Abstract: Functional images refer to the objects or certain kinds of objects that play a role in the narrative of novels. The functional image of “money” appears repeatedly in A Dream of Red Mansions, which has prominent novel function. First of all, the functional image of “money” is often related to the identity, personality and psychology of the characters in the novel, which reflects one aspect of the characterization. Secondly, as a narrative clue, the “money” functional image shows the formation mechanism of the network structure of the novel. Finally, the functional image of “money” also serves as a unique perspective to explore the theme of the novel.

Key words: A Dream if Red Mansions, functional image, money, literary function