原来姹紫嫣红开遍，似这般都付与断井颓垣。良辰美景奈何天，赏心乐事谁家院。 — The Peony Pavilion

"Tang Yirengs A Dream of the Peony Pavilion became so popular upon its debut that it overshadowed The Romance of the West Chamber."

"In world drama there is no more extensive or beautiful exploration of love than Tang Xianzus Mudan ting (The Peony Pavilion). In 55 scenes and a performance time of more than 18 hours, The Peony Pavilion merits the designation of epic. Its central character, the young woman Du Liniang, embarks on a journey of discovery to reach her hearts desire, facing down life-and-death obstacles in this world and the next. Along the way an entire cultures values and traditions are displayed. In a Western context The Peony Pavilion combines elements of Homers Odyssey, Virgils Aeneid, Dantes Divine Comedy, and John Miltons Paradise Lost. Moreover, it is arguably the first great epic with a complex, believable woman protagonist. Despite its vast scope, The Peony Pavilion is anchored by a remarkable psychological depth and earthy realism. In turns lyrical, philosophical, satirical, fantastical, and bawdy, interweaving sentiment and humor, The Peony Pavilion provides one of the great entry points for an understanding of Chinese culture and Chinese classical dramatic traditions."