Chinese Literature 2

Module 5
CHINESE LITERATURE
https://www.history.com/topics/china/china-timeline
Jannette P. De la Cruz
Learning Objectives
At the end of this module, the student will be able to:
1. explain the history of Chinese literature;
2. describe the five Confucian classics; and
3. learn the philosophy and teachings of the eminent Chinese
philosopher, Confucius.
Introduction
• The Chinese literature remains a hidden seam in the rich
strata of Chinese culture. As a matter of fact, it is a treasure
of a very considerable number of brilliant and profound work
as each dynasty, in the long history of China, has passed
down its legacy of magnificent events and works.
https://www.pinterest.ph/pin/547820742163613473/
• For 3500 years, the Chinese have woven a variety of genres
and forms encompassing poetry, essays, fiction and drama;
each in its own way reflecting the social climate of its day
through the high spirit of art.
• Chinese literature has its own values and tastes, its own
reigning cultural tradition and its own critical system of
theory.
https://www.slideshare.net/kristhelcchi/world-literature-literature-of-china-kmb0
Chinese Poets
• “Who are some Chinese poets of note?”
• “Who are the most famous poets from China?”
• These prominent poets of China may not be currently alive,
but what they all have in common is that they’re respected
Chinese poets.
https://www.theworldofchinese.com/2014/06/chinas-greatest-poets/
Chinese Poets
• Wang Wei (699-759)
• Chinese painter and poet.
• A figure of legendary stature is considered the founder of the pure
landscape style of painting and was one of the masters of lyric verse in
the T’ang dynasty.
• Became the master of four-line “new style”.
• His poems produced calmness and restraints characteristics of
Buddhism.
• Established as one of the
greatest poets in Chinese
Literature.
https://www.slideserve.com/hilda-rivera/wang-wei
• Wang Wei later works are:
The Cold Mountain

The cold mountain turns dark green
The autumn stream flows murmuring on.
Leaning on my staff beneath the wicket gate,
In the rushing wind I hear the cry of the aged cicada.
Departure
I have just seen you go down the mountain.
I close the wicket gate in the setting sun.
The grass will be green again in the coming spring,
But will the wanderer ever return?
• Li Po (701-762)
• Also known as Li Bai, a Chinese poet living during the Tang
Dynasty.
• He is often referred to as the “saint of wine” or the “drunken
saint”.
• He has the ability to improvise poems after drinking.
• Often regarded, along with
Du Fu, as one of the two
greatest poets in China's
literary history.
• Legend has it that he died at
63, on a lake.
https://www.newyorker.com/books/page-turner/ha-jins-self-revealing-study-of-the-chinese-poet-li-bai
• An example of his work would be the typically titled “Drinking Alone in
the Moonlight”:
Drinking Alone in the Moonlight
If heaven had no love for wine.
There would be no wine star in Heaven;
If earth had no love for wine
There would be no city called wine springs.
Since heaven and earth love wine
I can love wine without shaming Heaven.
They say that clear wine is a saint,
Thick wine follows the way of the sage.
I have drunk deep of saint and sage;
What need then to study the spirits and fairies?
With three cups I penetrate the Great Tao.
Take a whole jugful-I and the world are one.
Such things as I have dreamed in wine
Shall never be told to be sober.
• Tu Fu (710- 70)
• Also known as Du Fu.
• Regarded by many as one of the greatest Chinese poets.
• Influenced by Taoist philosophy and by the poet of Li Po.
• Raised according to Confucian tradition in family known for its
scholarly interest.
• Became known for his poem about war and bitter human experiences.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Du_Fu
• Typical of some of Tu Fu’s later work is:
The Empty Purse

The bitter pine cone may be eaten,
This mist on high give nourishment.
The whole world takes to go-and-getting;
My way alone is difficult:
My oven is cold as the well at morning,
And the bed wants warmth from coverlets;
My pursue ashamed to be found empty,
Still keeps on hand a single coin.
• Po Chu (772-864)
• One of the greatest writers of the T’ang dynasty, which is re-owned for
its poetry.
• A government official, held various post, starting in the palace library
and rising to become a provincial governor.
• He retired from public life as major of Luoyang.
• His poetry was extremely popular in how own time; its elegantly
simple style attracts readers.
https://www.ndbooks.com/author/po-chu-i/
• Some of Po Chu’s later work is:
To the Distant One

I try to forget, but it is in vain.
I try to go, but I have no way.
There are no wings on my axles,
My head is covered with white hairs.
I sit and watch the leaves falling,
Or go up to the top of the tower.
Shades hover in boundless twilight.
A vast sadness come to my eyes.
*****
Poetry has consistently been held in extremely high regard in

China, often incorporating expressive folk influences filtered
through the minds of Chinese literation. In Chinese culture,
poetry has provided a format and a forum for both public
and private expressions of deep emotion, offering an
audience of peers, readers, and scholars insight into the
inner life of Chinese writers across more than two millennia.
If you have some concerns
concerning the module, please bring
them up with your professor for
clarifications and further
discussions.
This ends the lesson. Meet
you online next time. Thank
you.

Chinese Literature 2

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Chinese Literature 2

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Module 5

The Cold Mountain

The Empty Purse

To the Distant One

Poetry has consistently been held in extremely high regard in

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