An Exploration of Garden Art in “A Dream of Red Mansions”

Abstract

The garden in “A Dream of Red Mansions” represents a blend of Northern and Southern private gardens, the imperial garden (House of Reunion), and folk culture (Paddy-Sweet Cottage). It embodies the maturity of Chinese garden artistry. This paper examines the classical gardening techniques employed in the garden architecture of “A Dream of Red Mansions,” focusing on five aspects: borrowed view, opposite view, framed view, obstructed view, and highlighted view. It explores how the changes in the garden reflect the transformations of the Jia family and the fortunes of its characters. By connecting specific scenes with the characters, it explores the significance of garden names, plant arrangements, and overall layout, analyzing how these elements reflect the personalities and destinies of the garden’s inhabitants. From the character of the garden to the characters within it, the evolution of the garden mirrors the lives of its inhabitants, reflecting their personal histories, emotional journeys, and the eventual rise and fall of their fortunes.