Story Summary
Discover the timeless Chinese legend of The Peony Pavilion, where Du Liniang’s dream of love transcends the grave and leads to a miraculous resurrection.
Du Liniang, the sheltered daughter of a high-ranking official, takes a rare walk in her family’s forbidden garden and falls into a deep slumber. In a vivid dream, she meets a handsome scholar named Liu Mengmei beneath a peony pavilion, where they share a moment of profound love. Upon waking, Liniang is consumed by longing for the man she met in her dream. Unable to find him in the physical world, she withers away and dies of a broken heart, but not before painting a self-portrait and burying it under a rock. Three years later, the real Liu Mengmei happens to stay at the same estate. He discovers the portrait and falls in love with the image. Liniang’s ghost appears to him, revealing that their dream was a shared destiny. Moved by his devotion, she is granted a return to the living world by the Judge of the Underworld. Despite her father’s initial refusal to believe in her resurrection, the couple’s love eventually receives imperial recognition, proving that true passion can bridge the gap between life and death.
The Moral
True love is a transcendental force that possesses the power to overcome the limitations of the physical world, societal constraints, and even the finality of death.
“Love once begun, has no end. The living can die for it, and the dead can be brought back to life.”
Fun Fact
The original Kunqu opera performance of this story is famously long, traditionally taking over 20 hours and spanning 55 separate scenes to perform in its entirety.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of The Peony Pavilion?
The story teaches that authentic passion and love are powerful enough to defy social conventions and the laws of nature. It emphasizes that the human spirit's desires can bridge the gap between dreams and reality.
Who is the author of The Peony Pavilion?
It was written by the famous Ming Dynasty playwright Tang Xianzu in 1598. He is often referred to as the 'Shakespeare of the East' because of his profound literary and dramatic contributions.
Is The Peony Pavilion a tragedy or a romance?
While it contains tragic elements like the protagonist's death from grief, it is ultimately a romance with a happy ending. Du Liniang is successfully resurrected, and the lovers are officially united.
What is the significance of the garden setting?
The garden represents a space of freedom and natural beauty away from the strict Confucian household. It is the only place where Du Liniang can explore her true feelings and meet her lover.
How does Du Liniang return to life?
After dying, her spirit remains near her portrait until Liu Mengmei finds it and calls to her. Moved by their intense devotion, the Judge of the Underworld allows her soul to return to her body.
What does the peony symbolize in the story?
The peony symbolizes feminine beauty, romance, and the fleeting nature of youth. It also serves as the physical landmark for the couple's fateful meeting in their dreams.