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Abstract
This paper takes two illustrated versions of Dream of the Red Chamber: the Cheng Jia and Shuangqing xianguan editions as the main research objects. It discusses the functions of illustration in the reading process. Illustrations can serve a number of functions. They summarize the story's content and help readers quickly appreciate the main characters and plots, serve as a form of annotation for the novel/ narrative. The Shuangqing xianguan illustrations show connections between this novel and the Yuan play The Romance of the West Chamber. Besides, these illustrations stereotype and simplify the female characters. This research helps readers understand the functions and influences of illustrations in literary works.