The Celebrated Cases of Judge Dee

What role do dreams or dreamlike states play in the novel? Why do you think the clues to the first and second case are given to Judge Dee in his dream? Could he have solved the crimes without divine intervention?

Of the various criminals Judge Dee deals with, Mrs. Djou is the one whose character is most developed and who serves as an antagonist, almost costing the magistrate his position. Why is the de facto villain a woman? Is there a female analogue in Western detective fiction that corresponds to her character?

How are women depicted in the novel? Is there a common thread in their descriptions? How does the narrator’s opinion of women compare to that of a Western writer in the 18th century?

What is your opinion of the narrator’s statement at the beginning of the story that the magistrate’s honesty is responsible for the peaceful existence and the moral character of the people under his rule?

Pre-modern Chinese law was supposed to uphold Confucian tenets, which were based on a strict hierarchy in which those in lower positions owed respect and obedience to those above them. Why do you think Hsu was given the death penalty even though he did not personally commit the murder?

Appearance and social status play important roles in the process of investigation. Are any characters in the novel not what they seem? How does Judge Dee discern moral character from outer appearance? Are personality and physique related in the book?

What role do “common” people play in helping or hindering the investigation? Do those who live in Judge Dee’s district seem better off at the end of the novel than in the beginning?

If the magistrate’s role is so important to solving cases and maintaining peace, why is there so little information about Judge Dee’s personal life? What is his reward at the end? Do you think that is a good reward?