The Dream of the Red Chamber is one of the classics of Chinese literature and is considered by some to be an eminent example of classical Chinese writing. Written in the mid-18th century, it constitutes one of the last great paintings of China before the influence of the West. Its central story is that of the boy, Jia Baoyu, growing up in feudal China. He lives a privileged life – the Jia family is not poor at all – and is looked after by maids as he spends his days with his cousins ​​and friends. Throughout the novel, however, there is a thread of rebellion on Baoyu's part. He despises many of the social norms of his culture and his parents by accepting taboo topics and rejecting what is expected of him. Baoyu even attempts to fight his fate throughout the narrative; postponing the inevitable and living a life not predestined for him. Yet all his rebellions ultimately prove futile; Baoyu is ultimately forced to play the role he was assigned and live with the resulting tragedy. Baoyu is introduced to both readers and Black Jade, one of Baoyu's cousins, through Madame Wang. He describes it as “a good deal with the girls and the waitresses. He behaves reasonably well if left alone but, if any of the girls encourage him in the slightest, he becomes quite impossible and may say all sorts of wild things” (Cao 32). Baoyu's rejection of norms can already be seen. He does not participate in the homosociality that is usually expected of him, instead spending a lot of time with members of the opposite sex: girls and maids. Furthermore, her assessment that he says "all sorts of crazy things" implies that he is unorthodox in his behavior and opinions. He doesn't abide by the norms of culture and wants to have his own voice in society... in the middle of paper... in his own way; Lotus died in childbirth within a year of her marriage. (329)Characters like Baoyu can try to fight fate, but fate cannot be defeated. Tragedy strikes those who would hinder it. After all, “for that which follows the way of Heaven prospers, and that which goes against it perishes” (290). Works Cited Cao Xueqin. Dream of the Red Room. Trans. Chi-Chen Wang. New York: Twayne, 1958. Print.Wakeman, Frederic, Jr. “The Genius of the Red Room by Frederic Wakeman Jr.” The Genie in the Red Room by Frederic Wakeman Jr. The New York Book Review, June 12, 1980. Web. May 11, 2014. HB Staff. "The Twelve Beauties of Jinling - Xue Baochai." CulturaInCart. October 25, 2013. Web. May 11 2014. .