Quick Answer: Who Is Xue Baochai?
Xue Baochai (薛宝钗, Xuē Bǎochāi) is a young woman of the Xue family in Dream of the Red Chamber (红楼梦, Hónglóu Mèng). Her gold lock (金锁, jīnsuǒ) is linked to the jade worn by Jia Baoyu (贾宝玉, Jiǎ Bǎoyù). She also writes poetry and takes part in discussions about how to run the garden.[1][2][4]
- Chapter 8 brings the two inscribed objects together.[1]
- Chapter 37 compares her poem with one by Lin Daiyu (林黛玉, Lín Dàiyù).[2]
- Zhang Li plays Baochai in the 1987 CCTV adaptation.[6]
The lock is one way the novel identifies her. Her own decisions come into focus in later scenes.
A lock has an inscription that others can interpret. A poem also gives the household something to judge. The novel makes both objects part of Baochai’s story, then gives her a voice in decisions that extend beyond either one.
What the Gold Lock Has to Do with the Jade
In Chapter 8, Baochai looks closely at the jade that Jia Baoyu wears. The words on her own gold lock are presented as a match for the jade’s inscription. The episode supplies a pair of objects through which characters can talk about the relationship.[1]
Baochai in the Poetry Society
At the Crabapple Poetry Society (海棠社, Hǎitáng Shè) in Chapter 37, several members write on the same flower. Li Wan distinguishes the originality she hears in Daiyu’s poem from the depth and restraint she values in Baochai’s. She gives Baochai’s poem precedence on those grounds. The scene allows both writers to receive praise for different qualities.[2]
What She Offers Daiyu and the Garden Workers
In Chapter 45, Lin Daiyu tells Baochai why she hesitates to ask the household for more help. Baochai offers to send bird’s nest from her own family’s supplies. The conversation lets both women speak about depending on relatives, even though their situations differ.[3]
In Chapter 56, Jia Tanchun helps reorganize the work of the garden. Baochai proposes a way for other workers to share in the benefits. She considers how to bring along the people who will have to keep the scheme working.[4]
The Register and the Screen Portrayal
Baochai shares the first leaf in the main register of the Twelve Beauties of Jinling with Daiyu. The golden hairpin in snow is one of the clues to her name.[5] CCTV credits Zhang Li as Baochai in Wang Fulin’s 1987 production.[6]
FAQs About Xue Baochai
What does Xue Baochai wear?
She wears a gold lock with an inscription linked to Baoyu’s jade.[1]
Who judges the poems in Chapter 37?
Li Wan judges the poems and favors Baochai’s restraint and depth.[2]
Which register contains Baochai?
She shares the first leaf of the main register with Lin Daiyu.[5]
Sources
[1] Dream of the Red Chamber. Chapter 8
[2] Dream of the Red Chamber. Chapter 37
[3] Dream of the Red Chamber. Chapter 45
[4] Dream of the Red Chamber. Chapter 56
[5] Dream of the Red Chamber. Chapter 5