Chinese/Japanese Literature

1. Chinese/Japanese Literature Literature of Ancient China Literature of Japan

2. Chinese Historical Background • China is the 3rd largest country with the largest population in the world. • China is the world’s oldest continuing civilizations.

3. China’s ancient history is recorded through dynasties (a series of rulers from a single family). • The actions/events that occurred during the certain dynasties influenced Chinese writers and their cultures. • China’s society had a very strict class structure. The four main social classes were ranked in order of its contribution to society. Emperor ⟶Rulers⟶Peasants⟶ Artisans ⟶Merchants ⟶Servants/Slaves

4. China’s Philosophy and Religion • 3 main systems of thought took hold in China: • Confucianism-Focused on the importance of family relationships and order in society. Teachings emphasized virtue in interactions between people and valued learning. • Taoism-Based on following Tao, the universal force underlying all of life. They sought humility, simplicity, and harmony with nature. • Buddhism-Emphasized detachment from earthly life in order to attain spiritual enlightenment. • These teachings existed together, and in general there was tolerance and a blending of beliefs and practices.

5. What will be covered? • the Analects of Confucius Key Confucianism Concepts: • Humanity • Gentleman • Ritual (Maxims) • Mulberry on the Lowland from the Book of Odes

6. Literature of Japan • 3 major themes of the Japanese literature are simplicity, discipline, and nature. • The same three major themes reflect the foundations of modern Japanese culture.

7. Japanese Historical Backgrounds • Japan’s history is marked by different political periods. • Each period ends with political unrest and upheaval. • Japan finally sealed its borders as a reaction to the rapid spread of Christianity throughout the country. Japanese leaders feared the newly converted Christians would start another civil war. • As a result of Japan’s self-imposed isolationism, their own distinctive style in writing forms emerged.

8. Japanese Society • During the Tokugawa period, Japanese became rigidly ordered. • It was nearly impossible for Japanese to improve their social status since a person’s position was determined by birth. • Japan’s social classes were: Rulers⟶ Samurai ⟶ Peasants⟶ Artisans ⟶Merchants

9. What will be covered? • Haiku poetry • Ancient Japanese Haiku Poetry always presents imagery focusing on nature. • Imagery = specific words or phrases that provide a vivid sensory experience for the reader. • Haiku format • First line = 5 syllables • Second line = 7 syllables • Third line = 5 syllables

10. Why should the literature forms of the Chinese and Japanese matter to us?