21st Century Asian Lit

Asian Literature

refers to the body of written and oral works produced in regions of Asia

Collectivism and community
respect for elders and authority
spirituality and moral duty

harmony with nature

Asian Literature commonly highlights

epic literature

long narrative poems or prose that recount heroic deeds, divine intervention, and moral struggles

Epic Literature of India

Mahabharata and Ramayana

Epic Literature of Philippines

Biag ni Lam-ang

Epic Literature of China

Journey to the West

Epic Literature of Japan

The Tale of Heike

Mythology and Legends

Explains the origin of world, natural phenomena, and cultural beliefs

Myth of China

Creation myth of Pangu

Myth of Japan

Izanagi and Izanami

Myth of Korea

Danggu, founder of korea

Myth of southeast asia

Myths of Rice Gods and nature spirits

Poetry

one of the oldest and most respected forms of Asian Literature

Classical Poetry (Tang Poetry)

China Poetry

Haiku, Tanka

Japan Poetry

Ghazal, Rubaiyat

Persia (Iran) Poetry

Bhakti and Sufi poetry

India Poetry

Drama and Performance Literature

Closely tied to music, drama, ritual, and symbolism

Noh and Kabuki

Japan Drama

Peking Opera

China Drama

Sanskrit drama (Shakuntala)

India Drama

Moro-moro, senakulo

Philippines Drama

Prose and Narrative Fiction

it developed later but became a powerful medium for social commentary and realism

Dream of the Red Chamber

China Prose

The Tale of Genji

Japan Prose

Short stories by Rabindranath Tagore

India Prose

Social Novels by Jose Rizal

Philippines

Oral Tradition

Religious and Philosophical Traditions

Court and Classical Tradition

Modern and Post-colonial Tradition

Literary Traditions Across Asian Cultures