Wang Wei: Poetry and Philosophy

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Questions and Answers

What theme contrasts with the idea of purification in Kawabata's work?

Joy and fulfillment

Death and decay (correct)

Romance and hope

Youth and innocence

Which character in 'The House of Sleeping Beauties' struggles with loneliness and the desire for beauty?

Taeko

Yukiko

Eguchi (correct)

Shimura

What primarily concerns the sisters in 'The Makioka Sisters'?

Pursuing higher education

Establishing a family business

Finding a suitable husband for Yukiko (correct)

Traveling abroad

What societal aspect does 'The Makioka Sisters' examine?

The effects of Westernization Signup and view all the answers

In 'The Sea of Fertility', how many parts make up the epic?

Four Signup and view all the answers

What is a common theme throughout 'The Sea of Fertility' series?

Reincarnation Signup and view all the answers

What is Yukiko characterized by in 'The Makioka Sisters'?

Traditional values Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of society does 'The House of Sleeping Beauties' indirectly critique?

Sexual morality Signup and view all the answers

What is Wang Wei primarily known for in his poetry?

Pictorial quality Signup and view all the answers

What significant themes are highlighted in Po Chu-I's poetry?

Social and economic problems Signup and view all the answers

Which form of poetry is Li Ch’ing-chao known for composing?

Tz’u form Signup and view all the answers

What role did Chou-Shu-jen play in modern Chinese literature?

Father of the modern Chinese short story Signup and view all the answers

What characterized the Heian Age in Japanese history?

Peace and prosperity Signup and view all the answers

What type of literary work is The Pillow Book by Sei Shōnagon considered to be?

A diary Signup and view all the answers

What impact did the diminishing power of the emperor have during the Heian Age?

Focus on art and literature Signup and view all the answers

What is a notable aspect of Li Ch’ing-chao's upbringing?

Training in classical literature Signup and view all the answers

What is the structure of a choka poem?

Alternating lines of 5 and 7 syllables with a final 5-7-5-7-7 envoy. Signup and view all the answers

Which poem form is characterized by telling a brief story or expressing a single thought?

Tanka Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary feature of a haiku?

Three lines with a syllable count of 5-7-5. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes renga from other types of poetry?

It consists of interlocking tanka written by multiple poets. Signup and view all the answers

Which literary work is considered the world’s first true novel?

The Tale of Genji Signup and view all the answers

What characterized the prose writing during the Heian Age?

Creation of fictional diaries by the Imperial court. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common subject of tanka poems?

Love and nature Signup and view all the answers

What does 'kigo' refer to in a haiku?

The seasonal words indicating the time of year. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of a Dilemma or Enigma Tale?

To provoke discussion about moral choices Signup and view all the answers

What type of elements do Ashanti Tales combine in their storytelling?

Realistic and fantasy elements Signup and view all the answers

What is often featured in African Folk Tales to emphasize cultural connections?

The mystical importance of nature Signup and view all the answers

Which type of African tale is known for using a character who is both a hero and a villain?

Trickster Tales Signup and view all the answers

What type of stories attempt to teach a lesson about life?

Moral Stories Signup and view all the answers

What do Origin Stories typically explain?

Creation events and the origin of death Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a primary aim of Humorous Stories?

To provide entertainment and amusement Signup and view all the answers

What do Epics convey about a culture?

They carry a culture's history and values Signup and view all the answers

What does Toundi symbolize in the context of the story?

Disenchantment and despondency over colonial corruption Signup and view all the answers

How is the novel developed in terms of narrative style?

In the form of a recit, resembling a diary-like confession Signup and view all the answers

What does the title 'Things Fall Apart' signify?

The inevitable decline of Nigerian society due to colonialism Signup and view all the answers

What is a central theme in 'No Longer at Ease'?

The struggles of returning heroes to adapt to changing societal expectations Signup and view all the answers

Who is Okwonko in the context of 'Things Fall Apart'?

A respected chieftain who loses his societal status Signup and view all the answers

What societal expectation does Okwonko's son face upon returning to Umuofia?

To maintain his social status and avoid marrying an outcast Signup and view all the answers

How are cultural values represented in 'Things Fall Apart'?

By showcasing the importance of community and social status Signup and view all the answers

What literary work does the title 'No Longer at Ease' allude to?

Eliot's The Journey of the Magi Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Chinese Literature

Wang Wei (c. 701–761) was an influential 8th-century poet and government official, known for his economy of words and pictorial quality in poetry, drawing parallels with Chinese brush artistry.
Po Chu-I (772–846) emerged in a time of turmoil due to internal strife and foreign invasions, using his poetry to criticize social and economic problems in China.
Li Ch’ing-chao (A.D. 1084–1151) is celebrated as China's greatest woman poet, raised in court society, she expressed themes of love, loneliness, and joy through the tz’u poetic form.
Chou-Shu-jen (1881–1936), also known as Lu Hsun, is regarded as the 'father of the modern Chinese short story,' introducing Western narrative techniques focused on social issues, especially concerning the poor and women.

Japanese Literature

The Heian Age was noted for its peace, prosperity, and artistic development, while the emperor's political power diminished, allowing the court to focus on arts and literature.
The Pillow Book by Sei Shōnagon represents a unique diary genre, reflecting on beauty and aesthetics from the court's perspective.
Choka, a classical Japanese poem, consists of alternating lines of five and seven syllables with an additional seven-syllable line, often concluding with pithy envoys or summations.
Tanka, the traditional five-line poetry, communicates insights on love and nature, comprising a 5-7-5-7-7 syllable structure.
Renga, a collaborative poetry form, utilizes interlocking tanka, with participants composing sequential verses.
Hokku, the opening verse of renga, evolved into haiku, a three-line poem characterized by a 5-7-5 syllable structure, often featuring a seasonal word (kigo).

Prose in Japanese Literature

Prose began flourishing in the 8th century, focusing on Japanese history, particularly during the Heian Age when court members kept extensive diaries and began fiction writing.
The Tale of Genji, authored by Lady Murasaki Shikibu, is recognized as the world’s first novel, depicting the life of a charming prince.
The House of Sleeping Beauties by Kawabata explores themes of old age and isolation through a septuagenarian's experiences with young women who sleep in a resort.
The Makioka Sisters by Tanizaki illustrates the daily life of four sisters in prewar Osaka while addressing modernity's effects on traditional values and kinship.
The Sea of Fertility by Mishima comprises four interlinked novels, depicting reincarnation and societal changes in Japan from 1912 to the 1960s.

African Literature

Dilemma Tales engage audiences through open-ended narratives for discussion about morality and societal behavior.
Ashanti Tales combine realistic occupations with fantasy elements, preserving Ashanti culture and traditions amidst colonial challenges.
Folk Tales are important oral traditions reflecting African beliefs and emphasize connections with nature, often featuring themes of morality and humor.
Trickster Tales, led by the figure Anansi the Spider, highlight cultural values through narratives of cunning and mischief.
Epics recount the stories of heroic figures representing societal values, encapsulating cultural history and traditions.
Chinua Achebe's Things Fall Apart presents a vivid portrayal of pre-colonial African society, marked by cultural traditions and the impact of colonialism on community dynamics.
No Longer at Ease, Achebe's sequel to Things Fall Apart, examines the struggles of a returning hero confronting modernity and cultural expectations after studying in London.

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Description

Explore the life and poetry of Wang Wei, an influential 8th-century Chinese poet and government official. This quiz delves into his contributions to literature and the impact of his work on Buddhist thought and artistry. Test your knowledge on his unique style and historical context.