Chinese Tea & Literature Talk - on Dreams and Labyrinths

On the themes of dreams and labyrinths, from Chinese to Western literature. A cross-cultural discussion around tea. No prerequisites. Ideal for anyone interested in Chinese and East Asian literature who wants a short & sweet introduction to its core themes, read alongside Western writers and themes you may already know. The talk will start with a short intro to Dream of the Red Chamber (红楼梦), one of China’s classic 18th-century novels. Much of the story unfolds in the Grand View Garden, which is designed like a maze, full of winding paths, hidden gates and rooms of mirrors where visitors lose their way. The novel’s hero, Jia Baoyu, spends the book lost in dreams he does not understand, until he finally awakens. From there, we’ll look at how dreams work across Chinese literature, from Zhuangzi’s butterfly onward, and compare them with dreams and labyrinths in Western literature, such as the stories of Borges. 📅 Programme • Presentation on dreams and labyrinths in Chinese literature, with Q&A 🌙📖 • Group discussion 💬 • Tea and social time! 🫖 No prerequisites: you don’t need to have read the novel or know any Chinese. If you’d like to share a dream or labyrinth from a book you love, bring it along; the group discussion is the perfect time for it. Come for connection, the tea (served by Thé Jinjin), and a genuine cross-cultural conversation. How to register DM us on Instagram @season_mtl (https://www.instagram.com/season_mtl/) for payment details. Your spot is confirmed once payment is received. Hosted by Season (时序), a Montreal community that brings people together and fosters cross-cultural connections.