Selected Essays on Chinese Classic Novels
«Baochai Chasing Butterflies»： Mood and Thoughts
A fascinating analysis of the symbolism of butterflies and fans in classical Chinese culture, with lots of references to Chinese literature and poetry; and a profound reading of one very short, but profusely meaningful episode in A Dream of Red Mansions – the moment when Xue Baochai chases two huge butterflies in the beginning of Chapter 27 of the novel. Translated by me in English from the Chinese original for China Intercontinental Press’s magnificent edition of «Selected Essays on Chinese Classic Novels».
[pdf-embedder url=”https://petkohinov.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Baochai_Chasing_Butterflies_HLM.Ch_.27.pdf”]
