Quick Answer: Who Is Xiren?
Xiren (袭人, Xírén) is an attendant to Jia Baoyu (贾宝玉, Jiǎ Bǎoyù) in Dream of the Red Chamber (红楼梦, Hónglóu Mèng). She previously serves Grandmother Jia. Baoyu gives her the name by which she is best known.[1]
- Her earlier name is Zhenzhu (珍珠, Zhēnzhū).[1]
- She advises Baoyu directly and also speaks privately with his mother, Lady Wang (王夫人, Wáng Fūrén).[2][3]
- Lady Wang makes a separate allowance for her in Chapter 36.[4]
Her place in the household comes from both the service she performs and the people who trust her.
A conversation about whether Xiren might leave becomes a chance for her to tell Baoyu what she expects from him. Later, a conversation with his mother changes her monthly allowance. Neither scene can be understood through Baoyu alone.
How She Gets the Name Xiren
Chapter 3 explains that Grandmother Jia assigns Xiren to Jia Baoyu. He takes her family name Hua, meaning flower, and a line about the effect of flower fragrance as the basis for the new name. The name records something about the way he reads poetry as well as the work she does in his rooms.[1]
What She Can Ask of Baoyu
In Chapter 19, Xiren raises the possibility of leaving and uses the conversation to ask Baoyu to change several habits. One request concerns the way he presents himself and his studies to his father. The exchange shows an attendant trying to influence conduct she has to deal with every day.[2]
Lady Wang’s Private Arrangement
After Baoyu is beaten, Xiren tends to him and speaks to Lady Wang about his situation. In Chapter 36, Lady Wang directs that Xiren receive an allowance from her own funds. The arrangement changes how Xiren is treated while leaving the public announcement for another time.[3][4] The novel gives Qingwen, another attendant in the same rooms, a different path through the household.
Xiren in the Register and on Screen
The page conventionally associated with Xiren appears in the second supplementary register alongside the group of books discussed in the guide to the Twelve Beauties of Jinling. Flower and mat imagery supply clues to her name.[5] CCTV’s cast list credits Yuan Mei with playing Xiren in its 1987 adaptation.[6]
FAQs About Xiren
What was Xiren’s earlier name?
Chapter 3 gives her earlier name as Zhenzhu and her family name as Hua.[1]
Who assigns Xiren to Baoyu?
Grandmother Jia assigns her to his service.[1]
Which chapter describes the allowance?
Chapter 36 describes Lady Wang’s arrangement.[4]
Sources
[1] Dream of the Red Chamber. Chapter 3, Chengjia edition
[2] Dream of the Red Chamber. Chapter 19
[3] Dream of the Red Chamber. Chapter 34
[4] Dream of the Red Chamber. Chapter 36
[5] Dream of the Red Chamber. Chapter 5