Key Concepts from Literary Texts

A collection of vocabulary flashcards summarizing key concepts, themes, and authors discussed in the lecture notes.

Lao Tzu

Ancient Chinese philosopher and founder of Taoism, author of the Tao Te Ching.

True Virtue

Acting naturally and selflessly without ulterior motives, according to Lao Tzu.

Superficial Virtue

Behavior that appears virtuous but is motivated by obligation or display.

The Tao

The natural way or principle that Lao Tzu emphasizes for moral living.

Bureaucratic Punishment

An oppressive and often illogical system of authority exemplified in Kafka's The Trial.

Josef K.

Protagonist of Franz Kafka's The Trial who struggles with a nonsensical legal system.

Absurdity

A recurring theme in Kafka's works illustrating the meaningless struggle against incomprehensible systems.

Moral Corruption

The loss of ethical integrity exemplified in Conrad's Heart of Darkness through the character of Kurtz.

Isolation

A condition explored in Heart of Darkness, showing how it can blind individuals to their own moral decay.

Greed and Power

Themes in Heart of Darkness representing the decline of morality in the pursuit of selfish interests.

Yuan Zhen

Author of 'The Story of Ying-ying,' which discusses love versus ambition.

Confucian Duty

A theme in 'The Story of Ying-ying' highlighting traditional moral responsibilities.

Visionary Imagination

A theme in Blake's Proverbs of Hell advocating for spiritual liberation from conventional boundaries.

Spiritual Yearning

A desire to transcend ego and find higher meaning, as explored in Rumi's poetry.

Stream-of-Consciousness

Literary style used by Virginia Woolf in Mrs. Dalloway to depict inner thoughts and feelings.

Existential Anxiety

A central concern in Woolf's Mrs. Dalloway depicting the complexity of identity and life.

Kafkaesque

A term describing scenarios that are surreal, oppressive, and characterized by existential dread.

Inner Darkness

The theme in Heart of Darkness that reveals the capacity for evil within humanity.

Cui Ying-ying

The character in 'The Story of Ying-ying' who experiences betrayal from Zhang.

Mundane Activities

Everyday actions in Mrs. Dalloway that trigger deep existential reflections.

Lyrical Prose

A style characteristic of Virginia Woolf’s writing in Mrs. Dalloway, emphasizing poetic language.

Paradoxical Proverbs

Statements used by Blake in Proverbs of Hell to challenge traditional societal values.

Sufi Mysticism

A spiritual philosophy and practice that Rumi embodies in his quest for union with the divine.

Colonialism

A theme in Heart of Darkness that critiques imperialist exploitation and its psychological effects.

Decadence

Kurtz's physical decay in Heart of Darkness symbolizes moral deterioration.

Guilt and Justice

Concepts in Kafka's The Trial that become obscured and complicated by the legal system.

Artificial Control

Lao Tzu's idea of society resorting to rules when genuine virtue declines.

Empathy and Reflection

Motifs present in the narratives examined, emphasizing human connection and self-awareness.