癡人說夢記

''癡人說夢記'' by Sheng Lü is a novel written during the late 19th century. The story begins in a rural village in Hubei Province, China, centered around a character named 賈守拙, a simple and naive farmer living a mundane life. The narrative explores themes of dreams, reality, and the comical aspects of rural life as the protagonist encounters various characters and situations that reflect his limited understanding of the world around him. The opening of the novel introduces 賈守拙 waking from a peculiar dream that leads him to recount it to his wife, who dismisses it as foolishness. Shortly after, a relative named 稽老古 visits with the intention of discussing a village event, which seamlessly transitions into a conversation about local finances and customs. This sets the stage for humor and a critique of societal norms during a time of change in China, as 落上 compares the protagonist's simple existence with the broader complexities of life, including issues of money and status. The initial chapters effectively set a lighthearted tone punctuated with relatable struggles, making it an engaging read for those interested in humorous depictions of societal manners.