This week's readings we travel to China while learning about early eastern literature. One of the main themes found in Chinese poetry is moral virtues and values. In Chinese culture, poetry was a form of historical record-keeping and was written in beautiful Chinese calligraphy. Many poets of the early Chinese dynasties wrote about the good and bad behaviors of their rulers and how it affected their society. From my readings this week I will discuss the Classic of Poetry collection, the philosopher Confucius, and the great poet Du Fu.
The Importance of Confucius
Confucius was a Chinese philosopher who held high moral standards. Confucius was a virtuous man who expected the same behavior from the rulers of China. He spent many years searching for a ruler who lived by his same values. During his life, Confucius was tasked with compiling the collection Classic of Poetry. The Classic of Poetry is the earliest collection of poems in East Asia. The themes represented in this collection are based on nature with strong ties to moral values while showcasing many historical references. Upon his death, Confucius's sayings were compiled in a book called the Analects. His says are still relevant today and how one perceives themselves and the world around them.
Lesson #1 - Watch this video about Confucius with your class.
1. After the video have a group discussion about the moral values your students follow.
2. Confucius Cards – Pass out premade cards with Confucius sayings on them. Have your students read the cards aloud and discuss the meaning behind the card or give an example of how that particular quote has directly affected them. Some of my favorite Confucius quotes are:
The Classics of Poetry
The Classics of Poetry collection contains 305 poems split between three separate books. Airs of Domains contains 160 poems that focus on folk ballads spread over the 15 domains of China. Odes/Elegances contains 105 poems that convene memorable historical events, while Hymns the oldest of the three books contains 40 poems that are used as songs to celebrate in royal rituals. This collection is comprised of provocative pieces that influential. These poems are written lyrically and with a strong representation of nature. I was given eleven poems from this section to read. They were a good representation of ancient Chinese society. While many of them focused on love and courtship, Plums are falling, Gentle Girl, and Quince, for example, others have a more political undertone. Huge Rat calls out the greedy lords who take from the less privileged. Zhongzi, Please and Dead Roe Deer had themes of virtue and family obedience.
Lesson # 2 -
1. Pass out a sampling of any of the poems in this collection to your students.
2. Have a group discussion on the different styles and meanings between the poems.
The Knowledge of Du Fu
Du Fu is known as one of the greatest poets during the Tang Dynasty. He is often referred to as a poet-historian because his poems often reflect the discord that China was facing during his lifetime. He wrote about his own personal challenges along with what was happening in his homeland. He and his family were often separated, and he wrote about their struggles. In his poem “Moonlit Night” he describes the feelings of his wife who was separated from him while he was held in captivity in Chang’an. In his poem, "Qiang Village I", they were reunited. His poem "Ballad of Firewood Vendors" tells the story of a generation of women who have become old maids due to the slaughter of young men during the An Lushan Rebellion. His poems were very popular in how they portrayed the truth of a turbulent time.
Lesson #3 - Chinese Calligraphy
A fun and engaging way to bring the Chinese culture into your classroom would be to spend an afternoon learning the beautiful art of Chinese calligraphy. Materials needed are Chinese paint, a dish, an assortment of brushes, and rice paper. Butcher paper can also be used for the lesson.
Here are two video tutorials to show in class.
1. Distribute poem.
2. Divide the class into small groups and assign each group a couplet to interpret.
3. Have each class write their couplet on the board. Then pass out the second document.
4. Assign the students an essay to write about the An Lushan Rebellion.
Readings from ENG-355 for Topic 2 - Ancient Eastern Literature found in Norton Anthology of World Literature.
Early Chinese Literature and Thought in Volume 1
Classics of Poetry in Volume 1 (Assorted poems)
Confucius in Volume 1 (Assorted)
Du Fu in Volume 1 (Assorted poems)
Yuan Zhen, The story of Yingying in Volume 1
Works cited:
The Norton Anthology of World Literature, edited by Martin Puchner, Shorter 3rd ed., Vol. 1. New York: Norton, 2013.
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