Dream of the Red Chamber

The Dream of the Red Chamber is one of the "Four Great Classical Novels of Chinese Literature." It is renowned for its huge scope, large cast of characters and telling observations on the life and social structures of 18th century China and is considered by many to be the pinnacle of the classical Chinese novel.

The "Red Chamber" is an expression used to describe the sheltered area where the daughters of wealthy Chinese families lived. Believed to be based on the author's own life …