Comparison of Narrative Styles and Historical background’s effect on characters between the “The Dream of the Red Chambers” and “La Nouvelle Heloise”

Abstract

The characteristics between Western and non-Western literary works and pieces have long been the subject of debate and comparison in the scholarly field. The differences and similarities between the works of art are examined and scrutinized in great depth and length. History has a high responsibility as a major influence and factor in shaping different literary works. This article is purposed to discuss and compare the narrative styles and characterization of plots and characters in the renowned Western work “La Nouvelle Heloise” by Jean-Jacques Rousseau and the non-Western work “The Dream of Red Chambers” by Xueqin Cao, based on the historical context and background in which these two works are situated. Both works are significantly noted to be celebrated and appreciated literary works in their own cultures. The aesthetics of the plot and the formation of concrete characters help make them notable pieces in history. These elements add up to present a unique and distinctive narrative style and description of plots between the two works. The following article aims to conduct a comparative analysis of the similarities and differences between “La Nouvelle Heloise” and “The Dream of Red Chambers” in terms of narrative styles and the historical background’s effect on characterization.