Chinese/Japanese Literature

Literature of Ancient ChinaLiterature of Japan

Chinese Historical Background

China is the 3rd largest country with the largest population in the world.

China is the world’s oldest continuing civilizations.

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

China’s Philosophy and Religion

3 main systems of thought took hold in China: 1. Confucianism- Focused on the importance of family relationships and

order in society. Teachings emphasized virtue in interactions between people and valued learning.

2. Taoism- Based on following Tao, the universal force underlying all of life. They sought humility, simplicity, and harmony with nature.

3. 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.

What will be covered?

the Analects of ConfuciusKey Confucianism Concepts:

Humanity Gentleman Ritual(Maxims)

Mulberry on the Lowland from the Book of Odes

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.

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.

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

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 formatFirst line = 5 syllablesSecond line = 7 syllablesThird line = 5 syllables

Why should the literature forms of the Chinese and Japanese

matter to us?