Chinese literature

What role did Confucius assign to scholars in ancient China?

He considered them sages who advised princes and upheld cultural values.

What were the "classics confucéens"?

Ancient books on divination, poetry, history, and rituals that candidates for imperial exams had to memorize.

What are the "livres extraordinaires"?

Four or five classical Chinese novels that are central to Chinese culture, inspiring operas, series, and games.

What is the theme of Les Trois Royaumes?

Power struggles and wars during the fall of the Han dynasty, leading to the division of the empire into three entities.

Who is Cao Cao in Les Trois Royaumes?

A historically inspired character portrayed as the archetype of treachery.

What is the main storyline of Au bord de l'eau?

The adventures of 108 bandits fighting corruption and injustice.

Why is the number 108 significant in Au bord de l’eau?

It holds great symbolic importance in Chinese culture.

What is Le Rêve dans le pavillon rouge about?

It is a family saga describing the decline of a Qing dynasty family through its members' fortunes and misfortunes.

Who was Cao Xueqin?

The author of Le Rêve dans le pavillon rouge, known for his detailed depiction of family life during the Qing dynasty.

What are "rougeologues"?

Scholars devoted to studying Le Rêve dans le pavillon rouge.

Who is Lu Xun?

The father of modern Chinese literature, known for his revolutionary writing.

What was Lu Xun's background?

He was born into a declining family, studied medicine in Japan, and turned to literature to modernize China.

What is Le Journal d’un fou?

A 1918 short story by Lu Xun, inspired by Gogol, and the first work written in vernacular Chinese.

Why is Le Journal d’un fou significant?

It marked the beginning of modern Chinese literature written in vernacular Chinese.

What did Mao Zedong do for Lu Xun posthumously?

He celebrated him as a national hero of revolutionary literature.

What happened to many Chinese writers in the 20th century?

They were persecuted during political purges under Mao's regime.

What role did imperial exams play in Chinese history?

They allowed candidates to enter state service, emphasizing Confucian classics.

What inspired Au bord de l’eau?

The corruption and oppression by powerful officials.

How is Le Rêve dans le pavillon rouge similar to Proust's work?

Both have devoted scholars who deeply analyze their themes and details.

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When was Les Trois Royaumes written?

During the 14th century.

What era does Les Trois Royaumes depict?

The period following the fall of the Han dynasty in the 3rd century.

When was Au bord de l’eau written?

During the 14th century.

When was Le Rêve dans le pavillon rouge written?

In the 18th century.

What genre is Le Rêve dans le pavillon rouge?

A family saga with rich character development and cultural commentary.

What is a recurring theme in Les Trois Royaumes?

Loyalty and betrayal amidst political and military conflicts.

What was Cao Xueqin’s contribution to Chinese literature?

He wrote one of China's most celebrated family sagas, Le Rêve dans le pavillon rouge.

How did Lu Xun's education influence his writing?

His medical studies and exposure to revolutionary ideas in Japan shaped his literary themes.

How did Le Journal d’un fou challenge traditional Chinese literature?

By being written in vernacular Chinese, making it accessible to a broader audience.

What is a common characteristic of the "livres extraordinaires"?

They blend historical events, cultural symbolism, and universal themes.

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What was the political significance of Lu Xun's work?

It inspired revolutionary thought and highlighted societal issues in China.

How did Chinese calligraphy influence literature?

It elevated the importance of written expression and cultural preservation.

What is the primary focus of Au bord de l’eau?

Banditry as a response to societal corruption and injustice.

Why is Les Trois Royaumes considered historical fiction?

It combines real events with fictionalized narratives.

What dynasty does Le Rêve dans le pavillon rouge focus on?

The Qing dynasty.

What is a key theme in Le Rêve dans le pavillon rouge?

The transient nature of wealth and power.

What kind of challenges did Lu Xun face in his literary career?

Political opposition and societal resistance to modern ideas.

Why are the "livres extraordinaires" culturally significant?

They encapsulate essential aspects of Chinese history, values, and storytelling traditions.

What inspired Lu Xun’s revolutionary ideals?

His disillusionment with traditional medicine and exposure to modern ideas in Japan.

How does Le Journal d’un fou reflect Lu Xun’s revolutionary ideals?

By critiquing societal norms and advocating for change through literature.