Pham Hong Minh – 1624900

Assignment for Session 4

Confucius
1. Confucius' "The Analects" are a collection of his teachings and conversations
emphasizing moral and ethical principles, appropriate behavior, and the importance of
personal development. It promotes "ren" (benevolence) as the foundation of a
peaceful community and encourages the cultivation of virtues, filial piety, and the
pursuit of knowledge. The literature emphasizes the importance of learning from the
past, cultivating respectful relationships, and embracing social peace through personal
development and moral conduct.

2. The Analects place a strong emphasis on education and study. Confucius emphasizes
the value of education and the pursuit of knowledge as a lifelong activity. He believes
that education is essential for character development, self-improvement, and personal
growth. Education should be valued highly, and people should strive to constantly
broaden their understanding of the world.The Analects emphasize the importance of
self-reflection and self-cultivation with regard to oneself. Confucius advises people to
reflect on their lives, constantly improve themselves, and cultivate virtues such as
humility, sincerity, and righteousness. One should constantly reflect on oneself and
strive for moral greatness.The Analects emphasize the importance of interpersonal
relationships and social harmony with those around them. Confucius emphasizes the
virtues of filial piety, respect for elders, and appropriate behavior in social situations.
Treating people with compassion, empathy, and respect can help to promote peaceful
relationships within the family, community, and society as a whole. The Analects
encourages people to consider other people's needs and interests, instilling a sense of
civic duty and moral behavior in all social interactions.

Laozi
1. The textbook's excerpts from the Daodejing present contrasting concepts and their
relationships. Here are some examples:
- Dao (The Way) and De(Virtue): The Dao concept represents the natural order of the
universe and serves as the foundation of existence. In contrast, "de" refers to moral
strength or virtue. Dao and De are shown to be complementary and linked to one
another. Aligning with the Dao leads to the development of De and the embodiment of
virtue.
- Wei (Action) and Wuwei (Non-action): Wuwei refers to effortless or spontaneous
behavior that lacks force or unnecessary effort. In contrast, wei refers to deliberate
activity or intentional effort. Wuwei and Wei's relationship demonstrates that mastery
comes from knowing when to act and when not to act. Wuwei can help individuals
develop balance and harmony in their behaviors.
- Hardness and Softness: The Daodejing emphasizes the importance of being flexible
and soft, rather than rigid and hard. Water's softness is said to stem from its ability to
 adapt, flow, and overcome obstacles. Hardness refers to resistance and rigidity. The
relationship between softness and hardness suggests that adaptability and flexibility
can help overcome obstacles and achieve harmony.
- Yin and Yang: Yin and Yang symbolize the dualistic nature of existence. Yang
represents light, activity, and the masculine principle, while Yin symbolizes darkness,
inactivity, and the feminine principle. Yin and Yang are portrayed as complementary
and interdependent, with each containing the seed of the other. Harmony can be
achieved by maintaining equilibrium between the two opposing forces.

2. In chapter III of the Daodejing, "no action" refers to the concept of wu-wei, which
involves acting naturally and spontaneously in accordance with the Dao's natural flow,
without using force or fighting.

3. In excerpts from the Daodejing, the author uses antithesis to convey philosophical
ideas and deep insights. These excerpts include some of the following details: The
author contrasts hardness and softness, emphasizing the importance of softness in
overcoming stiffness and promoting adaptability and resilience. The author
emphasizes the value of silence as a source of peace and insight, contrasting it with
the world's distractions. The author explores the relationship between non-action and
action, concluding that true efficacy is found in non-activity, which is a natural and
unforced approach that aligns with natural progression. The author argues that being
flexible and adaptable, rather than aggressive, can lead to greater strength and
resilience. The author contrasts simplicity and complexity, arguing that simplicity
leads to clarity and connection with the fundamental principles of existence.

Zhuangzi
1. Chapter 1:
- The story of the cicada and the dove.
- The story of the butcher Ding.

Chapter 2:
- The story of Zhuangzi and the butterfly.
- The metaphor of the fish trap.

2. The fable of the cicada and the dove in chapter 1 emphasizes the value of accepting
change and transformation. The story of Butcher Ding highlights the importance of
skillful action and the uncarved block, which represents a natural and unconditioned
state of being. Chapter 2's story of Zhuangzi and the Butterfly questions the difference
between reality and illusion. The metaphor of the fish trap emphasizes letting go of
worldly desires and attachments. Zhuangzi's fables and metaphors teach philosophical
lessons about accepting change, cultivating inner harmony, questioning reality, and
detaching from worldly pursuits to achieve spiritual liberation and understanding.
Aristotle
1.
- Tragedy, as defined by Aristotle, is an imitation of a serious, complete, and
magnitudeful action, using embellished language in different parts, in the mode of
action rather than narration, and evoking emotions such as pity and fear through
catharsis.
- A tragedy can cleanse the audience's emotions and provide a sense of moral reflection.

2. According to Aristotle, the main characteristics of a tragedy are to elicit emotional

responses from the audience, the plot should have a clear beginning, middle, and end,
including a reversal of fortune (peripeteia) and a moment of recognition (anagnorisis).
Character is the protagonist should be noble or virtuous with a tragic flaw (hamartia)
that causes their downfall. The character's actions and choices should align with their
nature. Tragedy should explore universal themes and raise moral and philosophical
questions to engage audiences' intellects. A tragedy's language should be appropriate
for the characters and convey emotions effectively. Poetic and vivid language can
elicit an emotional response from the audience. According to Aristotle, music and
spectacle are not as important as other elements, but they can still enhance the overall
experience. Music should support the emotional tone, while spectacle can add visual
impact and enhance the dramatic effect.

3. Aristotle defined a city state as a multitude of citizens. It is made up of statesmen or

rulers, legislators, and a specific organization of a city-state's inhabitants. A citizen in
an Anthenian democracy is someone who is able to participate in deliberative and
judicial offices.

Writing
THE NORTON ANTHOLOGY OF WORLD LITERATURE VOLUMES A – B - C (2018).
Excerpt from Aristotle’s Poetics. In Le Nguyen Long, textbook for course ENG-2205: World
Literature I (before 1660) (pp. 1102-1106). W. W. Norton & Company. New York. London.
THE NORTON ANTHOLOGY OF WORLD LITERATURE VOLUMES A – B - C (2018).
Excerpt from Aristotle’s Politics. In Le Nguyen Long, textbook for course ENG-2205: World
Literature I (before 1660) (Supplement readings). W. W. Norton & Company. New York.
London
THE NORTON ANTHOLOGY OF WORLD LITERATURE VOLUMES A – B - C (2018).
Excerpt from Confucius. In Le Nguyen Long, textbook for course ENG-2205: World
Literature I (before 1660) (pp. 1326-1333). W. W. Norton & Company. New York. London
THE NORTON ANTHOLOGY OF WORLD LITERATURE VOLUMES A – B - C (2018).
Excerpt from Daodejing/Laozi. In Le Nguyen Long, textbook for course ENG-2205: World
Literature I (before 1660) (pp. 1340-1349). W. W. Norton & Company. New York. London.
THE NORTON ANTHOLOGY OF WORLD LITERATURE VOLUMES A – B - C (2018).
Excerpt from Zhuangzi. In Le Nguyen Long, textbook for course ENG-2205: World
Literature I (before 1660) (pp. 1369-1382). W. W. Norton & Company. New York. London