China's 4 Classic Novels Explained | Learn Chinese Now

We check out China's four classic novels: Outlaws of the Marsh, Romance of the Three Kingdoms, Journey to the West and Dream of the Red Chamber. See below for more info and links...
Story of Wu Song
Other Stories From Chinese Literature (Shen Yun Website)
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[pathroberts]

I just want to tell you guys who happen to read this comment that Dream of the Red Chamber(红楼梦) deserves its dignity and respect far more than the reality show. The information implicated, or explicated in this novel is way beyond the reach of all time(sorry to say this), information that is philosophical or experiential, forward or traditional, and it won’t die down so long as there are Honglouholics(people who adore and are readily learn from this book). In addition, this book’s literary value is immense, it is atop nearly all the other contemporaneous books, and crowns it’s position in Chinese classical novels. There are so much more to talk about, but I should stop here, for I myself still learn from this novel.( The other novels are worthwhile to read as well.)

[Caramuel]

Journey to the West isn't just some kind of wuxia crap novel. It is about alchemy of the human body and soul, and is really wonderfully written from the beginning to the end. It has a very non-spoiling adaptation that anyone can watch before reading the book: "Xi You" by Ming-Liang Tsai (2014). Or a classic opera from Qing dynasty- it is definitely the most acrobatic one and no one sings there.

[KingPhoey]

Old vid but awesome content. Currently learning about print and book culture for a class and these books were mentioned but I had no idea what they were about.

[lawrenceever]

As a Chinese and having read all of these novels, I’d like to say Dream of the Red Mansions is definitely the greatest and most brilliant one of them all! ❤

[lyhthegreat]

water margin is so underrated and little known compared to the three kingdoms...it deserves more recognition tbh...

[tiamatxvxianash]

Thank You for your brief overview of the Chinese Classics. I've just finished reading Dream of Red Chamber. I wasn't disappointed and I feel is stands in a league of it's own along with some of those classics from the West. Next for me is Water Margin. Thank You.

[Gardiaura]

Good video, I ve a question what about Investiture of God 封神演義, Fēngshén yǎnyì ? I know it is not one of the four great classical novels in China but it deserves to be under the spotlights. I think is so sad that this title is not mentioned on youtube for Chinese literature (or it is rare). It is beautiful and well-known in China with its live adaptations. It was created during Ming dynasty (same period as journey to the west with sun wunkong). : (

[bowmanc.]

The point of don't cross with over 3 bowls of wine is that you will get lost after 3 bowls of wine and stray in to the hunting ground of beasts, Wu song did not follow the safe path.

[EqualsB]

why did the original author of 后冷梦 stop writing after 80 chapters.
Did he die before finishing it?
it would be interesting to see if he didn't die unexpectedly and see the original ending.

[prometheansujith]

I saw the movie ' journey to the west' it was breath-taking, later i read the novels it is my best, the most intriguing story, rest three were just ok.

[dr.gaosclassroom]

Such wonderful video. Thank you for sharing this!!

[michaeltheboombringer]

名 for 'famous' is very similar to the English (originally French) 'renowned'. That's an interesting coincidence.

[mandarinandbeyond]

Hi Ben, Thanks so much for the easy explanation on the hard topic. I wonder if there is any other source you could share in explaining the "四大名著“ a little more detailed and deeper.
I also wonder if you also plan to make another episode about the four classic folks stories. Would be great!
Can I also suggest to talk about the Chinese "super heroes", like Hua Mulan, Yuefei, Baozheng, Simaqian, Zhugeliang Huangfeihong, ... so many... Or "super great emperors" ... "super bad emperors"... just a thought.
Many people enjoy watching and learning from your programs. Great work!

[Colddirector]

Shen Yun was actually performing in my city in February, I missed it and I've been kicking myself over it ever since.

Also wasn't Dragon Ball also based on journey to the west?

[NIDELLANEUM]

5:00 I am about to study this novel. I wonder if picturing Kim Kardashian in it will improve it or ruin it to me

[jasonfenderson]

I must admit, I felt a bit disappointed you didn't mention the Suikoden games when you talked about the Water Margin.

[TinTeddyVideos]

I am so glad I found your channel. Wonderful stuff. Thank you very much.

[SaberisloveSaberislife]

I bought 3 of 4 of the classic novels a year or 2 ago. Only got through Romance of the Three Kingdoms so far since I'm very busy. Couldn't find a decent copy of Dream of the Red Chamber yet.

[youkjin]

Forgot to mention Journey to the West is what Dragon Ball Z is based on ;)

[beibei]

wow, I only know you as British Ben. This is pretty refreshing.