Reading 1001 discussion

Do you feel that Bao-Yu changed over the course of the novel and how much is his personality a reflection of those around him?

I felt that he hadn't really changed by the end of the story he was still acting like a child not sure which girl he really wanted and easily swayed. However he does appear to have attained enlightenment so he must have grown.

I think the fact that he is always surrounded by women really made him who he was and add to the jade into it he really was quite an asexual character.

I had problems with his character. At times he seemed quite young, perhaps even pre-teen, then there were episodes in which he seemed to be considerably older. And by the end of the book I assume he is in his late teens, but there is very little to reflect the transition during the years in his character. As the father of three young adults, I can tell you that there are wild character swings during this period.

John wrote: "I had problems with his character. At times he seemed quite young, perhaps even pre-teen, then there were episodes in which he seemed to be considerably older. And by the end of the book I assume h..."

I agree with John. His character was inconsistent in terms of maturity and growth.

His sudden enlightenment was a bit unpredictable, considering his lack of willpower until that point. Did the Stone remind him of his destiny, perhaps?