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Tsing Hua Journal of Chinese Studies
ISSN 0577-9170; DOI 10.6503/THJCS

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The Metaphorical Dimensions of Symbolic Prices and Real-World Values in Hong Lou Meng

Vol. 41 No. 4   06/2011    

Title

The Metaphorical Dimensions of Symbolic Prices and Real-World Values in Hong Lou Meng 

Author

Tristan Gerard Brown  

Genre

Article  

Pages

795-812

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PDF

Language

English  

Key words

Hong Lou Meng 紅樓夢, Cao Xueqin 曹雪芹, Taels, Qing Economy

Abstract

      This article explores the historical and metaphorical implications of Hong Lou Meng's economic dimensions. First, for historical context, we provide a background of the 18th century Qing economy. Then, we examine the prices which appear in the book in light of Hongxue scholarship, especially comparing those in the first eighty chapters with those in the last forty chapters. Finally, we consider the symbolic and metaphorical aspects of literary price inflation in the novel.

 

 

Author: Tristan Gerard Brown
Genre: Article
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