At the heart of the story lies a tragic love triangle between Jia Baoyu, a sensitive young man, and his two cousins, Lin Daiyu, an ethereal beauty, and Xue Baochai, a pragmatic and worldly woman. This love story, however, transcends mere romance. It reflects the Buddhist concept of karma and the Taoist principle of yin and yang, exploring the interconnectedness of love, desire, free will, and predestination.

The Jia family, once favored by the emperor, enjoys a life of immense privilege and luxury. Yet, beneath the gilded surface, cracks begin to appear. Corruption, mismanagement, and internal strife slowly erode their foundations, mirroring the broader decline of the Qing dynasty. This theme serves as a powerful commentary on the ephemeral nature of power, wealth, and even love.

Buddhist themes permeate the novel, most notably the idea of life as an illusion. The "dream" in the title serves as a metaphor for the fleeting nature of earthly existence. Through Baoyu's spiritual awakening and disillusionment with worldly pursuits, Cao Xueqin explores the themes of detachment, enlightenment, and the search for a higher purpose.