枕中記 by Jiji Shen

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About this eBook

Author Shen, Jiji, 740?-800?
Title 枕中記
Alternate Title Zhen Zhong Ji
Note Wikipedia page about this book: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_World_Inside_a_Pillow
Note Reading ease score: 58.6 (10th to 12th grade). Somewhat difficult to read.
Credits Produced by Kay Chiang
Summary "The World Inside a Pillow (Zhěn Zhōng Jì - 枕中記)" by Jì Jì Shěn is a philosophical novella written in the early 8th century during the Tang dynasty. This work offers a fantastical narrative exploring themes of ambition, fate, and the transient nature of life, reflecting the social and cultural dynamics of its time. It blends elements of both mythology and reality to comment on human desires and existential musings. The story follows Lü Weng, a Taoist who possesses the ability to enter dreams, where he encounters Lu Sheng, a young man dissatisfied with his life. Over the course of their conversation, Lu Sheng articulates his longing for a life of status and success, yearning to rise beyond his current limitations. Lü Weng offers him a magical pillow that allows Lu Sheng to experience his desires in an alternate reality. As the narrative unfolds, Lu Sheng achieves great wealth and power but is ultimately brought low by intrigue and betrayal. When faced with the consequences of his ambition, he contemplates his existence and the foolishness of chasing fleeting pleasures. The novella concludes with a stark reminder of the illusory nature of ambition and the importance of recognizing one’s true path in life. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
Language Chinese
LoC Class PL: Language and Literatures: Languages and literatures of Eastern Asia, Africa, Oceania
Subject Chinese fiction -- Tang dynasty, 618-907
Category Text
EBook-No. 52238
Release Date
Copyright Status Public domain in the USA.
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