Chinese Literature

Overview of Chinese Literature

• Chinese Literature is a significant literary heritage, influencing other Asian countries, notably Korea, Japan, and Vietnam.

Development of Chinese Literature

• Body of work primarily written in Chinese encompasses:

  • Lyric poetry

  • Historical writing

  • Didactic (instructional) writing

  • Drama

  • Fiction and various narrative forms

Historical Context

Rich History

• Chinese literature boasts a history that spans thousands of years, intricately linked with the various dynasties of China.

Major Dynasties and Their Literary Contributions

• Xia Dynasty (2070-1600 BC)

  • Early development of literary forms.

  • Foundations of Chinese writing and basic philosophical literature.

• Shang Dynasty (1600-1050 BC)

  • Further developments in religious and philosophical texts.

• Zhou Dynasty (1046-256 BC)

  • Emergence of varied forms of literature.

• Qin Dynasty (221-206 BC)

  • Notable for legalistic literature and consolidation of writing system.

• Han Dynasty (206-220 AD)

  • Introduction of the "Fu" form (a combination of prose and poetry).

  • Growth of scientific and historical texts.

• Tang Dynasty (618-907 CE)

  • Growth in poetry and development of woodblock printing.

  • Poetic works known for concise and rhythmic expression.

• Song Dynasty (960-1279 CE)

  • Established strict rules in poetry, evolution into "Ci" form, resembling musical compositions.

  • Travel literature and philosophical essays emerged.

• Yuan Dynasty (1279-1368 CE)

  • Focus on drama and fiction; emergence of various genres of plays.

• Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1912) Dynasties

  • Rise in novel writing reflecting cultural shifts and economic changes.

Four Great Classical Novels of Ancient China

• Not detailed in the content, but acknowledged as significant contributions to Chinese literature.

Significant Works and Poetry

Book of Odes (Shih Ching)

• Compiled by Confucius; a collection of 305 poems from 1000 to 600 BC.

• Represents the oldest existing examples of Chinese poetry.

• Content includes folk songs, ritualistic poems, and hymns; focusing on daily life themes.

• Forms defined:

  • Consistent structure with four-character lines; various stanza lengths.

  • Rhymes are occasional, with a focus on economy of expression.

Notable Poets

• Du Fu

  • Acclaimed as one of the greatest poets; known for works like "The Ballad of the Army Cats" reflecting societal issues.

• Li Bai

  • Famous for vivid imagery and conversational tone; notable poem: "Alone and Drinking under the Moon."

• Wang Wei

  • Poet and painter during the Tang dynasty, whose works were inspired by landscapes.

• Mo Yan

  • Nobel Prize-winning fiction writer; known for "Red Sorghum" detailing wartime experiences.

Philosophical Contributions

• Confucius

  • Major philosopher known for significant influence on Chinese literature and thought; the Western name derived from Kung Fu-tze.

• Po-Chu-I

  • Important poet representing classical tradition in literature.