Lesson-1_Chinese-Literature

Quipper Lesson 1: Chinese Literature

Learning Competencies

• Explain texts using literary elements, genres, and traditions (EN12Lit-IIb-32)

• Situate texts in the regional, national, and global context (EN12Lit-IIc-29)

• Appreciate cultural and aesthetic diversity in literature (EN12Lit-IIc-33)

Objectives

• Describe the nature of Chinese literature.

• Explain texts in relation to literary elements, genres, and traditions unique to China.

Essential Question

• How does Chinese literature define its culture and society?

Warm Up Activities

1. Exercise: Write five ways to live without modern technology.

2. Reflect on historical communication methods like letters and old telephones.

3. Discuss findings with a partner to evaluate similarities and differences.

4. Share insights with the class for collaborative learning.

Vocabulary

• Opportunely (adverb): Occurring at an advantageous moment.

  • Example: A witness opportunely appeared during the police search.

• Currishly (adverb): Exhibiting meanness and ingratitude.

  • Example: The adopted dog currishly bit its caring master.

• Anarchy (noun): A state of chaos due to lack of leadership.

  • Example: Anarchy ensued after the prime minister's resignation.

• Filial Piety (noun phrase): Reverence for parents and ancestors in Confucian ethics.

  • Example: Filipinos show filial piety by seeking parental blessings during departures or arrivals.

• Conscientiousness (noun): The trait of being diligent and careful.

  • Example: Excessive conscientiousness can irritate peers.

• Circumspect (adjective): Cautious and wary in decision-making.

  • Example: Jurors must be circumspect in deliberations.

• Lascivious (adjective): Displaying excessive sexual desire.

  • Example: A year in prison changed his previously lascivious behavior.

Learn about It!

Beginning of Chinese Literature

• Ming Dynasty: Literature aimed to entertain literate citizens.

• Tang Dynasty (618–907): Invention of woodblock printing revolutionized literature.

• Song Dynasty (960–1279): Introduction of movable printing further disseminated literary works.

Classical Poetry

• Book of Changes: Significant classical text for divination based on Zhou dynasty's eight trigrams.

• The Classic of Poetry: Earliest poetry collection with 305 poems covering various themes including folk and festival writings.

• The Classic of History: Compilation of historical documents and speeches from Zhou rulers.

• The Classic of Rites: Texts covering ancient ceremonial practices.

• Spring and Autumn Annals: Chronological history of the state of Lu.

• Analects of Confucius: Collection of sayings emphasizing relationships and moral conduct.

• Distinguished Poets: Notable figures include Li Po and Tu Fu.

Classical Prose

• Mencius and Zhuang Zhi: Known for well-reasoned prose works.

• Tang Period: Marked by the rise of neoclassical prose style.

• Han Yu (768–824): Prominent essayist promoting Confucian principles.

Modern Literature

• Qing Period (1895–1911): Launch of modern Chinese literature amid a nationalistic surge.

• Li Boyuan: Employed vernacular language for broader comprehension, discussing social and political matters.

• Liu E: Integrated symbolism into classical writings, advocating for intellectual engagement.

• Zheng Pu: Similar to Liu, with a focus on symbolism and cultural references.

The New Culture Movement (1917–1923)

• Advocated for the use of vernacular language, shifting from classical forms.

• Lu Xun: Regarded as the pioneer of modern colloquial literature in China.

• Socialist Realism: Artistic movement that depicted social realism and addressed contemporary issues.

• Maoist Era (1949–1976): Government regulation of publishing and stringent censorship.

Post-Mao Era (1976–Present)

• Surge in prose fiction and literary expression reflecting societal aspirations.

• Writers critiqued abuses and expressed desires to participate in reconstructing society.

The Analects: Book I by Confucius (551-479 BCE)

Guide Questions

1. What themes are evident in the first book of the Analects?

2. What insights does it provide on learning?

3. How does it reflect Chinese culture and traditions?

4. What tone is adopted throughout the text?

5. What is the primary purpose of the text?

Analysis Questions

1. Identify common elements in classical poems and their significance to Chinese identity.

2. Infer aspects of ancient Chinese society from poetic subjects.

3. Determine life lessons imparted by each literary piece.

4. Suggest applicable situations for the lessons taught in the poems.

5. Describe classical Chinese poetry using the imagery presented.

Values Integration

• Understanding Chinese literature enhances appreciation of its societal and cultural contributions.

Synthesis Activity

1. Form groups to explore classical texts like the Analects.

2. Write a poem inspired by the text, compiling them for presentation.

3. Discuss creative challenges encountered during composition.

Assignment

• Craft a persuasive letter encouraging a friend to explore a specific piece of classical Chinese literature, outlining five compelling reasons for engagement, structured in three paragraphs.

Criteria for Scoring

• Content: The letter should effectively motivate the friend to read the recommended text with accurate evidence.