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Questions and Answers
What is the main theme of Leong Liew Geok's poetry?
What is the main theme of Leong Liew Geok's poetry?
Which anthology did Leong Liew Geok edit that features Singaporean women writers?
Which anthology did Leong Liew Geok edit that features Singaporean women writers?
How many volumes of poetry has Koh Buck Song published?
How many volumes of poetry has Koh Buck Song published?
What year was the anthology edited by Leong Liew Geok published?
What year was the anthology edited by Leong Liew Geok published?
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In what field does Leong Liew Geok work in addition to her poetry?
In what field does Leong Liew Geok work in addition to her poetry?
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Which poet was recognized with the Cultural Medallion in 1985?
Which poet was recognized with the Cultural Medallion in 1985?
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Which play did Heng Siok Tian stage in 1991?
Which play did Heng Siok Tian stage in 1991?
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What was the title of Edwin Thumboo's first poem?
What was the title of Edwin Thumboo's first poem?
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Which poet's work includes strong references to the Catholic religion?
Which poet's work includes strong references to the Catholic religion?
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What was the first publication of Ho Poh Fun's short story?
What was the first publication of Ho Poh Fun's short story?
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What is a notable characteristic of Leong Liew Geok's stance in her writings?
What is a notable characteristic of Leong Liew Geok's stance in her writings?
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Who was the founding President of the Society of Singapore Writers from 1976 to 1981?
Who was the founding President of the Society of Singapore Writers from 1976 to 1981?
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Which of the following poets has won the Montblanc-NUS Centre for the Arts Literary Award?
Which of the following poets has won the Montblanc-NUS Centre for the Arts Literary Award?
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What is the predominant mode of expression in Singapore writing emerging post-independence?
What is the predominant mode of expression in Singapore writing emerging post-independence?
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Which poet published a collection of poems titled 'Only Lines' in 1971?
Which poet published a collection of poems titled 'Only Lines' in 1971?
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Which poet's poem 'Grandfather' was used by the University of Cambridge International Examinations Board?
Which poet's poem 'Grandfather' was used by the University of Cambridge International Examinations Board?
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Which languages are represented in the literature of Singapore?
Which languages are represented in the literature of Singapore?
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What recognition did Tan Swie Hian achieve in 1987?
What recognition did Tan Swie Hian achieve in 1987?
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Which of the following themes is NOT associated with Kuo Pao Kun's plays?
Which of the following themes is NOT associated with Kuo Pao Kun's plays?
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Which poet is known for their poem collections 'Prism' and '5'?
Which poet is known for their poem collections 'Prism' and '5'?
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What characterizes the poetry of the late 1980s and early 1990s Singaporean poets?
What characterizes the poetry of the late 1980s and early 1990s Singaporean poets?
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Which of the following works did Simon Tay's novel 'City of Small Blessings' achieve?
Which of the following works did Simon Tay's novel 'City of Small Blessings' achieve?
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What notable contribution did Kuo Pao Kun make to Singapore theatre?
What notable contribution did Kuo Pao Kun make to Singapore theatre?
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What achievement is Tan Swie Hian known for besides his award recognition?
What achievement is Tan Swie Hian known for besides his award recognition?
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Who is recognized as the author of the first true Singaporean novel?
Who is recognized as the author of the first true Singaporean novel?
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What literary form flourished in Singapore before the novel became prominent?
What literary form flourished in Singapore before the novel became prominent?
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Which of the following writers was a vital force in the local theatre renaissance in the 1980s and 1990s?
Which of the following writers was a vital force in the local theatre renaissance in the 1980s and 1990s?
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What is the title of the first published book by Catherine Lim?
What is the title of the first published book by Catherine Lim?
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What period in Japanese literature corresponds to the early modern era?
What period in Japanese literature corresponds to the early modern era?
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Which ancient writer is known for their work on the Kojiki?
Which ancient writer is known for their work on the Kojiki?
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What type of works does ancient Japanese literature primarily deal with?
What type of works does ancient Japanese literature primarily deal with?
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Which work is the second oldest book of Japanese history?
Which work is the second oldest book of Japanese history?
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What is the significance of the Man'yōshū in Japanese literature?
What is the significance of the Man'yōshū in Japanese literature?
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Which period is referred to as the golden age of classical literature in Japan?
Which period is referred to as the golden age of classical literature in Japan?
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What unique title is often attributed to the Tale of Genji?
What unique title is often attributed to the Tale of Genji?
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During which period did renga poetry see its rise?
During which period did renga poetry see its rise?
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What was the primary literary focus during the Medieval period in Japan?
What was the primary literary focus during the Medieval period in Japan?
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What type of literature does the term yomihon refer to?
What type of literature does the term yomihon refer to?
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What characterizes kabuki as a traditional Japanese art form?
What characterizes kabuki as a traditional Japanese art form?
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Which newer literary genres emerged during the early modern period of Japan?
Which newer literary genres emerged during the early modern period of Japan?
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What is the primary focus of absurdist fiction?
What is the primary focus of absurdist fiction?
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Which modern Japanese author was the first to win the Nobel Prize for Literature?
Which modern Japanese author was the first to win the Nobel Prize for Literature?
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What major event heavily influenced Japanese literature in the 20th century?
What major event heavily influenced Japanese literature in the 20th century?
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What genre does Takiji Kobayashi's notable work 'Kanikōsen' belong to?
What genre does Takiji Kobayashi's notable work 'Kanikōsen' belong to?
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Which of the following authors is NOT known for their contribution to modern Japanese literature?
Which of the following authors is NOT known for their contribution to modern Japanese literature?
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What do proletarian novels primarily focus on?
What do proletarian novels primarily focus on?
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Which of the following characteristics is typical of moralistic romances as described?
Which of the following characteristics is typical of moralistic romances as described?
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What does the term 'proletariat' refer to?
What does the term 'proletariat' refer to?
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Study Notes
Singapore Literature
- Singapore's literature encompasses works written in four main languages: English, Chinese, Malay, and Tamil.
- Several Singaporean writers, including Tan Swie Hian and Kuo Pao Kun, have produced work in multiple languages.
Tan Swie Hian
- A multidisciplinary artist known for contemporary Chinese calligraphy, poetry, and sculptures.
- Published 35 books of poetry, essays, and stories
- Awarded the Chevalier de l'Ordre des Arts et Lettres by the French government for his Chinese translations of works by Beckett and Romanian writer Marin Sorescu.
- Received the Cultural Medallion in Singapore in 1987 and the Marin Sorescu International Poetry Prize in Romania in 1998.
Kuo Pao Kun
- A playwright, theatre director, and arts activist.
- Wrote and directed both Mandarin and English plays.
- Founded three arts and drama centers in Singapore.
- Received the Cultural Medallion in 1990 for contributions to Singaporean theatre.
- His plays focus on dramatic and social commentary, use simple metaphors, and diverse multicultural themes; performed both locally and internationally.
Other Singaporean Poets and Writers
- Simon Tay, Leong Liew Geok, Koh Buck Song, Heng Siok Tian, and Ho Poh Fun were active in the late 1980s and early 1990s, with varying levels of activity.
- Simon Tay is a law professor, author, and former Nominated Member of Parliament.
- Author of two poetry collections (Prism, 5)
- His novel, City of Small Blessings (2009), won the 2010 Singapore Literature Prize.
- Also published a non-fiction book: Asia Alone: The Dangerous Post-Crisis Divide from America (2009).
- Leong Liew Geok is a renowned poet,
- Included in an international anthology with 440 poets (W. W. Norton's 2008 international anthology)
- Her writings focus on the challenges modern women face in balancing work and family life.
- Edited the anthology "More Than Half the Sky"
- Koh Buck Song is a writer, editor, and consultant
- Author and editor of more than 30 books.
- Worked as a journalist for The Straits Times and editor for Singa journal
- Heng Siok Tian is a poet and educator.
- Published five volumes of poetry (Crossing the Chopsticks, My City, My Canvas, Contouring, Is My Body a Myth, Mixing Tongues)
- Staged a play "The Lift" in 1991
- Ho Poh Fun is a poet and teacher.
- Published a collection of 68 poems, spanning different locales and experiences in Singapore.
- A wave of new Singaporean writing arose from independence in 1965, led by Edwin Thumboo, Arthur Yap, Robert Yeo, Goh Poh Seng, Lee Tzu Pheng, and Chandran Nair.
- Poetry is the dominant mode, most published work in Singapore
Other Key Figures (Different Nationalities)
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Edwin Thumboo is a Singaporean poet and academic considered a pioneer
- His notable work includes "Kelong" (1949)
- He noted the role of history as an element in his writing.
-
Arthur Yap Chioh Hiong is a poet, writer, and painter.
- His collection, Only Lines, was published in 1971, when he was only 28.
- He received the Montblanc-NUS Centre for the Arts Literary Award for English writing in 1998.
-
Anne Lee Tzu Pheng is a Singaporean poet, awarded the Cultural Medallion (Literature) in 1985 and the prestigious Southeast Asia WRITE award in 1987
- Author of several poetry volumes (including Prospect of a Drowning, Against the Next Wave, and The Brink of An Amen, all winners of the National Book Development Council of Singapore (NBDCS) Award).
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Chandran Nair was a Singaporean poet and retired Director and Mediator of UNESCO in Paris.
- Also held the position of Founder President of the Society of Singapore Writers (1976-1981).
- His first book, Once the Horsemen and Other Poems, was published in 1972 (University Education Press, Singapore)
- His poem "Grandfather" was used by Cambridge International
Drama and Fiction
- Drama in English gained prominence in the 1980s and 1990s, spearheaded by figures like Goh Poh Seng, Robert Yeo, and Kuo Pao Kun,
- Fiction in English emerged after Singapore's independence, with short stories initially flourishing before the novel gained significant presence.
- Goh Poh Seng's If We Dream Too Long (1972) is regarded as the first authentic Singaporean novel.
Catherine Lim Poh Imm
- A leading figure in Singaporean short stories.
- Published several collections of short stories (including the widely recognized "Little Ironies").
- Her collection "Little Ironies" is an important part of her writing.
Japanese Literature
- Heavily influenced by Chinese literature, spanning from ancient times to the early modern Edo Period (1603-1868).
- Japanese literary works also show elements of Indian and later Western influences.
- The style has a distinct impact on both Eastern and Western literature.
- Divided into four periods: ancient, classical, medieval, and modern.
Ancient Literature
- Primarily focused on myths, legends, and creation tales of Japan (e.g., the origins of the islands, and the roles of gods).
- Notable writers include Ono Yasumaro, Nihon Shoki, and Man'yōshū.
Classical Literature
- Occurred during the Golden Age, or Heian period.
- Focused on the aristocratic Japanese court, under Empress Akiko.
- Marked by the significant work of Murasaki Shikibu, known as the author of the seminal text "Tale of Genji," which is widely regarded as the world's first novel.
Medieval Literature
- Intertwined with history during the civil wars and the emergence of the warrior class.
- Featured war tales, and the rise of renga (a linked-verse poetry style).
Modern Literature
- Divided into early modern (Edo Period) and modern (Meiji Period), when Japan opened to the West
- Marked by the rise of new genres (kabuki, haiku, and yomihon), highlighting simplicity and subtlety.
- The impacts of World War II.
- Notable figures contributing to modern Japanese literature include Yasunari Kawabata, Kobo Abe, and Takiji Kobayashi. Their styles developed further in the periods that followed.
Kabuki
- A traditional Japanese popular drama that integrates singing, dancing, and highly stylized performance
- Originated with a unique performing style.
Yomihon
- A type of popular Japanese literature (subgenre of gesaku).
- Often moralistic romances, focusing on schematized characters (such as witches, princesses, and noblemen).
Absurdist Fiction
- A literary genre represented in novels, plays, poetry, and other media that focuses on the experience of characters where they lack an inherent purpose in their lives.
- Features oftentimes meaningless actions and events.
Proletarian Literature
- A subgenre of the novel, often written by working-class individuals (the proletariat) for other workers.
- Focused on the struggles and experiences of common people.
Notable Japanese Writers
- Yasunari Kawabata: A prominent modern novelist and winner of the Nobel Prize in Literature; author of Snow Country, The Master of Go, The Dancing Girl of Izu, The Old Capital.
- Kobo Abe: A Japanese writer, playwright, musician, photographer, and inventor whose notable works include The Woman in the Dunes, The Face of Another, and The Box Man.
- Takiji Kobayashi: A Japanese author known for his proletarian literature works. Author of Kanikōsen (Crab Cannery Ship).
- Haruki Murakami: A contemporary Japanese writer known for his widely translated work (e.g., Norwegian Wood, The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle, and Kafka on the Shore)
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Description
Explore the rich landscape of Singaporean literature, which features works in English, Chinese, Malay, and Tamil. This quiz delves into the contributions of significant writers like Tan Swie Hian and Kuo Pao Kun, highlighting their achievements and influence on the literary scene.
