Literature of Ancient China Literature of Japan

 China is the 3 rd 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 RulersPeasants Artisans Merchants Servants/Slaves

 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.

 the Analects of Confucius Key Confucianism Concepts:  Humanity  Gentleman  Ritual (Maxims)  Mulberry on the Lowland from the Book of Odes

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

 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.

 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

 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

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