Ultimately, Romance of the Three Kingdoms is a meditation on the nature of power during wartime (The novel portrays power not as something static, but as a dynamic and elusive force). Written by Luo Guanzhong in the 14th century, Romance of the Three Kingdoms is one of China's most well-respected and well-known novels. It dramatizes a period in Chinese history known as the Three Kingdoms Era, which lasted from the fall of the Han Dynasty in 220 AD to the reunification of the country under the Jin Dynasty in 280 AD.
To begin with, the novel explores why the Han dynasty crumbled. Particularly, it crumbled because of corruption within the government and internal strife. It opens with the line, “The empire, long divided, must unite; long united, must divide. Thus it has ever been.” This line sets the tone for what will come in the novel and encapsulates the typical rise and fall that empires go through during their life.
The novel follows several characters, some of whom are historical and some who are fictional. Specifically, after the fall of the Han dynasty, three major factions emerged in their fight to control China. That includes the Kingdom of Wei, which is led by Cao Cao; the Kingdom of Shu, led by Liu Bei; and the Kingdom of Wu, which is led by Sun Quan. These leaders, along with their respective military strategists and warriors who fight under him, become integral to the story. The military leaders are brilliant; without them, the military leaders would have failed.
There are significant, detailed descriptions of battles throughout the novel. For instance, The Battle of Red Cliffs is described in great detail, marking a pivotal point in the narrative where the allied forces of Liu Bei and Sun Quan defeat Cao Cao, who seems insurmountable.
Liu Bei, Cao Cao, and Sun Quan are depicted as having complex personalities. They appear to be complex, real-life humans in every way. In fact, each embodies different virtues and flaws; they are both relatable and human at the same time, a rare combination. The characters are real in different ways, too. The novel doesn't shy away from showing the manipulative and darker sides of its heroes or the redeeming qualities of the story's villains.
Most significantly, the influence of Romance of the Three Kingdoms on Chinese culture has been profound since its publication in the 14th century, shaping perceptions of history in the country and throughout the world. The novel blends historical facts with folklore and mythology, creating a unique novel.
