In the Shadows of Grandeur: Unearthing the “Little People” and Hidden Narratives in the Story of the Stone

On November 15th, 2023, CCTV of China launched an illuminating lecture series titled “Little People in the Story of the Stone,” featuring Prof. Tian Chongxue as the distinguished speaker, drawing insights from his book “A Close Examination of Peripheral Characters in the Story of the Stone.” With decades of dedicated scholarship devoted to the rich tapestry of this Chinese classic, Prof. Tian embarks on an exploration centered around 23 peripheral characters. Through this lens, he unveils the intricacies of the Story of the Stone, meticulously mapping the individual emotional odysseys and destinies of these “little people.” In doing so, he masterfully reconstructs the poetic ambiance, emotional depths, and spiritual nuances embedded within this timeless classic.

Fast forward to January 27, 2024, when Prof. Tian will grace the Renwen Society as the esteemed guest speaker. During this session, he will narrate the captivating stories of these peripheral characters and delve into their indispensable roles within the grand narrative of the Story of the Stone.

2023年11月15日，央视隆重推出百家讲坛“红楼小人物”系列讲座。《细品红楼小人物（增订版）》为该讲座一手讲稿结集。主讲人田崇雪教授融会数十年红学研究心得，厚积薄发，围绕23位边缘人物，以“小人物”视角观照红楼世界，映射个体情感经历及命运，娓娓道来，足见真章，旨在还《红楼梦》以诗之气质、情之内蕴、灵之感悟。全书对话感、亲和感显著，是一本另辟蹊径的红学佳作，可给读者带来沉浸式的阅读体验及审美享受。

“一僧一道”的人物形象设置蕴含着作者怎样的苦心？为什么说出场次数寥寥的冷子兴是全书的线索性人物？香菱之“憨”、平儿之“俏”、晴雯之“勇”、紫鹃之“慧”体现于哪些段落？从忠勇老兵到潦倒醉汉，焦大历经了怎样的荣枯炎凉？赵姨娘堪称“万人嫌”，背后的辛酸又有谁能看透？……世人都晓红楼好，此中真味若个知。红楼无闲笔、闲人，字里行间、一点一画，尽是世间百态。这是一堂文学课，更是一堂人生课。

华美人文学会特邀本书作者、百家讲坛主讲人田崇雪教授于美东时间2024年1月27日晚8时至9时半（北京时间1月28日早9点至10点半），带您细品《红楼梦》里的微尘众生。

China Institute’s cultural programs are made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.