presenting an implicit reversal of the traditional qi-based doctrine of human nature which praises yang over yin. Apart from serving as a contrast to other playboys in the novel, Xue Pan also stands in sharp contrast to Xue Bao-chai: while the former is marked by his genuineness toward other people and his warn temperament, the latter is noted for her conformism and cool temperament. Finally, Xue Pan's enlightening experience in the realm of affections (qingwu) offers great illuminations on the unfolding processes of Jia Bao-yu's similar enlightenment. This suggests that Xue indeed assumes a highly significant role in The Dream of the Red Chamber.
Subjects
紅樓夢
薛蟠
賈寶玉
薛寶釵
陰陽
The dream of the red chamber
Xue Pan
Jia Bao-yu
Xue Bao-chai
Yin-yang
Type
journal article
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