Understanding Asian Literature

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Questions and Answers

Which form of Japanese poetry consists of three lines with a syllable pattern of 5-7-5?

Haiku (correct)

Tanaga

Tanka

Choka

What is the primary difference between Choka and Tanka in Japanese poetry?

Tanka has a fixed number of lines.

Choka has more lines than Tanka. (correct)

Choka uses only five syllables.

Tanka is exclusively about nature.

Which of the following authors is known for winning the Nobel Prize for Literature?

Yasunari Kawabata (correct)

Ozamu Dazai

Yosa Buson

Yukio Mishima

What type of theater is Noh considered to be in Japanese drama?

Traditional theater Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary thematic focus of most poems in the Haiku form?

Nature and seasons Signup and view all the answers

Which famous poetic technique is Matsuo Basho known for?

Composing Haiku Signup and view all the answers

What is the act of seppuku associated with in Japanese culture?

An honorable death Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is true about Kabuki theater?

It combines music, dance, and stylized performance. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of Asian literature?

Variety of literary works from various Asian countries over thousands of years Signup and view all the answers

Who is recognized as the first Chinese writer to win the Nobel Prize for literature?

Mo Yan Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following authors wrote 'The Prophet'?

Khalil Gibran Signup and view all the answers

What is considered to be the oldest collection of Chinese poetry?

The Book of Songs Signup and view all the answers

Which literary work is considered the world's first novel?

The Tale of Genji Signup and view all the answers

During which period did Japanese literature begin to intertwine with history?

Edo period Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes Khalil Gibran as a writer?

He was a versatile artist, poet, and philosopher Signup and view all the answers

What influence did Chinese literature have on Japanese literature?

Profound influence throughout various historical periods Signup and view all the answers

Which significant work did King Rama I compose that is inspired by a version of The Ramayana?

The Ramakien Signup and view all the answers

What is the predominant mode of expression in Singaporean literature?

Poetry Signup and view all the answers

What is the oldest collection of Chinese poetry called?

The Book of Songs Signup and view all the answers

Which writer is known as the head of the Chinese Left-Wing Writers in 1930 and is well-known in China?

Lu Xun Signup and view all the answers

What term describes a Japanese performance that typically involves the use of masks?

Kabuki Signup and view all the answers

Which writer is noted as a Lebanese-American and is known for his literary contributions?

Khalil Gibran Signup and view all the answers

Which work describes the Indic language associated with Hinduism and the Vedas?

Sanskrit Signup and view all the answers

What aspect heavily influences Thai literature?

Indian culture Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'kabuki' originally imply about this art form?

An unorthodox and shocking character Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT one of the parts of the Veda?

Bhagavad Gita Signup and view all the answers

Rabindranath Tagore is primarily known for his contributions in which literary form?

Poetry collections Signup and view all the answers

What does the character 'bu' in the term kabuki signify?

Dance Signup and view all the answers

In what year was the Republic of India established?

1947 Signup and view all the answers

Which Veda is known as 'Knowledge of the Sacrifice'?

Yajurveda Signup and view all the answers

What is the genre of the work 'Chitrangada' by Rabindranath Tagore?

Play Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is not a vernacular language mentioned in the content?

Hindi Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Asian Literature

Asian literature encompasses a wide variety of literary works written over thousands of years across Asian countries.

Objectives

Define Asian literature.
Distinguish prominent authors and literary pieces from four divisions of Asian literature.
Show understanding and appreciation of Asian literature through analyzing a given story in a video format.

Four Divisions of Asian Literature

West Asia
Arabic Literature
Khalil Gibran—famous writer (Lebanese-American philosopher, essayist, novelist, poet, and artist)
Works include The Prophet, Nymphs of the Valley (1910), and Spirits Rebellion (1920).
Wrote nine literary works in Arabic, and twelve in English
Created more than 700 paintings
East Asia
Chinese Literature
Political and social history of China.
The Book of Songs (oldest collection of Chinese poetry).
Confucius—famous philosopher.
Mo Yan—first Chinese writer to win a Nobel Prize in Literature.
Lu Xun—considered China's greatest modern writer.
Chinese Left-Wing Writers League, 1930
Japanese Literature
Heavily influenced by Chinese literature, from the ancient period through the Edo Period (1603-1868).
Divided into periods (ancient, classical, medieval, and modern).
Famous poets:
Matsuo Basho (famous haiku poet).
Yosa Buson (poet and painter)
Kobayashi Issa (poet and lay Buddhist priest).
Famous novelists and short story writers:
Yasunari Kawabata (first Japanese writer to receive the Nobel Prize in Literature).
Junichiro Tanizaki (one of the most prominent figures in modern Japanese literature).
Ozamu Dazai (emerged at the end of World War II as a literary voice of his time).
Yukio Mishima (prolific writer).
Committed Seppuku (suicide).
Types of poetry:
Choka (courtship poems—alternate five and seven-syllable lines).
Tanka (consists of five lines with 5-7-5-7-7 syllables).
Haiku (three lines with five-seven-five syllables, often using Kigo—seasonal words).
Central Asia
Indian Literature
Literature produced in the Indian subcontinent before and after 1947.
Includes various vernacular languages (Sanskrit, Prakrit, Pali, Bengali, Bihari, etc.).
Sacred writings (Vedas) composed in Sanskrit.
Rigveda (part of the Vedas—knowledge of the verses).
Rabindranath Tagore—famous writer from the region.
Published poetry collections (Manasi, Sonar Tari, Gitanjali)
Plays (Chitrangada).
Novels (Gora, Ghare-Baire).
Composed over 2,000 songs.
Southeast Asia
Thai Literature
The Ramakien (national epic—inspired by the Ramayana).
King Rama I composed the epic in the 18th century.
Traditionally influenced by Indian culture.
Primarily uses prose for writing chronicles, historical records, and legal documents.
Singaporean Literature
Uses English, Chinese, Malay, and Tamil.
A wave of writing emerged in 1965.
Prominent writers: Edwin Thumboo, Arthur Yap, Robert Yeo, Goh Poh Seng, Lee Tzu Pheng, Chandran Nair
Poetry and novels are prevalent forms of expression.
Goh Poh Seng was a pioneer writer of novels.
If We Dream Too Long (first Singaporean novel): Goh Poh Seng

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Description

This quiz explores the rich tapestry of Asian literature spanning various genres and eras. You'll learn about key authors, their notable works, and the distinct literary traditions from the four divisions of Asian literature. Through analysis of a story, you will gain a deeper appreciation for this influential body of work.