In the timeless masterpiece "Dream of the Red Chamber", the character of Xue Baochai has captivated countless readers with her unique personality and fate. Among them, her act of taking Cold Fragrant Pill is particularly thought-provoking, as it contains rich metaphorical meanings reflecting the author's profound insights into humanity and society.

I. Symbolic Meaning of Cold Fragrant Pill

Cold Fragrant Pill is a type of medicine that Xue Baochai takes regularly. Its preparation process is cumbersome and requires the collection of flowers from the four seasons, along with various precious herbs. This medicine has the effect of suppressing internal heat and toxins, keeping Xue Baochai calm and dignified. Here, Cold Fragrant Pill symbolizes society's expectations and norms for women, requiring them to suppress their desires and pursue a transcendental realm.

II. Metaphor of Suppressing Desires

Xue Baochai's act of taking Cold Fragrant Pill can be interpreted as suppressing her inner desires. In the feudal society, women were expected to follow strict moral norms and were not allowed to freely express their emotions and desires. By taking Cold Fragrant Pill, Xue Baochai repressed her true feelings to meet society's expectations. This self-sacrifice and endurance also reflect the unfair treatment of women in that era.

III. Pursuit Implications

Furthermore, Xue Baochai's act of taking Cold Fragrant Pill also contains a sense of pursuit. Although the preparation of Cold Fragrant Pill is complicated, it represents Xue Baochai's pursuit of perfection. She hopes to become a perfect woman who meets society's expectations through taking the pill. This pursuit is not only reflected in her speech and behavior but also in her maintenance of family honor and status.

IV. Conclusion

Overall, Xue Baochai's act of taking Cold Fragrant Pill contains rich metaphorical meanings. It reflects not only society's expectations and norms for women but also reveals the difficulties and pressures faced by women in their pursuit of perfection. By deeply analyzing the meanings behind this act, we can better understand the characters and themes of "Dream of the Red Chamber" while also provoking thoughts on gender roles and values in real society.

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