Transcript Tao Te Ching

MRS. CONTRERAS
Language Arts
9th Grade – Eng I IGCSE Honors
Room C209
Home Learning
THE FOLLOWING ARE DUE:
• (bring up when called) Cultural PP
presentation
• (bring up when called) Individual PP
Weekly Forecast
10/23/06 – 10/27/06
•
Monday – Plot Core Story Elements into Acts
Flowchart
•
Tuesday – Plot Core Story Elements into Acts
Flowchart
•
•
Wednesday – Character development
Thursday – Group PP Presentation (Chinese)
Confucius "Analects" pg 434
•
Friday – Lao-tzu "Tao Te Ching" pg 440. Chuang
Tzu "The Fish Rejoice" pg 444
Home Learning
By Monday 10/30:
• Read introduction to Chinese culture pg 420.
• Read Li Po "The River-Merchant’s Wife: A letter", "Still
Night Thoughts" & "Gazing at the Lu Mountain
Waterfall" pg 452-458.
• Complete Chinese Literature questionnaire.
• Movie Project: movie concept page completed, Core
Story elements page (behind it), Movie Acts Flowchart
(8½ x 14)
Have a great week!
China! China! China!
Katie Acosta
Natalie Borrego
Gaby Guadalupe
Denisse Hernandez
Marianne Liens
Johany Hernandez
Courtesy of:
http://www.hctravel.com/ ;
The Great Wall of China
Literature of Ancient China
•Third largest country of the world and the largest population as well as
the oldest continuing civilization (Applebee 420).
•Writing: used pictographs (simplified drawings of objects) on turtle
shells were found in ancient site of Anyang. Shells date back to about
1400 BC (420).
•Geography: includes mountains, deserts, hills, and plains; Because
only one-tenth of China is suitable for farming, this civilization developed
along the Yellow and Yangtze River (421).
•Border Protection: Great Wall of China (along northern border) was
built in the third century B.C. and has an average height of 23-26 feet
and wide enough for 5 horses to gallop side by side along the top (421).
•Emperors: the first emperor was the leader of Ch’in who expanded
borders and created an empire. He was buried in a heavily guarded
tomb guarded by 6,000 statues (421).
•Silk Trade: along Silk Roads (long routes between China and Europe)
camel caravans traveled with silk, which gave many merchants fortune
and resulted in interaction among wide variety of cultures (420).
Historical Highlights:
The Great Dynasties
of Ancient China
Shang Dynasty (c. 1600-1050 B.C)
• The Shang were warrior- nobles
headed by a king (422).
• The kings of this dynasty were
notorious for their love of war and
hunting (422).
• The three most important things of the
people of this time was their king,
family, and ancestors (422).
• They had performed sacrifices in
honor of their ancestors (422).
• The craftsmen of this dynasty learned
to use silk for clothing and were
excellent at bronze working (422).
• This dynasty was the first to leave
behind written records on bronze
artifacts, oracle bones, and other
objects (422).
• The Shang was based mostly on
agriculture ( crops and livestock).
Shang Dynasty Art
Courtesy of Google images
Chou Dynasty (c. 1050-221 B.C)
• This was the longest dynasty in Chinese history.
• The Chou conquered the Shang and established their
own dynasty.
• They first founded feudalism and expanded their
territory.
• Under Feudalism, there was a king but lords were
assigned to the different provinces.
• It was the lord’s duty to be faithful to the king and
defend the people.
• But with constant invasions coming from the north (by
surrounding tribes), it was the beginning of the end of
the Chou dynasty.
• The lords also began feuding against each other.
• This entered into the Warring States period which was
the time of the ruin of the Chou.
Continued…
Confucius
Courtesy of Google Images
• Confucius the founder
of Confusionism, lived
during the Chou
dynasty.
• “Confucius viewed the
early Chou reign as a
model society” (422).
• The Analects are
teachings of Confucius
written by his
followers.
Ch’in Dynasty ( 221-207 B.C )
• “Ch’in” is the original name for China
• The Ch’in defeated the Chou establishing
the Ch’in dynasty.
• The Ch’in king named himself Shi Huangdi
(first Emperor).
• He had great accomplishments, such as
centralizing government, but was cruel.
• During his reign, his goal was to unite the
country. To do so, he conquered
surrounding invaders, controlled conflicts
within the country, built numerous roads,
and set standards for weight and measures.
• To build the Great Wall, he forced peasants
to construct it. Many died in the process.
• Shi Huangdi also burned books and
massacred scholars.
• Three years after the emperor’s death,
rebellions led to the end of the Ch’in
dynasty.
Great Wall of China
Courtesy of Google Images
Han Dynasty ( 206 B.C- A.D 220)
Routes of the Silk
Road
Courtesy of Google Images
• After the downfall of the Ch’in Dynasty
the Han came to rule China.
• This dynasty lasted over 400 years,
having a lasting influence on China’s
government, education, commerce, and
culture.
• The Han dynasty was divided into two
different periods; the Former and the
Later.
• The Former period was a period of
prosperity and progress.
• Education in technology, the arts,
agriculture, and its culture greatly
prospered during the Former period.
• China’s trade emerged and opened up
the Silver roads, which expanded to
Asia, Rome, and India.
• The Former period came to an end with
the political and social disputes among
the people. ( 9 A.D)
Continued…
• Around 25 A.D, the Han was re-established and
returned to supremacy .
• This was the beginning of the Later period which
thrived the first couple of decades.
• A new religion entered China, that came from India
known as Buddhism.
• But for the same reasons that brought the Former
period to a close; the Later period was slowly
coming apart.
• In A.D 220, the last emperor gave up power to rule
China. Before the kingdom separated into three
opposing kingdoms.
The T’ang Dynasty (A.D 618- 907)
• Came to power about 4 centuries after the Han Dynasty
ended, and other insignificant dynasties collapsed as
well.
• It is considered the Golden Age of China. Poetry and
painting blossomed in the T’ang Dynasty.
• More importantly, the Chinese empire expanded, the
bureaucracy was reinstated, agriculture improved, and
foreign trade was endorsed.
• Ch’ang-an, the capital city was the most advanced in its
time. Its population increased, was wealthy, and
education continued to develop.
• The T’ang Dynasty fell after a series of weak rulers (after
Empress Wu)
• In 907 A.D, it fell in the hands to rebel forces.
Continued…
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Empress Wu
Courtesy of Google
Images
•
Empress Wu was the only woman to ever rule China.
Was known as a skillful yet ruthless ruler. She had
the emperor’s wife killed so she could marry him.
Married Emperor Gaozong, and had 4 sons.
After Emperor Gaozong’s death, he’d left in his will
that she would handle all important matters in the
kingdom.
She rid herself of her husband’s successors, including
members of the royal family, as well as all
government ministers who were against her.
She named her youngest son emperor, but kept him
and China under her command.
Even though her reign was against Confucius
teaching she remained empress from 690–705 A.D
She died of natural causes and her third son became
her successor.
Her reign was unique and her records as empress
were never destroyed although Chinese historians
have tended to overlook her contributions.
Sung Dynasty ( A.D 960-1279)
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
After the T’ang dynasty , warlords alienated
China into separate kingdoms.
One general united China once more and made
himself the first emperor of the Sung.
This empire was did not match the magnitude
of the Han or T’ang dynasty. But still it
prospered.
Education thrived as did calligraphy , painting,
the study of human anatomy, and inventions.
Among these inventions were paper money,
movable type, a magnetic compass. These were
the most significant inventions of the Sung
dynasty.
Ironically, even after the reign of Empress Wu,
women’s position in society declined.
Foreign trade also expanded and Chinese
influence spread throughout SE. Asia, making
China a major sea power.
Even with all this prosperity the Sung Dynasty
could not survive after the defeat to the
Mongols in 1279.
Example of Chinese
Calligraphy
Courtesy of Google Images
People and Society
The Chinese society from ancient times had a strict
class structure. It was organized by the emperor at
the top and the lowliest workers at the bottom. There
were four main social classes. The four social classes
names were the Rulers, Peasants, Artisans, and
Merchants.
Rulers





Emperors were the main figures of authority in
ancient China. Emperors were powerful and
wealthy, they presided over political, social, and
religious rituals.
Under the emperors were members of the royal
family, nobles, and scholar-officials.
Chinese emperors would often reward their loyal
followers with posts in the civil service.
During the T’ang and Sung dynasties a system
of written examinations were used to select
officials.
Applicants, who were primarily the sons of
wealthy landowners studied and were tested on
Confucian classics. The successful scholar
would the join the elite and privileged ranks of
administrators and teachers, a testament to
China’s long history of valuing education.
Emperor Wu, of the Han
Dynasty
Peasants




The mainstay of Chinese society was the
peasants. They were the farmers who raised
the food for the empire.
During the Chou dynasty most peasants
would labor for wealthy landowners and
would give a large share of their harvest to
them. As this system started to decline
peasants would own their own land, but still
owed a portion of their yearly crops to the
government.
Peasants had an important role in the
Chinese society. The would usually live in a
simple one room house with a dirt floor, and
had very little furniture, thee had few tools.
Peasant were usually required to supply for
labor or military. Through the labor of the
peasant, the emperor would build roads and
canals, and would fill the ranks of Chinas vast
armies.
Peasants were valued in Chinese society for
their contributions (food and service to
country).
A painting of a peasant
family.
Artisans






Artisans were craftspeople who worked with their
hands and made useful items such as tools for
agriculture, weapons for war, furniture,
household goods, luxury items such as silk,
porcelain, and carved jade for the upper classes
and export.
Artisans who made luxury items were often
wealthy themselves, but those who produced
everyday necessary items were not.
Beginning in the Sang dynasty, Chinese
emperors would control the supply of raw
materials artisans used.
Some Artisans worked independently, while
others would work in government owned
factories.
Artisans made many of the works placed in
tombs of emperors and noble men, such as
eating utensils, jewelry, textiles, tools, and
weapons that archaeologist continue to discover
in ancient burial sites.
This class was also valued for its producing
abilities.
An artifact made by
artisans
Merchants





Merchants would sell the good that Artisans
would make. Since they did not make anything,
they were low on China’s social ladder.
Merchants were strictly controlled by the
government and were allowed to cell only certain
goods such as silk, spices, tea, and porcelain.
The had to pay heavy taxes and were prohibited
from owning land.
Although many merchants grew wealthy thanks
to the growth of trade during the T’ang and Sung
dynasties, they found it difficult to improve their
social status.
Since merchants were not allowed to take the
civil service examination which excluded them
from those jobs, they sent their sons to schools
that trained them for civil service jobs or
arranged their daughters’ marriages to civil
servants.
Thus, for younger generations, upward mobility
was through education (men) and marriage
(women).
A picture of Chinese Merchants
Servants and Slaves

These people were the lowest rungs of Chinese society and were not
considered important or worthy enough to have their own class.

Such people included servants, migrant laborers, professional soldiers,
entertainers, butchers, tanners, and slaves.

During the T’ang dynasty, nomads from Central Asia and Mongolia were
captured in war and were forced into slave labor.

All of these groups were regarded as inferior to the main four social classes
of society, and excluded from the civil service examination.
Women








In the Chinese society women were subservient to
men. Only boys would attend school and take the civil
service exam.
Girls were not educated unless their father taught
them how to read and write.
Marriages were arranged and girls that were as young
as fourteen would move with their husband’s family.
During the Han and T’ang periods some privileged
woman had more freedoms than in other dynasties.
Women rode horses, hunted, played polo, and
participated in politics.
During the Sung period, the status of woman had
declined again, especially for woman among the upper
class.
A woman’s work was considered less important than
that of a man’s.
The custom of binding the feet of upper-class women
spread from the Sung period to the 20th century.
Unable to walk normally, these women were
unsuitable for work.
•Since the sixth century B.C. to the first century A.D., three key systems of
thought took hold in in ancient China – Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism.
The sixth century B.C. was when Confucianism and Taoism emerged (426).
•Confucianism focused on family relationships and order in society. The
teachings emphasized virtue in all interactions between people and valued
learning, respect and duty (426).
•Taoism was based on following the Way, or the Tao, a universal force
underlying all of life. Taoist sought humility, simplicity, and harmony with nature
(426).
•Buddhism was based on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, originated in
India and reached China, about the first century A.D. More a religion than a
philosophy, Buddhism emphasized detachment for earthly life in order to attain
spiritual enlightenment (426).
•From earliest times, the ancient Chinese also practiced religious devotion to
their ancestors. They believed that the dead live on as spirits and are closely
tied to the living. Ancestors were honored through offerings, prayers, and
elaborate ceremonies. These various philosophical and religious teachings
existed together in Ancient China. Sometimes they were in opposition, but in
general there was tolerance and even a blending of beliefs and practices (426).
•China has one of the oldest continuing literacy traditions in the world,
dating back more than 3,000 years (426).
•It is a vast body of work, surpassing that of any civilization (426).
•The earliest known major literacy works in the Book of Odes, a collection of
poems dating from the Shang and Chou Dynasties. These poems have been
revered, studied, and memorized throughout China’s history (426).
•In later dynasties, writing poetry was considered an essential
accomplishment for scholars and gentlemen (426).
•The finest poems in all of China’s literature were produced during the T’ang
Dyna-sty when the lyric poets Li Po and Tu Fu were writing (426).
•Prose was also a strong tradition. Important works include the Analects of
Confucius, Taoist tales, philosophy essays, and the Records of the
Historian, a main source of information about Early China (426).
•From Shang times, the ancient Chinese excelled in the arts (426).
•They distinguished themselves in the production of pottery, bronze work,
sculpture, jade carvings, calligraphy, and painting (426).
•As early as 2,000 B.C., Chinese artists used a potter’s wheel to create beautiful
vases and urns. They discovered how to make porcelain during the later T’ ang
times (426).
•Chinese artists were known for their realistic sculptures. For example, their
skills include the life-like Terra-cotta figures buried in Shi Huangdi’s tomb and
the thousands of stone Buddha statues carved into caves after Buddhism
spread to China (426).
•Calligraphy or “beautiful writing” was considered one of the fine arts. The best
calligraphers became famous, and their work was much sought after (426).
•During the Sung Dynasty, Chinese paintings reached its greatest glory. The
focus shifted from the human figure to landscapes. Artists painted towering
mountains, plunging waterfalls, and peaceful lakes. This attention to
landscapes, which reflects the Taoist love of nature, influenced painting in
China for the next thousand years (426).
•The paintings were done on silk, or paper scrolls, and the artist often preferred
black ink. One Sung artist said, “Black is 10 colors” (427).
•During the Sung Dynasty, the combination of the “three perfectionscalligraphy, poetry, and landscape painting-was regarded as the highest
achievement of the arts (427).
Events in Chinese Literature







1400-1100 B.C.- Earliest evidence of Chinese
writing is found on Shang oracle bones
1000-600 B.C.- Earliest known Chinese
poems composed
551-479 B.C.- Confucius teaches about ethical
values such as honesty, loyalty, and respect
for elders; his disciples later record his
teachings in Analects
500s B.C.- Lao-tzu, legendary founder of
Taoism, develops teachings of Tao Te Ching
500 B.C.- The Shih Ching (Book of Odes), the
first anthology of Chinese poetry, is compiled
330 B.C.- Taoist philosopher Chuang Tzu
writes the Chuang Tzu
85 B.C. Ssu-ma Ch’ien writes Records of the
Historian, a history of China through Emperor
Wudi’s reign (Applebee 428)
Analects
Courtesy of
Google Images
Events in Chinese Literature








Courtesy of Google
Images


A.D. 54- Pan Ku writes History of the
Former Han Dynasty
A.D. 100- The first Chinese dictionary is
compiled
A.D. 106- Pan Chao, a scholarly widow,
sister of Pan Ku, and imperial historian
after his death, writes Lessons for Women
A.D. 365- Birth of T’ao Ch’ien, important
early lyric poet
A.D. 690- Poetry writing is included in the
civil service examination
A.D. 699- Birth of Wang Wei, painter and
poet
A.D. 701- Birth of Li Po
A.D. 712- Birth of Tu Fu
A.D. 868- Diamond Sutra, the first book
with a printed date, is published
A.D. 900-1200- Song lyrics, or tz’u, sung
by women entertainers become a major
poetic form; Li Ch’ing-chao masters the
genre (Apple bee 429)
Wang Wei
Wang Wei was a
painter, musician,
statesman and a
poet, hence the
nickname Poet
Buddha. Wei’s life
began with civil
service, with his
coming from a
high family and
ending up as
Chancellor.
Although he ran
from his duties
Poem by Wang Wei
claiming he was
Courtesy of Google Images
deaf, he studied
with a Chan
master. Most of his
poems depict
beautiful scenery such
as water and mist.
Two examples of
this are his poems
“Deer Park” and
“Song of the City of
Wei”, which pertains
to the Wang River
Collection. None of
his original
paintings survive
(unlike his poetry),
but there have been
copies. He also
influenced the
Southern School of
Chinese Landscape
Art (Wikipedia
Wang).
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Events in Chinese History
1050 B.C.- Chou dynasty is established
and institutes feudalism
771 B.C.- Nomads from the north capture
and plunder Hao, the Chou dynasty
capital, and local warlords battle one
another
500s B.B.- The Chinese begin to cast iron
475 B.C.- Warring States period begins
221 B.C.- Shi Huangdi becomes emperor
of China
214 B.C.- First Great Wall is begun
206 B.C.-A.D. 220- Silk routes opened up
for trade during the Han dynasty
(Applebee 428)
A.D. 9- Period of the Former Han ends
A.D. 25- Period of Later Han begins under
Kuang-wu ti
A.D. 65- Buddhism reaches China
A.D. 105- The Chinese invent paper (429)
Map of Silk Routes
Courtesy of Wikipedia
Events in Chinese History
Empress Wu
Courtesy of Wikipedia
• A.D. 610- Grand Canal is completed,
linking the Yangtze and the Yellow Rivers
• A.D. 626-649- Civil service examination
system is begun under T’ang emperor
T’ai tsung
• A.D. 690-705- Reign of Empress Wu
• A.D. 756- An Lu-Shan rebels capture
T’ang capital city of Ch’ang-an
• A.D. 850- Gunpowder is invented
• A.D. 907- Last T’ang emperor is deposed
• A.D. 1126- Northern China falls to the
Jin, invaders from the northeast
• A.D. 1279- Sung dynasty falls to
Mongols (Applebee 429)
Grand Canal, China
The instructions to
begin the
construction of
the Grand Canal
were given by
the Duke of Wu.
Its most ancient
point is at the
Yangtze and the
Huai River. At
first the capital
of the Song
dynasty was
located at a
point on the
Grand Canal.
Once it was
moved away,
the canal was
Grand Canal, China
Courtesy of Wikipedia
recoursed and
further
reconstructed a
time after. It was
used basically as
a main route of
transfer for crops
and trade. It also
allowed for an
exchange of
cultural views
between South
and North China.
It began in
Beijing and
ended in
Zheijang.
Events in World History
• 1200 B.C.- The Trojan War is fought
• 1020 B.C.- The Hebrews establish the kingdom
of Israel
• 1000-500 B.C.- Aryan communities begin in the
Ganges River basin in India
• 776 B.C.- First recorded Olympic games,
founded in Greece to honor the god Zeus
• 563 B.C.- Birth of Siddhartha Gautama, founder
of Buddhism
• 509 B.C.- Roman Republic is created
• 500 B.C.- Nok in West Africa develop
ironmaking technology
• 331-330 B.C.- Alexander the Great conquers
Syria, Mesopotamia, and Persia
• 218 B.C.- Hannibal crosses the Alps
• 44 B.C.- Julius Caesar is assassinated
• 30 B.C.- Rome conquers Egypt (Applebee 428)
Alexander the
Great
Courtesy of
Wikipedia
Events in World History
Muhammad
Courtesy of Google
Images
• A.D. 29- Jesus is crucified
• A.D. 100- Moche civilization develops in
South America
• A.D. 391- Christianity declared official
religion of Roman Empire
• A.D. 449- Anglo-Saxon tribes invade
England
• A.D. 476- Fall of Roman Empire
• A.D. 570- Birth of Muhammad
• A.D. 750- Kingdom of ancient Ghana
becomes an empire
• A.D. 794- Beginning of Japan’s Heian
period
• A.D. 1054- The Christian chruch divides
• A.D. 4066- Norman Conquest of England
(Applebee 429)
Olympic Games
The first recorded
Olympic games were
founded in Greece to
honor the god Zeus
[776 BC]. As time
went on, the games
advanced. They were
very important and
the winners of the
game were
‘immortalized’ in
poems and statues.
They were also given
a crown of olive
leaves which was a
sign of hope and
peace. In this period
of time, only males
were allowed to
Ancient Olympics
Courtesy of Wikipedia
Modern Olympics
participate in the games
and even be in the
audience. Not only
were there only
young males
allowed, but all
participants and
audience were
naked to insure no
women were there.
The competitors
used oil as a way of
keeping their skin
smooth and to
provide luster. Once
Rome began to take
over Greece, the
importance of the
Olympics began to
diminish and decline
(Wikipedia Olym…).
Connect To Today
The Chinese have made so many
contributions, inventions that we use or
experience daily. Many of these inventions
and ideas were first developed in ancient
China and still have an impact on the 21st
century. They have made various
contributions to art, science, medicine,
technology, agriculture, philosophy, and
mathematics.
o The porcelain cups and plates we now
know and value as china actually came
from China. It is made of a special clay
and mineral only found in this country
and because of this it is a highly prized
pottery.
o The ancient Chinese first popularized tea
made from leaves of the tea plant.
Image courtesy of http://www.amgmedia.com/freephotos/tea_cup.jpg, Cup of tea.
Philosophy
Even though Lao-Tzu's ideas date back
from about the 6th century B.C., his
thoughts still influence many. There are
a lot of contemporary authors that have
applied the teachings of the Tao.
The popular yin-yang diagram
symbolizes the Tao.
Courtesy of: http://www.brainybetty.com/bwART2004/yin_yang.jpg , yin-yang
Entertainment
 About 2000 years ago, the Chinese
invented the kite. They were used for both
military use and for pleasure.
 The yo-yo and the playing cards were both
also invented in China.
 Gunpowder was first invented and then
used to make fireworks. Fireworks were
called fire trees, flame flowers, or peach
blossoms.
Courtesy of: http://gddweb.org/chinesedr.jpg , Traditional Chinese dragon kite.
Inventions
• In about the 1st century B.C., the Chinese
invented the wooden ox, which we know
as the wheelbarrow.
• The Chinese also invented other important
items that we may use in our everyday
lives. The inventions include the collar
harness for horses, paper, matches,
mechanical clock, and the magnetic
compass.
Courtesy of: http://www.rivendellsod.com/Assets/wheelbarrow.jpg , Wheelbarrow
Medicine
• The Chinese developed the
practice of acupuncture. This is
when needles are inserted in
specific parts of the body to
restore the balance of energy in
the body. Acupuncture is used a
lot in China and now in different
parts of the world.
• Herbal medicine has had an
extensive use in China. They
have been used to treat
conditions such as diabetes,
high blood pressure, and lack of
appetite.
Herbal medicine was first
used in China, but it has
spread around the world.
Courtesy of: http://um-jmh.org/images/healthlibrary/Herbal_DS.jpg
Conclusion
• The literature of Ancient China involved the
development of writing, its geography,
border protection, the rule of emperors, and
the silk trade. Key events in Chinese
literature, Chinese history, and world history
are: Analects (the teachings of Confucius) is
written, the birth of Li Po and Tu Fu, the birth
of Wang Wei, silk routes are opened up,
Empress Wu reigns, the Grand Canal is
constructed, Alexander the Great conquers
various places, the birth of Muhammad, and
the first Olympic games in Greece.
Conclusion
• Ancient China was truly one of the most
unique cultures in its time.
• They made many accomplishments, they
had an Empress, build the Great Wall, and
created the Silk Roads.
• Even with all their success, Ancient China
is one of many examples of an empire that
reached their peak point, but could not
avoid their ruin.
Conclusion
• Ancient Chinese society had a strict class structure. The
four main social classes were the Rulers, Peasants,
Artisans, and Merchants. The rulers were the highest
class. The rulers were emperors ( the highest form of
authority). The next social class is Peasants. Most people
fell into this class, they were farmers who lived difficult
lives. Next is the Artisans. They were craftspeople who
worked with their hand, they were wealthy if their work
was sold for high prices. The last social class is
Merchants who sold what the artisans made, and they
were not very wealthy. Slaves and servants were in the
lowest rungs of Chinese society and “did not deserve” a
social class.
Conclusion
•In conclusion, the Chinese had a lot of art,
culture, literature, and their people and
society were based Confucianism, Taoism,
and Buddhism.
•Many of our every day items were created
or popularized by the Chinese. Some of
these items include the kite, wheelbarrow,
and the china we use now actually was
created in China.
“Ancient Chinese and Japanese writers were among
those who used literature to communicate their ideas
about what they considered to be right and wrong.
Philosophers and religious teachers…recognized the
power of literature to convey the moral ideals they
followed and to persuade readers to act in certain ways.
They and their followers expressed their teachings
[through didactic literature] using maxims, anecdotes,
and parables” (432).
•Didatic Literature: literature that instructs its readers. It
can teach a lesson on how to live a moral life. Such as
what is right and wrong. (432)
•Maxim- a statement of a general truth about human
behavior. It may offer practical advice. (432)
It explains what ideals to pursue and what actions
and attitudes to avoid. (432)
Aphorisms- Easy to recall and memorize. (432)
Ex: “To study without thinking is futile. To think
without studying is dangerous.” (437)
• Japanese and Chinese writers were among
the writers whom talked about what is right
and wrong. (432)
• Anecdote- a brief story that focuses on a
single interesting event. (433)
• Parable- A brief story, intended to illustrate an
aspect of some moral truth.(433)
•
•
•
•
While not achieving the political aims he desired,
Confucius’ ideas became the foundation of Chinese
thought and society for more than 2,000 years.
(434)
Having demonstrated a love for learning at an early
age, Confucius was taught in the Chinese classical
arts, traditions, music, archery, math, charioteering,
calligraphy, poetry and history (434).
Born during a time of crisis and violence, Confucius
wanted to restore the order and moral living of
earlier times to his society by gaining enough
political power and influence. Unable to achieve his
objective, he exiled himself for almost twelve years
(434).
Courtesy of Google Images
Confucius was a teacher who taught not just
aristocrats but the common people, instructing that
the authority to rule should come from moral
commitment, and not from hereditary/social status
(434).
• Confucius had a large
group of
followers/disciples, who
preserved his ideas and
sayings.
• The term “analects” means
“a selection”(435).
• It is a collection
approximately 500 sayings,
brief stories, and dialogues
showing Confucius’
teachings on the way he
believed people should live
to create an orderly society
and just society. (435)
Courtesy of Google Images
Confucius’ teachings were
“revolutionary for his
time…[R]ulers must have high
standards for themselves and
must care for…their
subjects…Educated people had a
responsibility to act with loyalty,
courtesy, and respect” (435).
Images Courtesy of Google
• Humanity: The moral behavior of a person such as
respect, truthfulness, generosity, and love. Confucius
believed that humanity is the most important quality to
obtain. (435)
• Gentleman: According to Confucius gentleman refers to
a person who is committed to an ethical life. An ordinary
person had the right to become a gentleman, while an
aristocrat could loose their right to become a gentleman.
Hence, Confucius believed that moral life was more
important than your social status. (435)
• Ritual: This includes everyday matters and religious
observances. He believed that this was essential in
order to have order and respect in a society. (435)
• The Master said: “Don’t worry if people don’t recognize
your merits; worry that you may not recognize theirs.”
(1.16) (437)
– This teaches the people not to be concerned about
their own virtues, but to be concerned about
recognizing the virtues of others. Locus of attention is
on others, not on “self.”
• The Master said: “He who rules by virtue is like the
polestar, which remains unmoving in its mansion while all
the other stars revolve respectfully around it.” (2.1) (437)
– This teaches the people that if you rule by moral
excellence others will respect you and gravitate
towards you. Virtue makes man desirable to be
around.
• Ziyou asked about filial piety. The Master said: ”Nowadays people
think they are dutiful sons when they feed their parents. Yet they
also feed their dogs and horses. Unless there is respect, where is
the difference?” (2.7) (437)
– This teaches that respect comes above all other concerns, even
the basic needs/duties. To feed a person food is not as
important as feeding them respect. A dog can’t appreciate this,
but a person will.
• The Master said: “ To study without thinking is futile. To think
without studying is dangerous. (2.15) (437)
– This teaches that if you are not knowledgeable in what you are
doing it can be dangerous because you do not comprehend the
matter. There is no benefit to going through the motions of
studying if one is to get nothing from it. Likewise to think without
synthesizing one’s knowledge could be dangerous because not
all available options have been considered. At the very least,
this could complicate/aggravate interpersonal relationships
conflict. Worse yet, in the case of a ruler, is to try to lead without
an education. Such a ruler would lack the knowledge to lead his
people.
• Lord Ji Kang asked: “What should I do in order to make the
people respectful, loyal, and zealous?” The Master said:
“Approach them with dignity and they will be respectful. Be
yourself a good son and a kind father, and they will be loyal.
Raise the good and train the incompetent, and they will be
zealous.” (2.20) (437)
– This teaches that in order to be respected, have loyalty, and
enthusiasm from others, one must treat them in the same
manner. Lead by example and one could be a source of
guidance or role model.
• The Master said: “Authority without generosity, ceremony
without reverence, mourning without grief-these, I cannot bear
to contemplate.” (3.26) (437)
– This teaches that form without substance is not worthy of
contemplation. That is, the form of authority (position/office)
without fulfillment of its duties is shameful to see.
• The Master said: “I have never seen a man who truly loves
goodness and hated evil. Whoever truly loves goodness would
put nothing above it; whoever truly hates evil would practice
goodness in such a way that no evil could enter him. Has
anyone ever devoted all his strength to goodness just for one
day? No one ever has, and yet it is not for want of strengththere may be people who do not have even the small amount of
strength it takes, but I have never seen any.” (4.6) (437)
– This teaches that its nearly impossible to devote oneself to
goodness. Man at best is inconsistent, unable to achieve
integrity (man’s actions are at one with his beliefs).
• The Master said: “Do not worry if you are without a position;
worry lest you do not deserve a position. Do not worry if you
are not famous; worry lest you do not deserve to be famous.”
(4.14) (438)
– This teaches to worry that to desire a position or any sort of
recognition, one must strive to deserve first deserve it. Merit/
substance/virtue is better than external rank/fame.
• The Master said: “Set your heart upon the Way; relay upon
moral power; follow goodness; enjoy the arts. (7.6) (438)
– This teaches to live your life in an ideal pattern meaning
the Way; which is being ethical, good, respecting, and
enjoying your life. The arts are those things that nurture
inner being.
• The Master said: “Without ritual, courtesy is tiresome;
without ritual, prudence is timid; without ritual, bravery is
quarrelsome; without ritual, frankness is hurtful. When
gentlemen treat their kin generously, common people are
attracted to goodness; when old ties are not forgotten,
common people are not fickle.” (8.2) (4.38)
– This teaches that without respect you have nothing.
Proper action disrupts natural effect, curbs the natural
end of any action, and ensures civility.
• The Master said: “ A gentleman abides by three principles
which I am unable to follow: his humanity knows no anxiety; his
wisdom knows no hesitation; his courage knows no fear.”
Zigong said: “Master, you have just drawn your own portrait.”
(14.28) (438)
– This teaches that a gentleman must have different virtues he
must live by, including: being good to others, being
knowledgeable, and courageous. Harmony flows from a
gentleman’s core to his thoughts, and actions. Ironically,
Confucius does not see in himself (humility) what others (his
disciples) see in his example.
• Zigong asked: “Is there any single word that could guide one’s
entire life?” The Master said: “Should it not be reciprocity? What
you do not wish for yourself, do not do to others.” (15.24) (438)
– This teaches to “do onto others as you would have them do
unto you.” Reciprocity assumes there’s a balance in the
universe and this governs the extent of our actions.
Special Terms/Vocabulary
1. Master: Confucius.(437)
2. Polestar: the North Star,which,unlike other stars, appears to
remain in the same place in the sky as the earth rotates.(437)
3. Ziyou: a younger disciple of Confucius, known for his
literary talent.(437)
4. filial piety: respect and reverence for one’s parents and
ancestors – an important concept in Confucianism.(437)
5. futile: useless.(437)
6. Lord Ji Kang: a powerful official on Confucius’ home state
of Lu.(437)
7. zealous: enthusiastic.(437)
8. contemplate: think about; consider(437)
9. Way: ideal pattern of behavior(438)
10. ritual: an important Confucian concept, as is “gentlemen”
in the sentence(438)
11. prudence: caution and forethought(438)
12. frankness: blunt, honest expression.(438)
13. fickle: quick to change their mind or opinion.(438)
14. humanity: virtuous behavior toward others.(438)
15. Zigong:a diplomat and merchant who was one of
Confucius’ most dedicated disciples.(438)
Parallelism is the use of similar grammatical constructions
to express ideas that are related or equal in importance.
The parallel elements may be words, phrases, sentences,
or paragraphs.
Example:
The Master said: “Do not worry if you are without a
position; worry lest you do not deserve a position. Do not
worry if you are not famous; worry lest you do not deserve
to be famous.” –Confucius, Analects (438)
• The “Analects” depicts
Confucius’ teachings to others.
These teachings show how
people should live with the
intention of creating an orderly
and just society (435).
• Confucius’ thoughts and
teachings became the basis for
Chinese government and life
(435).
• Confucius’ teachings show
respect and reciprocity towards
all individuals.
Courtesy of Google Images
What do you think? Were the Analects surprising in any
way?
The teaching in the Analects were not surprising because I
believe that you should live by those teachings. Overall,
these teachings explain that if you wouldn’t like something to
be done to you, then don’t do it to others. In addition, if you
were to follow your heart, and not worry to much your future
will turn out better.
Comprehension Check :
What kinds of behavior does Confucius talk about in the
Analects?
Confucius talks about worrying, being respectful, loyal, kind,
hesitation, courage, hesitation, and courtesy.
What does Confucius mean by the word reciprocity?
Reciprocity means that if you don’t wish for something to be
done to you, then don’t do it to others.
What kind of person does Confucius seem to be?
Confucius seems to be a person whom wants the world and
society to be a better place. He isn’t selfish; on the contrary he
cares for others and tries to make the best out of every situation.
Do you think Confucius views human nature in an optimistic
or pessimistic way? Explain your opinion.
It seems as if Confucius views human nature in a pessimistic
way because he tells us all the wrong we are doing as human
beings in order to help us improve.
Does Confucius seem more concerned with individual
behavior or with behavior toward others?
Confucius seems more concerned with behavior towards others
because he talks about how people should treat others with
respect, and how in order to get their respect you must do the
same.
Do you agree with all of Confucius’s teachings?
Explain your opinion.
I agree with all of Confucius teachings because they are
all based around the concept of respecting humanity,
gentleman, and ritual. I believe that you should guide
your life with reciprocity in order to have a fair and just
society.
One critic suggests that reading the Analects is like
being invited into a conversation with Confucius. Do
You think this is a helpful way of approaching theses
experts? Explain your answers.
Approaching Confucius teachings through a
conversation is helpful because it helps you put yourself
in the situation and realize what he is saying.
Choose one of Confucius’ sayings that you
think relates directly to life today. Explain
your choice.
“To study without thinking is futile. To think
without studying is dangerous.” (437) This
relates directly to life today because if you aren’t
thinking about the material you are studying,
then you aren’t going to know what you just
studied. It will be dangerous because when you
need to know what you studied you will not
know, and the time you had tried to studied
without thinking would become useless.
• “Confucius” October 18 2006.
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Confucius>
• “Confucius” October 18 2006.
<http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/confuci
us/>
•
Applebee, Arthur N., et.al. The Language of Literature. Evanston, IL: McDougal Littell
Inc., 2003.
• “Confucius”
Online Image. October 20 2006.
<www.witn.psu.edu/.../newsmaker.phtml?show_id=9>
• “Confucius”
Online Image. October 20 2006.
<http://www.bigwhiteguy.com/images/sides/festival/15.jpg>
• “Confucius”
Online Image. October 20 2006.
http://myhero.com/ReadingRoom/books/confucius.jpg
• 21 Oct 2006 <http://www.meet-greatwall.org/zhuanzhu/wen/gwcn/pho/150.jpg>.
• 21 Oct 2006 <http://img.auctiva.com/imgdata/1/0/1/5/0/7/webimg/14158014_o.jpg>.
• 21 Oct 2006 <http://us.st11.yimg.com/us.st.yimg.com/I/asianideas_1919_26333666>.
• 21 Oct 2006 <http://libweb.hawaii.edu/libdept/asia/books/images/singapore/11.jpg>.
• 21 Oct
2006<http://www.historyforkids.org/learn/china/clothing/pictures/tangyinming.jpg>.
• 22 October 2006 http://www.amgmedia.com/freephotos/tea_cup.jpg
• 22 October 2006 http://www.brainybetty.com/bwART2004/yin_yang.jpg
• 22 October 2006 http://gddweb.org/chinesedr.jpg
• 22 October 2006 http://www.rivendellsod.com/Assets/wheelbarrow.jpg
•
Applebee, Arthur N., et.al. The Language of Literature. Evanston, IL: McDougal Littell Inc., 2003.
•
22 October 2006 http://um-jmh.org/images/healthlibrary/Herbal_DS.jpg
“Analects”. No Date. Online Image. Geometry. Oct 22 2006.
<http://images.amazon.com/images/P/0140443487.01.LZZZZZZZ.jpg>.
“Li Po and Tu Fu”. No Date. Online Image. Picture Swamp. Oct 22 2006.
<http://www.urbanhonking.com/pictureswamp/archives/li%20po%20tu%20fu.jpg>.
“Poem by Wang Wei”. No Date. Online Image. Chinese Art. Oct 22 2006.
<http://www.chineseartnet.com/Shen/shen20.jpg>.
“Karakorum Routes”. No Date. Online Image. Wikipedia. Oct 22 2006.
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Karakorumroutes.jpg>.
“Wu Zeitan”. No Date. Online Image. Wikipedia. Oct 22 2006.
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:WuZetian.jpg>.
“Kaiser Canal”. No Date. Online Image. Wikipedia. Oct 22 2006.
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Kaiserkanal01.jpg>.
“Alexander the Great”. No Date. Online Image. Wikipedia. Oct 02 2006.
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:AlexandertheGreat.jpg>.
“Muhammad”. No Date. Online Image. Faith Freedom. Oct 02 2006.
<http://www.faithfreedom.org/muhammad.gif>.
“Palestra at Olympia”. No Date. Online Image. Oct 22 2006.
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Palestra_at_Olympia.jpg>.
“2002 Winter Olympics Flame”. No Date. Online Image. Wikipedia. Oct 22 2006.
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:2002_Winter_Olympics_flame.jpg>.
•
•
•
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wang_Wei
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_Canal_of_China
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olympic_Games#Modern_Olympics
Image of Shang Dynasty art
www.culture.gr/2/21/211/21108m/00/lk08m023.jpg
Information on Shang Dynasty
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shang_Dynasty
Image of Confucius
http://static.flickr.com/13/14883623_cb1bb55bb4_o.jpg
Image of Great Wall of China
www.medieval-castles.org/castles/images/GreatWall
Image of Empress Wu
http://www.mynetcologne.de/~nc-jostenge/banas-Dateien/image002.gif
Information on Empress Wu
http://www.fofweb.com/NuHistory/default.asp?ItemID=WE49&NewItemID=True
Image of Chinese Calligraphy
http://chinese.bendigo.latrobe.edu.au/Chinapic.gif
“Tao Te Ching”
道德經
By: Lao Tzu
and
“The Fish Rejoice”
魚高興
Courtesy of Google Images
Background shows Chinese Art of fish rejoicing
By: Chuang Tzŭ
Alicia Barroso
Period 6
IGCSE Class
Introduction





Lau-Tzu is credited with being the first
philosopher of Taoism (Applebee
440).
Lao-tzu is not his real name, but he
has been called that for its meaning.
Lao-Tzu means “Old Master” or “Old
Philosopher” (440).
Lao-Tzu is recognized a person who
sought virtue and harmony with the
universe rather than fame (440).
Lao-Tzu was begged by a border
guard, to write down his teachings
and he did so in the Tao Te Ching
(440).
The Tao Te Ching includes the
dogma, or beliefs, of Taoism. (440).
Drawing Of Lao-Tzu
Courtesy of Google Images
Introduction
(continued)





Some scholars argue that the Tao Te
Ching was written by probably more
than one author in the third or fourth
century (440).
Even though we may never be certain
whether Lao-Tzu had anything to do
with the writings, he has been a
honored idol for many centuries in
China (440).
Lao-Tzu has been titled a philosopher,
a saint, and even a God by others
(440).
The Taoist teachings have been
essential to the establishment of a
Chinese civilization (440).
The Taoist focus on simplicity and
harmony has been valued for more than
2,000 years (440).
Above is Lao-Tzu on a bull
Image provided by Google Images
Background on the Tao Te Ching








The Tao Te Ching is a book of approximately 81 pages and is the
best-known work in Chinese literature(441).
It is the second most translated book in history, second to the Bible,
(441).
Tao Te Ching can be translated into The Book of the Way and its
Virtue, and it concentrates on teaching what is referred to as the
way, or “the Tao”(441).
Whereas Confucian precepts focus on the proper behavior of the
individual and respect for order in society, the Tao seeks harmony
(441).
The Tao gives birth to all living things, and simultaneously becomes
part of all living things. (441)
The Tao is a force that drives all things toward being in harmony with
their true nature (441).
To live accordingly with Taoist thought, a person must be close to
nature and live in simplicity and joy (441).
Wu-wei, the important concept meaning non-action, means that
instead of being competitive, ambitious, and active,a person should
just let things happen (441).
Key Concepts

Paradox– A paradox is a statement that seems contradictory but is
actually true. Paradoxes force the reader to concentrate on the
certain verse in order to solve the puzzle and understand what is
being spoken of (441)

Maxim- A maxim is a short concise statement that expresses a
general truth or rule of conduct. Maxims condense important ideas
into memorable language that gets the reader's attention. Some
maxims are phrased in a particularly pointed an witty way. is a short
concise statement that expresses a general truth or rule of conduct.
Maxims condense important ideas into memorable language that
gets the reader's attention. Some maxims are phrased in a
particularly pointed an witty way. (435)

Parallelism- Parallelism is the use of similar grammatical
constructions to express ideas that are related or equal in
importance. The parallel elements may be words, phrases,
sentences or paragraphs.(577)
Maxim
A maxim is a short concise statement that expresses a general truth or rule of conduct. Maxims
condense important ideas into memorable language that gets the reader's attention. Some
maxims are phrased in a particularly pointed an witty way. Because of their clever yet simple
structure such maxims sometimes called aphorisms – are easy to recall and memorize
Examples from the passages of the Tao Te Ching:

“If you look to others for fulfillment, you will never be fulfilled” (442).
This maxim states that if you look to others for fulfillment you will never be truly fulfilled because
you need to fulfill yourself; you need to be happy with what you are if you want others to be happy
with you. Likewise, if you look for respect, you first must respect yourself if you expect others to
respect you.

If your happiness depends on money, you will never be happy with yourself”(442).
This maxim reveals that money is only temporary and can only do so much, so if your happiness
true depends on money, you will never be happy with yourself because you will always want more
money and you never will be satisfied.

“When there is no desire, all things are at peace” (442).
When there is no desire, there also is no jealousy, nor crime. No desire brings a huge state of
peace because people can get along since material objects or other desires wont get in the way.


“Be content with what you have; rejoice in the way things are.
When you realize there is nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you” (442).
This maxim declares people should be content with what they have. When people find happiness
in what they have, then they notice the world belongs to them, nothing is lacking. A relevant quote
to compare this maxim to is “happiness is not having what you want. Happiness is wanting what
you have”
If powerful men and women could center themselves in it [the Tao], the whole world
would be transformed by itself, in its natural rhythms. People would be content with
their simple, everyday lives, in harmony, and free of desire” (442).
If people would let the natural rhythms of life, there would be no regret, no worry, no desire. People
would be happy with simple lives and they wouldn’t have that chaotic possessive ambition of an
unceasingly desire of wanting more and more.
Vocabulary





Integrity: personal honesty and uprightness (442).
Communal good: welfare of the community (443).
Chuang Tzu: A Taoist philosopher of the fourth century B.C.,
author of book (called Chuang Tzu as well) that is one of the
main works of Taoist literature (444).
Hui Tzu: a Confucian scholar and senior minister at the royal
court, with whom Chuang Tzu had a friendly rivalry with (444) .
Hao: a river in the province of Anhwei in Eastern China (444).
Parallelism
Parallelism is the use of similar grammatical constructions to express
ideas that are related or equal in importance. The parallel elements
may be words, phrases, sentences or paragraphs.
Examples
from the passages of the “Tao Te Ching”
“Fame
or integrity: which is more important?
Money or happiness: which is more valuable?
Success of failure: which is more destructive?” (442)
“If
you look to others for fulfillment, you will never be fulfilled.
If your happiness depends on money, you will never be happy with
yourself”. (442)
“The
best athlete wants his opponent at his best.
The best general enters the mind of his enemy.
The best businessman serves the communal good.
The best leader follows the will of the people”. (443)
Examples
from the “The Fish Rejoice”
“You’re no fish,” said Hui Tzu. “How could you know their joy?” (444)
“You’re no Chuang Tzu," said Chuang Tzu. “How could you know I don't
know the joy of fish?” (444)
Significance of the Tao Te Ching




The Tao Te Ching is significant because it is one of many philosophies/religions which help form
peoples’ identity and help them find meaning in their existence. It is important to know that each
of us are significant to the world, and the Tao Te Ching teaches people how to practice wu-wei
and let life take you face-to-face with your purpose so that you may complete it. The Tao Te
Ching can be interpreted in various ways. When in need of guidance, individuals could read the
passages and attempt to make sense of life, and what they should do in order to live the best
life possible (didactic literature).
The Tao Te Ching is in some aspects unexplainable. Many may wonder about the Tao and its
specific, detailed, role in this belief, but their questions remain vaguely answered.
There can be controversy on the issues raised by this work. For example, in questioning “which
is more destructive, success or failure,” failure is obviously destructive in that out of a possible
outcome, the result was negative. That is, standards or expectations where not met, and thus
that is destructive in that it can bring resentment upon the person deemed as a “failure.” It can
destroy the person, not allowing them to move on from what they failed, thus not allowing for
improvement. One can argue that success is most destructive because success inflates the ego
of man. When this occurs, the man typically becomes thirsty for more success, more power,
more control, which leads to a blind ambition and ignorance. In the given case, success is
definitely destructive, because the excess of ambition has turned into arrogance, and it is rare
that this person can be truly successful afterwards.
When discussing the maxim “when there is no desire, all things are at peace,” I would say I
disagree, because without desire, I think there is no purpose in life. Why live, if there is no
chance for advancement, no chance for change. Is peace necessarily what humans consider to
be most important?. Ironically, while forbidding oneself from desiring, to attain peace with one’s
surroundings, one is desiring Peace. Therefore the followers of Taoism are not avoiding desire,
as “ this force move[s] them in harmony with nature” (441), but they are nonetheless sublimely
working towards something, which is still “desiring.”






Significance
of
The
Fish
Rejoice
This passage makes humans wonder: do you really have
to be whatever it is you are trying to understand, in order
to understand it?
Can anything ever be completely understood by all
means possible?
The Fish Rejoice uses a simple incident, such as fish
swimming about joyfully, to pose a question that has been
asked several times and evidently, since the writing of this
story.
The passage deals with understanding. Ancient Greek
philosophers taught about the art and science of
understanding during the time of the Greek polis. The
concept of Understanding has been the point of
discussion many times around the world; this shows how
ancient peoples questioned life and desired to understand
life, and the unknown.
Hui Tzu is a Confucian scholar, adhering to the
importance of form to demarcate boundaries. Hui Tzu, in
contrast is a Taoist philosopher, emphasizing the Tao’s
versatility as a life force that indwells all things. Thus their
argument becomes that of form versus content and who
decides “correct” thought.
People in a society may attempt to understand certain
things, and they might have found it quite hard to do so.
Hence philosophy and/or religion aid society comprehend
phenomenon, especially in times of political, social, and
natural chaos.
Chinese drawing of
fish rejoicing
Courtesy of Google Images
Research



http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tao_te_ching
This website was used to research on the writing Style of
Lao-Tzu. Information on the beliefs of Taoism and the role of
Lao-Tzu in Taosim helped me understand his poem the “Tao
Te Ching”.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chuang_tzu
This page enriched me with information on Chuang-Tzu, and
his beliefs that all living thing in nature where equal. This
gained knowledge on his perspectives allowed me to
understand “The Fish Rejoice”
http://www.abichal.com/html/spirituality/lao_tzu/lao_tzu.htm
This website provided a biography on Lao-Tzu. Taoist
thought was discussed in this article and the concept of wuwei. The article also included picture of Lao-Tzu and told the
tale as to why he wrote the Tao Te Ching.
Works Cited








Applebee, Arthur N, et all. The Language of Literature. United States of America: MC
Dougal, 2003.
Abichal, "Lao Tzu." Who was Lao-Tzu?. 2003. Abichal. 21 Oct 2006
<http://www.abichal.com/html/spirituality/lao_tzu/lao_tzu.htm>.
Abichal “Lao_Tzu”. 2003. Online Image. 21 Oct 2006
<http://www.abichal.com/html/spirituality/lao_tzu/lao_tzu.htm>
Tang, You-Shan. Christ the Eternal Tao. Platina, CA: Saint Herman Press, 1999.
Unkown “Chinese Fish Wall Scroll”. Online Image. October 24, 2006.
<http://www.asianartistsonline.com/images/scrolls/wall-scroll-lg1/aIMG_3915.jpg>
Wikipedia, "Tao Te Ching." The Text: Historical authenticity. 23 Oct 2006. Wikipedia.
23 Oct 2006
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tao_te_ching#Historical_authenticity>.
Wikipedia, "Tao Te Ching." Interpretation and themes. 23 Oct 2006.
Wikipedia. 23Oct 2006
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tao_te_ching#Interpretation_and_
themes>.
Wikipedia, "Zhuangzi." The beliefs. 23 Oct 2006. Wikipedia. 23 Oct 2006
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chuang_tzu#The_beliefs>.
Question and Answer
Which of the teachings do you most agree with? Explain your choice.
I agree most with the teachings of Lao-Tzu from the Tao Te Ching. Similar to the Tao Te
Ching, I believe that ambition and the yearn for material possession is what has brought
about problems and unhappiness in people. I know that the more one person has, the
more they want, and the harder it gets to satisfy that person. Evidently, there comes to a
point when a person is unhappy with oneself or the life they live, either because they don’t
know what to live for if they already have anything they could possibly want, or nothing
seems to satisfy them anymore. On the contrary, to one who lives a simplistic life, any little
thing makes them happy, and are usually in a more harmonious mood amongst one
another. I don’t exactly agree with “the Fish Rejoice”, because I have previously noticed I
can’t fully understand something unless I’m in there shoes; or unless I am that. I can even
say I don’t fully understand myself at times, so how could one know whether or not the
fish are happy. People tend to assume things, that aren't necessarily true, and in many
circumstances, it has caused problems.
2. In Passage 37, the writer refers to “powerful men and women”. What do you think is
the Taoist attitude toward being a powerful person?
The Taoist attitude toward a powerful person is not very admiring. Taoism probably think
that powerful people are the ones who cause all the problems in the world because they
go against the Tao. Powerful men and women have many desires and goals and that
causes a lot of problems because the world is not at peace. Others viewing how
successful powerful mean and women have become, want to do the same, and once
again the Taoist beliefs are affected and not followed.
1.
Question and Answer
(continued)
3. According to your understanding of Taoist thought, what do you think are the correct answers
to the questions posed in passage 44? Explain your ideas.
-Fame or integrity: which is more important? Integrity is more important because one
has to be honest and truthful to themselves and the others surrounding them. Fame would
not be consistent with having a “simple, everyday life”(442). Also :If you look to others for
fulfillment, you will never be truly fulfilled” (442). This statement states that if you look to
others for acceptance or in hopes of gaining fame, then you will never be fulfilled; you will
only be content by being truthful to yourself (having integrity) and finding it inside of
yourself. A person will be respected and trusted by their integrity, not fame
-Money or Happiness: which is more valuable? One’s happiness is more valuable
according to Taoist thought because “if your happiness depends on money, you will never
be happy with yourself” (442). money is a desire, and when there is desire, things are not
at peace, hence there is no happiness. Happiness is more valuable than money because
it is priceless, and one can have all the money in the world and still not be satisfied.
-Success of Failure: which is more destructive? According to my understanding of
Taoist thought, Success would probably be the most destructive of the two because great
success alters the ego of the man. When a man grows too prideful, he becomes arrogant
and blind to the truths that surround him, and he slowly destroys himself because of his
ambition for power. With success, man only covets more success because of course one
is never content when they desire so much, and hence, such ignorance can easily lead to
self-destruction.
Question and Answer
(continued)
4. In passage 68, the writer speaks of competing in a “spirit of play”. What do you
think he means?
By competing in a “spirit of play”, the author means that people should compete
like children, in a happy spirited mood, like if life where just a game with no real
consequences. The writer thinks that humans should compete for mere fun, not
giving importance to winning or losing. (443)
5. Identify paradoxes. Discuss the paradoxes you identified and their meanings.
-The Tao never does anything, yet through it all things are done(442).
The Tao is a force that doesn’t do anything, its not an actual person or
action, but everything in life is done through the Tao.
All the natural process of the Earth, and interaction between humans
are all done through the Tao.
-Success of Failure: Which is more destructive?
In the eyes of Lao-Tzu, failure, which literally means destruction, is
least destructive than success. Success can create a high ego to
the man, and that will lead to blind ambition and arrogance, which is
failure. (442)
6. Reread “The Fish Rejoice” on page 444. Which of the excerpts from the Tao Te
Ching relates most closely to this tale? Support your ideas with details from the
selections.
“When there is no desire, all things are at peace””(442) relates most closely to “The Fish
Rejoice”. Similarly “Be content with what you have; rejoice in the way things
are”(412)relates the most to the poem “The Fish Rejoice”. Fishes don’t have desires,
besides surviving, eating, and probably intercourse. Since they don’t have any desires, all
things are at Peace and they can rejoice with one another. The fish are content with what
they have because they really cant use a big beautiful house, or any other material
possession, thus they “rejoice in the way things are”(442), and are happy that way.
Question and Answer
(continued)
7. Compare the passages you have read from the Tao Te Ching with the selection
from the Analects on page 437-438. How do the two schools of thought differ in
their teachings about conduct in everyday life? How do they compare in their
attitudes toward leadership and authority.
The selection of the Analects and the passages of the Tao Te Ching compare in
that they both are philosophies in life. Both stories are moral teachings that
guide one into having a happier righteous life. The two schools of thought differ
in their teachings of conduct in everyday life in that the passages from the Tao
Te Ching tell humans to allow things to happen, let the rhythms of life take you
so you can find the “way”, whereas the selection of the Analects encourages
one to act up and treat others courteously. The analects encourages one to
have humanity and allows believes that proper people should practice rituals,
from everyday manners to religious observances.(435,441)
8. How would life in modern American society change if people lived according to
Taoist teachings? Do you think the change would be for the better? Explain.
Life in modern American society would change into a dormant, withering society
if people lived according to Taoist teachings. America is all about competition
and working hard to excel in life. Thanks to the sweat, blood, and tears of our
forefathers, America has grown into a World Power. I believe the change would
be for the worse. If we would live according to Taoist thought, there would be no
advancement in technology. Technology advances and new products come out
into the market due to competition; competitors create the best projects to try to
lure consumers into buying their product. The common hope that one can
sustain a better lifestyle in the future, or that one can accomplish “The American
Dream” makes people work hard and thus advance this nation.
“The River-Merchant’s Wife: A Letter”
By: Li Po
“Still Night Thoughts”
By: Li Po
and
“Gazing at the
Lu Mountain Waterfall”
By: Li Po
A painting of Li Po
Courtesy of Google Images
Alicia Barroso
Period 6
IGCSE Class
Introduction
• The best-known poet of China is probably Li Po. He was a
romantic rebel who spent his life writing poetry, traveling
and enjoying time with his friends. (452)
• As he traveled, Li Po liked to emphasize his unique
beginnings, having been born in Asia, where his family had
gone into exile (452).
• Even though he had demonstrated great literary talent from
an early age, Li Po never took the civil-service exam which
could have earned him a government position. This is one
way in which we know the poet is a non-conformist (452).
• While Li Po spent some time as a Taoist recluse in the
mountains, he did marry at least twice and fathered children
(452).
• After being appointed poet to the T’ang capital of Ch’ang-an,
he was dismissed two years later probably due to his
“outrageous behavior” (452).
Background picture from frontpage.simnet.is
The Picture Shows Li Po traveling, something he did many times throughout his life. He went
on a famous voyage with Tu Fu and when he came back, he wrote The narrow Road to the
Deep North”, a story/poem describing his voyage to a region known as Oku.
Introduction
• Li Po became involved in political intrigue and was sent to
jail and later exiled. He was forgiven at a later time but
became sick while political chaos continued. He continued
to travel, and died from an illness while visiting a family
member in the winter of 762 (453).
• The T’ang dynasty experienced a flourishing of literature
unsurpassed by all the history of China. More than 2,200
poets where writing during the highlight of the T’ang period,
and their 49,000 poems that have survived, complete only a
portion of their fascinating work, partly due to Empress Wu
(453).
• Two major poets of the time where Li Po and Tu Fu. Ti Fu
was more formal and serious in his poetry, whereas Li Po
was energetic and unrestricted. Li Po favored poems that
would allow the writer to vary and express themselves
freely, rather than the poetic forms that required strict
regular lines and patterns (453).
• His writing topics varied, but where centered around
friendship, drinking, nature, solitude, love, and his desire
towards other places and time (453).
Key Concepts
Imagery- words and phrases the create vivid sensory
experiences for the reader.
Imagery makes the descriptions and experiences talked about in
the poems sharp and memorable (453).
Visualize – To form a mental picture from a written description.
Vivid details in a description of a scene from nature helps the
reader see the scene in their imagination (453).
Parallelism- Parallelism is the use of similar grammatical
constructions to express ideas that are related or equal in
importance. The parallel elements may be words, phrases,
sentences or paragraphs (577).
Explain/Analyze/Visualize
The River-Merchant’s Wife reveals the desires and aches of a young
woman who is married to a river merchant. Throughout her letter she speaks/writes
in a serious sorrowful tone. She begins by describing the scene in which she met
what she later refers to as her “Lord”(454). At age 14 she married her “Lord,”
revealing how in ancient times, Chinese girls where married in their teenage years.
At first there is no evident communication shown between her and her “Lord”. She
seems uncomfortable near her husband, typical of young marriages, which for the
most part, were arranged. She doesn’t appear to have much affection for her
husband until age 15, when she “stopped scowling” (454). Moreover, she states “I
desired my dust to be mingled with yours forever and forever and forever” (454).
Then at age 16, the river-merchant (her husband) goes on trips, traveling through
the river to market areas/cities, where he can trade products and purchase new ones
to profit and gain fascinating items from distant places. His departure saddens this
young wife, who after five months of waiting, expresses her sorrow by emphasizing
the time he has been away. She states “By the gate now, the moss is grown,
the different mosses, too deep to clear them
away!” (455). She evidently is eager to see him
again. She looks forward to their reunification
when she states “If you are coming down
through the narrows of the river Kaing, please
let me know beforehand, and I will come out
to meet you, as far as Cho-fu-Sa.” She wants
to know if he will come down the river, so that
she can go see him.
Scene of a River Market, where rivermerchants trade their goods.
Courtesy of Google Images
Explain/Analyze/Visualize
Still Night Thoughts depicts the speaker’s remembrance of home
as he looks at the moon. One interpretation could be that the speaker
remembers the climatic conditions of the location he considers his home
(snowy/frosty) as when he “mistakes the moonlight for frost in the
ground”(456), and this brings back memories of home. One can visualize the
character rapidly lifting his head with enthusiasm and illusion, hoping to
discover that he is at home, or at least nearby similar to the lit-up face of a
little boy when running to the Christmas tree on a Christmas morning, and
hoping to see what wonderful gifts “Santa has brought for him”. After noticing
the bright moon and realizing he “mistook the moonlight for frost”, the
character is disappointed and saddened. He lowers his head, similar to
when a one hears horrible grieving news, such as hearing of the death of a
loved one. He dreams of home, probably in a frigid climate, revealing that
while he can’t have it in reality, he might as well enjoy it in his dreams.
Courtesy of www.chinese-poems.com
The image to the left shows
the poem Still Night
Thoughts in its original
form, traditional Chinese. It
also includes a phonetic in
English.
Explain/Analyze/Visualize
Gazing at the Lu Mountain Waterfall talks
about the adoration the speaker has for this natural
setting. Li Po shows deep admiration for the river
because of its purity, and he supports this by stating
“there the world’s dust [is] rinsed from my face”(457).
The same admiration is not extended to mankind,
however. He appears to be escaping “that peopled
world forever” (457). Given what we know of Li Po, the
speaker of the poem may be voicing the author’s
disagreement with the complexity of civilization. As a
Taoist recluse, Li Po did find solitude in the mountains
preferable for some time during his life. Perhaps he
felt that spending time alone with nature may bring him
closer to it. The speaker makes the river seem powerful
when saying he “looks up into force churning in
strength (the waterfall), all power, the very workings of
Creation” (457). He relates the power to the very
workings of Creation, possibly suggesting the river and
its dashing strength takes part in the workings of
Creation. In this way, the Force, or Tao, is the power of
creation, working through all living things. It is obvious
that the speaker believes the most important
relationship one can ever have is with nature. He
proves his love for nature when declaring “I’ll stay close
to what I’ve always loved”(457).
The image above shows the Lu
Mountain Waterfall in Japan.
Courtesy of Google Images
Imagery

Imagery- words and phrases the create vivid sensory experiences for the reader.
Imagery is used by Poets to allow the reader to quickly grasp details such as sights
and sounds and easily comprehend them.
 Examples from “The River-Merchant’s Wife: A Letter”:
“My hair was still cut straight across my forehead”(454)
-shows that the character still has a simple child haircut, not a detailed one, which is
more suitable for a young woman.
“I never laughed, being bashful”(454)
-shows character is shy, or perhaps uncomfortable with her husband, probably
because it was an arranged marriage or because she is so young.
“I desired my dust to be mingled with yours” (454)
-The character matures, and now feels attraction towards her husband and wants to
be with him now. She now feels in need of him and wants to be with him forever.
“You dragged your feet when you went out”(455)
-Her husband the river-Merchant does not seem like he wanted to leave his wife
behind, or did not seem eager to depart and this voyage. He has feelings for her and
cares for her, he doesn’t want to leave her alone.”
 Examples from “Gazing at the Lu Mountain Waterfall”:
“Here the World’s dust is cleansed from my face”(457)
-Reveals the purity of the river and nature and the adoration the speaker has for the
River
“The heart grows rich with repose”(457)
-Describes the calmness the speaker experiences when looking at the waterfall
while visiting Lu Mountain
”Sudden as lightning breaking into flight, its white rainbow of mystery appears.”*457) The speed of the water falling from the waterfall is fast like lightning in the sky
Visualize
Visualize – To form a mental picture from a written description. Vivid details in
a description of a scene from nature helps the reader see the scene in their
imagination.(453)
Examples from “The River-Merchant’s Wife: A Letter”:
“By the gate now, the moss is grown, the different mosses, Too deep to clear them
away!” (455)
-Since he has not come back, the gate is untouched, and thus moss is growing off it. He
has been a way for so long that the different mosses are too deep to be cleared away
of. She probably didn’t go out much, she most likely stayed home, pondering upon the
arrival of her husband.
Examples from “Gazing at the Lu Mountain Waterfall”:
”Sudden as lightning breaking into flight, its white rainbow of mystery appears. Afraid at
first the celestial Star River is falling, splitting and dissolving into clouds of heaven, I look
up into force churning in strength, all power, the very working of creation.” (457)
-One can visualize the water rapidly pounding down the waterfall. The view is as
amazing as the celestial Star River, the Milky Way. The water dissolves into clouds of
heaven which is the mist at the bottom of the waterfall. The force of the falling water is
extremely strong, its even compared to the Force of the very working of creation.
Vocabulary
Chokan: a town near Nanking in eastern China, located on China’s longest
river, the Yangtze River (454)
“Why should I climb the look out”: a reference to the story of a young wife
who spent years in a tower, watching for the return of her departed husband
(454)
Ku-to-en: a marrow dangerous section of the Yangtze, far up river from the
Chlkan (454)
Eddies: whirlpools (454)
River Kiang: the Yangtze River (455)
Cho-fu-Sa: “Long Wind Beach” several hundred miles upriver from Chlkan
(455)
Incense-Burner Peak: a peak of Lu Mountain in China’s Kiangsi province.
Seeking to escape a war in his home region, Li Po moved to a town near Lu
Mountain for a time (455)
Celestial Star River: the milky way (455)
Repose: rest; calm (455)
Elixirs of immortality: magic potions with the power to make people live
forever (455)
Examples of Parallelism
Parallelism is the use of similar grammatical constructions to
express ideas that are related or equal in importance. The
parallel elements may be words, phrases, sentences or
paragraphs.
Examples:
“At fourteen I married My Lord you…” (454)
“At fifteen I stopped scowling…” (454)
“At sixteen you departed…” (454)
“Forever and forever and forever”(454)
Significance of
The River-Merchants Wife: A Letter
The letter “written” by a river-merchant's wife is
significant because it allows others in a similar
situation to relate to her sorrow and feelings. The
letter reveals a typical life of a river-merchant’s
wife. In her letter to him, she reminisces the time
they first met. She thinks of their past, when they
where physically together, when they married, and
finally, she remembers his departure. She freely
portrays her agony for his being away. This shows
the dependency of women on men in past times.
She repeatedly refers to her husband as her “Lord,”
and this epithet demonstrates the relationship
between a man and his wife in past times; the man
was more powerful and important than the woman,
and held control over her. The couple was married
when she was 14, an extremely young age for
present time in America, but in ancient times,
young marriages where common, especially
arranged marriages. Her husband was probably
much older than she was, also true of ancient
cultures.
The sketch above is a picture
of a young Chinese married
couple in the late 19-th century
Courtesy of Augustpoetry.org
Significance of Still Night Thoughts
This poem is significant because it shows the loneliness/solitude of one’s thoughts when
we have time to ponder. It demonstrates how people often dream of better lives or good
things. Right before a person goes to sleep they think about something they love, be it a
lover, family, or God. The process of staring up into the sky when thinking is significant
because back then the sky was quite unknown compared to all the information we have now.
Hence, people would look up to the heavens when they had some sort of question or desire.
They would look up in hope that whoever/whatever was up there would listen, or that they
could figure out what they where unsure of. Per the introduction to this work, the moon is of
great significance to Li Po. One third of his poems are based on the moon.
The MOON IS… The fact that the speaker mistook the moonlight with frost shows
that, sometimes people see what they want to see. We might believe what we want to believe
and try to disguise the truth. When the speaker lifts up his head, he is doing so to check if
what he took for frost really is frost. His expression might be similar to that of a person who is
eager to open a birthday present and see what it is. When he notices he mistook the
moonlight for frost, the speaker seems quite bummed out and disappointed; he lays his head
down, similar to the reaction of a little kid who’s dad keeps missing his soccer games.
Nonetheless, the speaker does not lose hope and he dreams about home. It is important for
man to retain hope. Even when one undergoes temporary suffering, one does so with a
bigger picture in mind; The person hopes for a better future. Without hope, no one would
have the strength to keep on going, nor would they find much purpose to life.
Significance of
“Gazing at Lu Mountain Waterfall”
“Gazing at Lu Mountain Waterfall” is significant in that it shows the valuable
connection with nature valued by many followers of Taoism. This poem reveals
the ideal relationship between a human and the world’s natural environment. The
speaker reveals his adoration and love towards nature, as well as his desire to
stay with it when saying ”I’ll stay close to what I’ve always loved, content to leave
that peopled world forever” (457) The author believes nature is pure; he prefers
being in solitude rather than in the peopled world, corrupt, chaotic, and impure.
We see evidence of this preference in that “the world’s dust (the dirtiness of the
sinful human world) [is] rinsed from my face (the river is pure and thus cleans the
soul)” (457). The lines, “climbing west towards Incense-Burner Peak” and
“hanging there, three thousand feet high”(457) in the passage emphasize Li Po’s
effort to get to this beautiful scene.
Lu Mountain’s waterfall is spectacularly beautiful in the eyes of Li Po. Li Po
writes about the cascade which such emotion and enthusiasm. He notices the
importance of the Tao. The speaker states “It keeps ocean winds blowing
ceaselessly, shines a mountain moon back into empty space, empty space it
tumbles and sprays through, rinsing green cliffs on both sides, sending pearls in
flight scattering into mist and whitewater seething into towering rock” (457). Li Po
admires the river for its strength too, he compares the great force of the river to
the force of Creation.
Background Image shows the Yangtze River in china, which passes through Lu Mountain
Courtesy of: China Discovery Tours Website
Research
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Li_Bai
In this website, I researched information over Li Po (Li Bai). There I found a
biography on Li Po, which talked about his constant traveling and
mentioned many of his poetic works.
http://www.eliteskills.com/analysis_poetry/Gazing_at_the_Cascade_on_Lu_
Mountain_by_Li_Po_analysis.php
This website was about the poem “Gazing at the Lu Mountain Waterfall”. It
analyzed parts of the poem and there I noticed differences in the wording of
the poems depending on the source. I concluded translations are only so
correct, and thus the meaning of poems can be easily misinterpreted or
confusing.
http://nation.ittefaq.com/artman/publish/article_30612.shtml
This website supplied information on Taoism and human relationships with
nature. It said the old Chinese term stating “ a picture is worth a thousand
words” means everyone views a picture of painting differently, depending on
the ability of people to convey the intentional message, and thus 1000 ideas
or words can be thought up of to explain the one painting or picture. In
addition it talked about the emphasis in nature, human relations with nature,
literal interpretation of nature, and spiritual reflections.
Works Cited
Applebee, Arthur N, et all. The Language of Literature. United States of America: MC
Dougal, 2003.
Bachman, Bill. “Busy Water Market River” 2006. Online Image.
October 22, 2006.
<www.painetworks.com/pages2/hf/hf1375.html>
Bohrn, Jon. “Young Married Couple” 2004. Online Image. October 24,2006”
<www.augustpoetry.org/passage/river_merchant.htm>
China Discovery Tours. “Yangtze River”.Online Image. October 24,2006
<http://www.chinadiscoverytours.com/image/2005Yangtze-river-1_lg.jpg>
Buckler, McKay Hill. "A History of World Societies." 4th. 1999. Houghton Mifflin.
23 Oct 2006
Khan, S.A.. "Art and Culture ." Nature in Chinese Paintings. 06 09 2006.
The
New Nation. 24 Oct 2006
<http://nation.ittefaq.com/artman/publish/article_30612.shtml>.
Wikipedia, "Li Bai." Biography. 23 Oct 2006. Wikipedia. 23 Oct 2006
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Li_Bai>.
Wikipedia, "Li Bai." Poetry. 23 Oct 2006. Wikipedia. 23 Oct 2006
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Li_Bai>.
"seething." Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.0.1). Based on the Random
House
Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2006. 23
Oct. 2006.
<http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/seething>
Question and Answer
1. Which of these poems appealed to you the most?
“The River-Merchants Wife: A Letter”, was most appealing to me. The reason
why it was appealing was because I know how it is to miss someone you love,
and at times, you feel helpless. I could easily understand an relate to this poem.
-In “The River-Merchants Wife: A Letter”, why is the wife writing a letter?
The wife is writing a letter to her husband saying how much she misses him and
she tells him to notify her in advance if he is coming down through the narrows of
the river Kiang, so that she can meet him, wherever it is that he is (455).
-In “Still Night Thoughts”, what does the speaker say the moonlight looks like?
The speaker says the moonlight looks like frost.(456)
-What kind of scene does the poet describe in “Gazing at the Lu Mountain
Waterfall”?
The Poet describes beautiful scene, that is pure and majestic.
2. How would you describe the relationship between the speaker of “The River-
Merchant’s Wife: A Letter” and her husband?
-There seems to be an emptiness between them, could be the distance. They
have known each other for only 3 or 4 years, yet have such a strong attraction for
each other. They evidently care about each other. We can see the husband
reluctantly leaves his home, when the speaker states “You dragged your feet
when you went out” (455). The letter she writes to him is the telling of her soul.
She is eager to know if he’ll becoming down the river again so that she can meet
up with him (455), because she cant stand being apart for so long. She loves her
husband because she waits for him and only has space for one man in her heart,
her Lord.
Question and Answer
3. What do you think are the speaker’s feelings in “Still Night Thoughts”?
The speaker feels homesick. He probably lives in a frigid climate in China, and
misses his home. Looking at the moonlight, he thought it was frost, and was
happy because it reminded him of his home. Noticing it wasn’t frost, he put his
head down and dreamt of his home.
4. In “Gazing at the Lu Mountain Waterfall”, what effect does seeing the waterfall
have on the speaker?
The waterfall impresses and offsets the speaker. The speaker is delighted by the
marvels of the waterfall and the river and the force of the falling water when it
pounds and seeps through the cracks on the rocks. The speaker is happy to be
there, with the purity of the river, and wants to stay there, instead of in the
peopled world.
5. How did visualizing the scenes in these poems help you understand the
experiences being described?
Visualizing the scenes in these poems helped me to understand the experience
being described because I was able to picture myself in China, centuries ago, at
the scene, and in the shoes of the speaker. I placed myself in the situation, and
considered many details in the poem, and lived that moment described by the
speaker. If one doesn’t visualize the scene, then they wont come even close to
feeling what the speaker felt at the moment, or feeling the impulse, or reason, as
to why the speaker wrote the poem.
Question and Answer
6. Look again at “Mulberry on the Lowland” from the book of Odes. What
similarities and differences are there between the feelings of the speaker in that
poem and those of the speaker in “The River-Merchant’s Wife: A Letter”?
Both speakers are talking about their husband, which they are deeply in
love. Both speakers emphasize the adoration and immeasurable love for
what they both refer to as their “Lord”. The speakers feelings are different in
that in “Mulberry on the Lowland" the speaker is joyful and happy. She is
thrilled to see her love and she freely expresses how in love she is. On the
other hand in “The River-Merchant’s Wife: A Letter”, the speaker is sad and going
through a time of sorrow because she has been apart from her husband for 5 months
and counting. She isn't that open on her love for her Lord, but by using the literary
devices and precise word usage, she portrays the her strong affection for her Lord
and her desperate state of need to be with him. (447,454-455)
7. In much of Li Po’s poetry. Nature is a source of renewal and serenity. How do
people in today’s world view nature?
Today, some view nature as a thing of the past. They are extremely high
tech, and make no room for nature or anything that doesn’t require a plug or
battery. Many have become to high class to be around living things like
lizards, mosquitoes and others pests, or are afraid of them, since they lack
on knowledge on how to react and deal with animals. Others are protectors
of nature, and look towards nature as a place where they can relax and
spend some time alone. In today’s modern society, we hardly have time to
take care of ourselves, and people take outdoor trips to cleanse their minds,
and even their lungs from the intoxications of pollution in the city.