At the heart of the novel lies a complex web of romantic relationships, most notably the love triangle between Jia Baoyu, the sensitive and artistic heir, and his two cousins: the elegant and tragic Lin Daiyu and the practical and ambitious Xue Baochai. Their intertwined destinies, governed by celestial forces and societal expectations, offer a poignant commentary on the complexities of love, duty, and free will. The novel explores the different facets of love, from passionate romance to familial bonds, highlighting the joys and sorrows they bring.

The Jia family, once at the pinnacle of power and prestige, gradually descends into decadence and corruption. Through their downfall, Cao Xueqin provides a sharp critique of the Qing dynasty's social hierarchy, exposing the hypocrisy, materialism, and exploitation that lie beneath a veneer of elegance. The garden, a symbol of the family's former glory, becomes a microcosm of their decline, mirroring the transient nature of power and wealth.

Framed as the dream of the sentient Stone, the entire narrative carries a strong Buddhist undertone. The novel explores themes of impermanence, detachment, and the illusory nature of reality. The Stone's journey from the celestial realm to the human world and back emphasizes the cyclical nature of life, death, and rebirth, ultimately suggesting that all earthly pursuits are ultimately fleeting.