Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
A classic Chinese novel written by Cao Xueqin during the Qing Dynasty. It tells the story of a wealthy family and explores themes of love, wealth, and societal expectations.
儒林外史 (Rúlín Wàishǐ) - The Scholars: Another classic Chinese novel written by Wu Jingzi that satirizes the Confucian scholars and exposes their hypocrisy.
三国演义 (Sānguó Yǎnyì) - Romance of the Three Kingdoms: A historical novel written by Luo Guanzhong that depicts the power struggles among warlords during the Three Kingdoms period in ancient China.
西游记 (Xīyóujì) - Journey to the West: An epic novel attributed to Wu Cheng'en that follows the adventures of Monkey King and his companions as they travel to India to obtain Buddhist scriptures.
"红楼梦 (Hónglóumèng) - Dream of the Red Chamber" also found in: