DREAM OF RED MANSIONS Al this exposes the corrupt and reactionary nature of the au- perstructure in the last period of Chinese feudal society Chapter Four of this book not only sums up the main con- tent but also the artistic composition. The author has con- structed the plot according to the requirements of the theme expressing political struggle. The prosperity and decline of the four big families, especially the Chias, form the main thread running through wholc novel. Around this unfold three sets of closely interconnected contradictions: those between th feudal ruling class and the ruled, those between feudal orthodoxy and the rebels, and those within the ruling clas itself. The complex development of these three sets of contradictions throughout the story results finally in the utter bankruptcy of the Chia family. Thus the whole vast, complex artistic struc- ture of the novel is most carefully integrated, fully projecting the theme of political struggle The novel not only has a profound ideological content aad progressive political tendency but an art form so brilliant integrated with these that readers are fascinated and moved by it. With superb artistry the author presents a panoramic genre-painting a whole gallery of highly individual yet typical characters. Through detailed descriptions of their daily life be succeeds in depicting their different idiosyncrasies, thoughts and feeling. In the use of dialogue too be whow ot nding skill, putting such dixioctive speech into each chacacter's mouth chat the reader feds as if he can see and hear the speaker. Thus Lu Hsun observed:"The appearance of this novel marked a break with traditional ideas and methods of writing." The novel's political theme revealing class struggle and its toling indictment of the feudal roling class and feudal system as well as iu mode of artistic expressio, did indeed break with earlier traditions, burning over a acw page in classical Chinese literture Chairman Mao has pointed out: To study the develop- meat of this old culture, to re ite feudal drow md 1Ln HaB, "The Htotioal Deveopment of Chinee Fiaion, "Coleen Wo Chinese edition, vo L