Story of the Stone

1407 Words3 Pages

Cao Xueqin’s Story of the Stone is a classic in Chinese literature, showcasing the life and exploits of the wealthy Jia clan during the feudal era. Through Cao’s depiction, the reader is afforded a glimpse into the customs and lifestyle of the time. Chinese mode of thought is depicted as it occurred in daily life, with the coexisting beliefs of Confucianism and Taoism. While the positive aspects of both ideologies are presented, Cao ultimately depicts Taoism as the paramount, essential system of belief that guides the character Bao-yu to his eventual enlightenment. As was the case in China, Cao depicts the two forms of belief existing alongside one another, and not necessarily practiced exclusively to one another. Confucianism involves the concern for worldly affairs and order within a rigid social hierarchy, with importance placed on filial piety and family relations. Daoism is a way of thought that encompasses ideas of transcendental worlds of spirit through observation of simplicity, a comprehension of natural law and order, and a desire to lead with compassion, rather than force. These beliefs are all presented early in Story of the Stone. In the beginning, it is a Buddhist monk and a Taoist who discover the stone. Though he initially considers ignoring the stone because of its perceived loose moral values and questionable content, the Taoist Vanitas is soon convinced of the worth of the story by the stone’s insistence that others may learn from the message, and thus avoid the same pitfalls that befell so many in the Jia clan. “My only wish is that men in the world below may sometimes pick up this tale… and in doing so find not only mental refreshment but even perhaps, if they will heed its lesson and abandon the... ... middle of paper ... ...function well in society. Again, personal betterment is presented. In the end, Bao-yu does experience a transformation. After another experience in the Land of Illusion, Bao-yu is changed, and decides to rehabilitate the house’s reputation. He succeeds in this effort, and leaves thereafter to become a monk. With this revelation, the effect of Taoism on Bao-yu’s character is obvious. The Story of the Stone is one of spiritual awakening, not of success through filiality. Though Bao-yu realizes his efforts by completing traditionally Confucian tasks, he does so only after a compelling spiritual experience in the Land of Illusion. Throughout his life, Bao-yu was forced to remove himself from the trappings of the failing material world he was born into, and only through transcendence of these factors was he finally able to restore honor to the house of Jia.

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