Chapter 17 begins with a confirmation of Chin Chung’s tragic death. The ending of the previous chapter left the reader with a sense of hope that Pao-Yu’s best friend would return to us, but Cao Xuequin did not revive Chin Chung. Thus, Pao-Yu’s sadness and distress is shown to the reader in great detail. The author than beings to describe all the preparations taking place for the arrival of the imperial consort. Chin Cheng, Pao-Yu’s father has taken it upon himself to write poems describing the various scenery within the gardens of his home as is tradition. However, he states that he is quite mediocre in writing poem, and therefore has recruited Pao-Yu to do so. I found it strange that Mr. Cheng found himself unremarkable in the art of Poetry.
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Chin Cheng then finds Pao-Yu and demands that he writes poetic description of various scenery. Pao-Yu does not enjoy learning, However, he seems to be quite adept at Poetry. I devised that Mr. Cheng’s statement about his mediocrity was an excuse to test Pao-Yu’s ability in using Chinese Literature. A key characteristic between these two Chapters was Cao Xueqin’s wonderful descriptions of the landscape. I determined this ability as another sign of not only his excellent as an author, but another hint that he identifies with Pao-Yu and his progressiveness, rather than Cheng’s feudal tendencies. It is revealed that part of the reason that Mr. Cheng asked his son Pao-Yu to write so many descriptive poems to test Pao-Yu’s abilty. Pao-Yu too was well aware of his father’s intention. Though Pao-Yu dislikes his father, he clearly still desires to make his father love and appreciate him, as evident when Pao-Yu suggest a beautiful name for a hill. Chin Chung’s dying message to Pao-Yu asked Pao-Yu to break away from his family and make a name for himself, but Pao-Yu seems to be trying to do the opposite and finally gain his father’s
Chin Cheng then finds Pao-Yu and demands that he writes poetic description of various scenery. Pao-Yu does not enjoy learning, However, he seems to be quite adept at Poetry. I devised that Mr. Cheng’s statement about his mediocrity was an excuse to test Pao-Yu’s ability in using Chinese Literature. A key characteristic between these two Chapters was Cao Xueqin’s wonderful descriptions of the landscape. I determined this ability as another sign of not only his excellent as an author, but another hint that he identifies with Pao-Yu and his progressiveness, rather than Cheng’s feudal tendencies. It is revealed that part of the reason that Mr. Cheng asked his son Pao-Yu to write so many descriptive poems to test Pao-Yu’s abilty. Pao-Yu too was well aware of his father’s intention. Though Pao-Yu dislikes his father, he clearly still desires to make his father love and appreciate him, as evident when Pao-Yu suggest a beautiful name for a hill. Chin Chung’s dying message to Pao-Yu asked Pao-Yu to break away from his family and make a name for himself, but Pao-Yu seems to be trying to do the opposite and finally gain his father’s