ArticleOpen Access http://dx.doi.org/10.26855/jhass.2024.02.004
Portraying Class and Power: Master-servant Relationships in A Dream in Red Mansions and Downton Abbey
Yan Zhou
Tianjin University, Tianjin, China.
*Corresponding author: Yan Zhou
Published: March 26, 2024
Abstract
This paper analyzes master-servant relationships in Chinese and British cultures using the examples of the Chinese novel A Dream in Red Mansions and the English series Downton Abbey. A Dream in Red Mansions offers insights into 18th-century Chinese life and culture, sparking ongoing scholarly interest. Through an exploration of master-servant relationships in the novel, this study uncovers the reasons and cultural characteristics of ancient China. Examining specific relationships as illustrations, the analysis unveils inequality and progressive elements of that era. Downton Abbey captures the evolution of British aristocratic life in the early 20th century, influenced by both Victorian and 19th-century customs. The paper dissects Victorian morals' societal influence and highlights distinctive master-servant dynamics, revealing shifts in servant lifestyles. Societal changes brought about by the Industrial Revolution provided servants with more opportunities to change their fates. Despite cultural disparities, significant similarities arise, highlighting historical inevitabilities. Acknowledging differences, this comparison underscores the impact of unique social structures and historical contexts on servant relationships.
Keyword
Master-Servant Relationships, A Dream in Red Mansions, Downton Abbey, Cross-Cultural Analysis, Aristocratic Society
References
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Copyright
© 2024 by the author(s).
This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives (CC BY-NC-ND) license, which permits non-commercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited and is not modified or adapted.
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How to cite this paper
Portraying Class and Power: Master-servant Relationships in A Dream in Red Mansions and Downton Abbey
How to cite this paper: Yan Zhou. (2024) Portraying Class and Power: Master-servant Relationships in A Dream in Red Mansions and Downton Abbey. Journal of Humanities, Arts and Social Science, 8(2), 316-321.
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.26855/jhass.2024.02.004