ST. MARK COLLEGE of baliuag, Bulacan, inc.

JP. Rizal St. Sta. Barbara, Baliuag Bulacan

Email: stmark04@yahoo.com | Tel. No. 305-5264

Name: ___________________________
Grade and Section: __________________
Module Number: 13 ENGLISH 8
Date: ___________________________

LITERATURE OF CHINA

China, officially called the People's Republic of China, is the world's most populous country and
occupies one fifth of the continens of Asia. China can boast of having one of the oldest
civilizations the world and possesses one of the world's major literary tradition Chinese literature
is considered among the world's oldest and greatest literature, and its literary texts have been
intact for over thousands of years. Hieroglyphics (sacred writings or symbols or picture writings
were used in the shang dynasty of 1700-1050 BC. The Share dynasty was the first dynasty for
which there is historical record and archaeological hieroglyphics on oracle bones and bronze
ware. The hieroglyphics later evolved into Chinese characters. Much of Chinese literature was
composed using Classical Chinese language. Writers of the Qing dynasty studied very ancient
writings in the original written language.

Chinese literature is complex as many writers live in various eras and countries. The reverence of
the Chinese to their past influenced the preservation of important literary works and cultural
sources Chinese literature is extensive and includes books of philosophy, tales historical
documents, letters, lyrics, drama, and other forms. Religion (Confucianism, Taoism, and
Buddhism) played an important role in ancient Chinese literature. The Chinese engaged in the
practice of collecting and reproducing literary works, and this carried the tradition of transmitting
their literary tradition.

The period between the 6th and 4th century BC was the Classy Period in Chinese Literature.
This was also the time when Greek and Roman literature flourished in Europe. Philosophical
literature was abundant. Most of ancient Chinese literary works were expressions of political
philosophy and imparted moral lessons to the people. The Confucian Classics, early Taoist
writings, and other prose works originated in the Zhou dynasty era. Wu Ching or The Five
Classic was the basis of Confucianism. It consists of I Ching or Yi King (Books of Changes);
the Shu Ching or Shu King (Book of Historica Documents); Li Chi or Li Ki (Book of Rites and
Ceremonies); Sh ching or Shi King (Book of Poetry); and Ch'un-ch'iu (Annals Spring and
Autumn).

The principles of Confucianism were embodied in The Fi Classics. The greatest Chinese
philosopher of the period was Confucius or Kung Fu Tzu (551-479 BC), who was considered
the founder of Chinese literature. Confucius' interests went beyo religion and professed social,
ethical, and political doctrines that the
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Chinese adopted as their way of life. The Four Books include The Analects of Confucius (a
book of sayings by Confucius recorded by his disciples), Mencius (a collection of political
dialogues of Mencius) The Doctrine of the Mean, and The Great Learning (a book about
education, self-cultivation, and the Dao).

The Analects is a book of 24 chapters composed of the sayings of Confucius. The impact of
Confucianism was not only felt by the Chinese but had fascinated the people of the world

The emperor of the Qin dynasty ordered the burning of books and many other literary documents
but allowed the preservation of books on scientific subjects like medicine and agriculture
Perhaps the contribution of the Qin dynasty to Chinese literature 18 the standardization of the
written Classical Language, which controlled society and helped to facilitate clear
communication among the Chinese people of the different provinces. Li Si was a minister of the
Qin emperor who introduced a writing system that later evolved into modern Chinese writing.

The Qin dynasty was overthrown by a former peasant leader who established the Han dynasty.
There was a revival of Confucianism The legalism philosophy of Li Si of the Qin dynasty and
the dogma of Confucianism became the official ideology of the Han dynasty. Historical texts and
scientific works were the Han dynasty's major literary contributions to China. One of the
important historical texts was the Historical Records by Sima Qian. The first person who was
believed to create writing paper as an important means of written communication was Cai Lun,
a member of the Imperial Court. Buddhism was introduced in China from India during the period
of the Han dynasty. Poetry was the major literary genre of Chinese literature during that era. It
continued to dominate the literary scene for the next thousands of years. Verses consist of early
folk songs or shi (shih), described as rhymed couplets having the harmony of sound.

LaoTse or Lao-Tzu (604 BC) expressed the ways of Taoism in the book Tao Te Ching (The
Way of Life). Taoism as a way of life advocated refraining from social obligations and living a
simple life that is close to nature. As early as the sixth century BC, songs and dances with
gestures comprised Chinese religious rites Free dramatic productions were staged by trade
guilds. Stages where these dramatic presentations were held had no embellishments, only the
colorful and expensive costumes of the actors could be seen. Private performances of drama
were sponsored by powerful and rich patrons. The early Chinese drama can be characterized as
having a weak plot and very simple. Chinese plays were categorized only as "civil" or "military.”