ENG02-REVIEWER-FINALS.docx

ENG08 REVIEWER FINALS **The Food for Paradise** by **Ibn Amjed** - Ibn Amjed was one of the most influential writers in the field of Arabian Literature - age of 17 he was able to navigate ships- first Arab Seaman - author of nearly 04 forty works of poetry and pros Background - sto...

ENG08 REVIEWER FINALS **The Food for Paradise** by **Ibn Amjed** - Ibn Amjed was one of the most influential writers in the field of Arabian Literature - age of 17 he was able to navigate ships- first Arab Seaman - author of nearly 04 forty works of poetry and pros Background - story of hope and faith in which deals with the divinity and religious beliefs towards Allah. Characters - mullah Ibrahim- religious and questioning individual - princess- trapped in the castle due to the spells cast by her father - hermit- a source of information - pasha- the antagonist - Adhem- a jinn who aids Ibrahim in breaking the magic spells - king- father of the former princess Symbols - halwa- delicious sweet treat, symbolizes the grace - Silver Castle- prison or confinement - River- mysterious and divine source of sustenance - cypress tree- place of refuge and contemplation Themes - Importance of hope and faith towards our God because when everything is at lost, He is the only one who can provide for us and will assure us that everything happens for a reason Implication - The term \"Food of Paradise\" suggests a connection to the divine and implies that the ration of halwa received by the protagonist, Ibrahim, is a form of heavenly nourishment **The Tao Te Ching** by **Lao Tzu** - Laozi- shrouded in mystery and mythology / Born in the Zhou Dynasty - birth name is said to have been Li Er or Li Dan - Notable work- the Tao Te Ching, a seminal text of Taoist philosophy, which expounds upon the concept of the Tao (the Way) and offers guidance on living in harmony with it. Notable Quotes - "The Nameless is the origin of Heaven and Earth; The Named is the Mother of All Things" - "By action without deeds May all live in peace" - "Regards his body as accidental, And his body is thereby preserved" General idea - The text is encourages individuals to align with the natural order and live harmoniously with others and in the environment - true peace and fulfillment come from embracing simplicity, compassion, and the inherent connection of all the things beyond the expectation **The Man Who Spurned the Machine** by **Chuang Tzu** - Chuang Tzu or \"Master Zhuang\" - Early interpreter and prominent figure of Daoism Background - This story reflects Daoist values, contrasting them with the Confucian emphasis on practicality and efficiency. Character - Tsekung- He starts with a practical mindset, valuing efficiency and technological advancement. - Gardener- values simplicity and purity over efficiency. - Confucius (mentioned): Tsekung's teacher, represents the Confucian tradition. Setting - Village of Hanyi/ Garden Cultural Implication - It critiques the Confucian emphasis on practicality and efficiency by highlighting the virtues of simplicity and inner peace promoted by Daoism. Symbol - The Well-Sweep: Represents technological advancement and efficiency. - The Pitcher and Ditch: Symbolizetraditional methods and the value of manual labor. - The Garden: A symbol of naturalsimplicity and self-sufficiency. Theme - ''Valuing inner peace over external efficiency.'' Title implication - emphasizes the gardener's conscious rejection of technological advancement in favor of maintaining simplicity and purity. **The old man who move mountains** by **Leih Tzu** - associated with early Chinese Daoist philosophy. - Value of Simplicity and Humility: Praises simplicity, humility, and quiet strength from understanding and aligning with natural forces. Background of the work - This tale is part of the rich tapestry of Chinese folklore and philosophical stories that have been passed down through generations. Characters - yùgōng (foolish old man)- protagonist, nearly ninety years old, determined to remove the mountains blocking his home. - yùgōng\'s family- His son and grandson, who help him with the monumental task. - yùgōng's wife- Voices practical doubts about the feasibility of the task. - Jīngchéng- Neighbor's widow's son,who joins Yùgōng - zhìsǒu (wise old man)- mocks Yùgōng's efforts. - mountain god- Fears Yùgōng's persistence and reports to the celestial emperor. - celestial emperor- Orders the relocation - sons of kuā\'éshì- Gods tasked with moving the mountains. Cultural implication - teachings of Confucianism and Daoism, highlighting the virtues of determination and harmony with the natural world. Symbol - Mountains: Represent seemingly insurmountable challenges. - Yùgōng: Symbolizes human perseverance and the belief that collective effort can overcome great obstacles. - Zhìsǒu: Represents skepticism and defeatism. Theme - \"Perseverance conquers even the greatest obstacles.\" Title implication - suggests the paradoxical nature of wisdom and foolishness. While Yùgōng may appear foolish tosome, his wisdom lies in understanding thepower of persistence and collective humaneffort, ultimately leading to the miraculousrelocation of the mountains. **Tang Dynasty Poetry** by **Wang Wei** - musician, painter, poet, and politician of the middle Tang dynasty - About 400 of his poems survived and 29 of them are included in the 18th-century anthology Three Hundred Tang Poems **"Morning"** speaker's tone? - Calm and appreciative mood of the poem? - peaceful and serene Diction - Redder- intensification, vibrancy, and freshness. - Greener- Implies lushness, vitality, and growth. - Peach blossom- Evokes feelings of springtime, renewal, and delicate beauty - Birds- freedom, joy, and the presence of nature Gen Idea - It talks about colorful flowers, green trees, and misty mornings. It makes you feel peaceful with falling petals and singing birds **"Beside the Lake"** speaker's tone? - The speaker\'s tone seems reflective and perhaps tinged with sadness, as she bids farewell to her husband mood of the poem? - bittersweet and contemplative. Diction - Flute- Makes you think of peaceful music by the water - Sunset- time of beauty and endings - Lake- It\'s calm and peaceful - White cloud- It\'s soft and serene - Green Hills- Looks fresh and alive General Idea - saying goodbye by a lake at sunset. It explores feelings of sadness and reflection as the speaker bids farewell to her husband **"After Long Rain"** speaker's tone? - They sound calm and curious. mood of the poem? - It\'s peaceful and fresh, like the air after rain.\\ Diction - Long rain- fresh and cleans everything - Empty forest- Feels calm and quiet - Smoke rises- cozy and smells good - Yellow heron- Adds brightness and beauty to the scene General Idea - It describes people cooking together and herons flying over flooded fields. The scene feels calm and fresh, like everything is starting anew. It\'s about appreciating the peacefulness and beauty of nature after a rainstorm **"In a Bamboo Grove"** Diction - Dark bamboo grove- mystery and solitude - Bright moon- clarity and beauty amidst the darkness General idea - speaker feels calm and content in the quiet bamboo grove, playing the flute while the bright moonlight shines. It shows how being in nature can bring a sense of peace and invites readers to enjoy the beauty and quiet of the moment **"Verses"** - speaker\'s tone is curious and nostalgic - mood of the poem is one of longing and reminiscence Diction - Old village- tradition and nostalgia - Chill plum blossoms- resilience and endurance. - White window- purity and simplicity Gen idea - The poem captures a sense of nostalgia and curiosity about the past, inviting readers to reflect on the passage of time and the beauty of nature. **"A Song for Wei City"** speaker's tone? - friendly and inviting, as they suggest enjoying another drink together mood of the poem? - melancholic yet hopeful, as the speaker acknowledges the rain but encourages enjoyment nonetheless Diction - Morning rain- freshness and renewal - White dust- dryness and aridity - Empty one more cup- camaraderie and friendship **A Country Boy Quits School** by **Lao Hsaing** - a Chinese novelist and dramatist - Most significant figures of 20^th^ century Chinese literature Background of the work - Many Asian countries lacked modern textbooks for children, leading them to use translated british or other foreign books for education. Characters - Country boy/boy- 8 years old and hardworking - Mother- strict - Father- farmer, decided that the boy should quit the school - Grandfather- suffering from chronic cough - Teacher- believes in the essence of formal education Cultural implications - The sons of the family are expected to help work - Extended family Symbols - Books- education and transformative power - Broom- humility and simple life - Class record- growth and development - School- place to learn or grow - Family- help each other in times of need Theme - Do not take thing too literally - Education is important in our life - Children are expected as the future of the country, to contribute productively **Birth of the Sun Goddess** Background - Sun goddess, Amaterasu, is one of the central myths in Shinto. It is recorded in Japan's oldest chronicles (kojiki). Character - Izanagi- male deity and on of the primordial gods, husband of Izanami - Izanami- Female deity, goddess of the underworld after her death of giving birth to Kagutsuchi - Kagutsuchi- God of fire - Amaterasu- Sun Goddess, ruler of the heavens, associated with light, purity, and prosperity. - Tsukuyomi- Moon God - Susanoo- Storm God Symbol - Sun - Cave - Ame-no-Uzume's Dance - The rooster's crow Themes - Light and darkness - Divine kingship and duty - Community and celebration **The Sun Goddess and Susanoo** Character - Amaterasu - Susanoo - Omoikane no Kami - A deity with profound wisdom who devises a plan to lure Amaterasu out of seclusion. - Ama no Soyune no Mikoto and Fur-o-dama no Alikoto - Ancestors who play roles in the supplication of Amaterasu. - Ama no Uzume no Mikoto - A deity known for her jolly nature and the one who successfully lures Amaterasu out of the cave. Cultural implication - Give importance of nature - Rituals and offerings Symbols - The Rock-cave of Heaven - The Rice Fields - The True Sakaki Tree - The Mimic Dance - The Bottom-Tied Rope - The Fire and Offerings Theme - The Importance of Balance and harmony - The Power of Communication - The Contrast between dark and light **The Heavenly Grandchild and the Sea God's Daughter** Character - Hiko-hoho-demi - The younger brother with a mountain gift. - Toyo-tama-hime - The Sea-God\'s daughter who marries Hiko-hoho-demi. - Hiiko-nagisa-take-u-gaya-fuki-aezu no Mikoto - The child abandoned by Toyo-tama-hime. - Shiho-tsutsu no Oji- The old man who aids Hiko-hoho-demi Symbols - Fish- Hook - Dragon - Sea - Child Abandoned on the Seashore - Palace of the Sea- God Theme - The Identity and a self-discovery through interactions in the divine being. - To trust and being betray - To redeem and to forgive **TALE OF HEIKE: The Death of Atsumori** - The *Tale of the Heike* is an **anonymous work**. It reflects the collective efforts of storytellers, poets, and chroniclers of the late 12th to early 14th centuries in Japan. Background of the work - classic work of **Japanese literature** that recounts the rise and fall of the Taira clan during the late 12th century. The title *Heike* refers to the Taira clan, which was also known as the *Heike clan* Characters - **Choko-** a leader of Shin, not following in the paths of the government  - **Ono-** a ruler from Kan who indulge pleasure and not entering into the council nor heeding the disorders of their country - **Shui-** a leader of Ryo who has no knowledge of the affliction of his people - **Rokuzan-** a wise ruler in a distant country named To who is an arrogant leader - **Sumitomo, Gishin, and Shinrai-** one of the arrogant and bold hearted rulers in the period of Shohei  - **Prime Minister Prince Taira no Ason Kiyomori-** lay priest of Rokuhara and the eldest son of Ason Tadamori - **Ason Tadamori-** the father of Prime Minister Prince Taira no Ason Kiyomori and a chief of the department justice, retired emperor of Tuba after constructing temple - **Chinjufu Shogun Yoshimochi or Masamori Sanuki no Kami-** the son of Takamimochi-no O who changed his name into Kunika and from this Kunika to Masamori; he is the grandfather of Prime Minister Prince Taira no Ason Kiyomori, who descended in the ninth generation from Katsurabara Shinno. - **Katsurabara Shinno-** the prince of the first rank amd chief of the department of ceremonies, the fifth son of Emperor Kwammu - **Takami no O-** son of Katsurabara Shinno, who died without either office or rank **Setting** - **Shin-** it is where a mighty ruler named Chok ruled over - **Kan-** a place where a leader named Ono governed - **Ryo-** a distant country where Shui, a leader lead - **To-** a place where a wise ruler, Rokuzan lived - **Masakado-** the country where it is believed to be led by an arrogant leaders - **Bizen no Kami-** Tadamori's office Cultural implications - Literary traditions - Cultural identity and memory - Political system - Dynastic leadership Symbols - Bell of Gionshoja- transience of life  - The hue of Teak Tree Flower- fleeting nature of beauty and glory - Fleeting  Dream on a Spring Evening- fleeting achievements - Dust in the Wind- Transient human endeavors - Ei-no-suke- loyalty and service - Suzuki Fish- the rise and fall of the Taira clan - Red robes- authority and intimidation   - Eboshi- Social rank and honor Themes - **transience of power**, the **consequences of pride and ambition**, the and **inevitability of change.** Furthermore, it explores theme of **loyalty** and **honor** Implication of the title - The title *Tale of Heike* centered around the **Heike clan**, a powerful and influential family in Japan. It implies about the rise and fall of the Heike clan or significant events involving them. **NOH PLAY: Birds of Sorrow** by **Zeami Motokiyo** - most influential figures in the development of Noh theatre, both as a playwright and a theorist Character - A Buddhist Monk- A wandering monk who visits Tateyama and later carries out religious duties for the deceased hunter. - The Ghost of a Dead Hunter Appears as a spirit seeking redemption for his sins, particularly the killing of birds. He interacts with the monk and his family - The Hunter\'s Wife The wife of the deceased hunter, grieving his loss and eventually receiving closure through the monk\'s visit - The Hunter\'s Child The son of the deceased hunter, who also mourns his father\'s absence - A Villager A local villager who assists the monk in locating the hunter\'s family and providing information about them. - Chorus An ensemble that provides commentary, background information, and sometimes speaks on behalf of characters or describes their actions Setting - Tateyama- a high mountain in Central Honshu, near the Sea of Japan - Soto no Hama, & fishing village on the northernmost coast of Honshu several hundred miles from Tateyama Symbols - The Uto Bird- innocence and vulnerability - Tears of Blood- profound grief and the consequences of human actions on nature - Straw Cloak and Sedge Hat- offered by the Monk as tokens to the Hunter\'s family, symbolizing the connection between the living and the dead - Sotoba- memorial tablet or grave marker, symbolizing the Buddhist ritual of offering prayers for the deceased - Hat and Fan- used by the Hunter during his dance, symbolizing protection and transformation. Represents the haunting presence of the birds he hunted - Monk\'s Rosary- spiritual practice and prayer, offering solace and guidance to the deceased Theme - The spiritual consequences of killing and the quest for redemption Implication of the title The title \"The Birds of Sorrow\" suggests a story about the sorrowful consequences of harming life, reflecting Buddhist beliefs about karma and spiritual suffering **HAIKU** Matsuo Basho - originally named Matsuo Kinsaku near Kyoto, Japan, to a minor samurai and his wife - one of Japan \' s most famous poets, renowned for his mastery of haiku, a form of Japanese poetry ***Age and Youth*** ***Old pond\--and a frog jump-in water sound*** situation? - The contrast between the old and the young reflected in the stagnant pond and the lively frog evoking themes of life\'s cycles, mortality, and the passing of time. speaker\'s tone? - observant and contemplative, capturing a fleeting moment in life with minimal embellishment mood of the poem? tranquil and reflective, to pause and appreciate the cyclical nature of existence and find beauty in moments of transition and change. Diction- connotation - pond- age and experience - Frog- youth and vitality General Idea - captures the fleeting beauty of nature and invites contemplation on life and time. It juxtaposes an old pond with a frog\'s splash, symbolizing the enduring nature of age and the cyclical nature of life. ***The Brevity Of Life*** ***Summer grass; of stalwart warriors splendid dreams the aftermath*** speaker speaking? - to individuals who may have pursued their aspirations with vigor, but ultimately faced the transience and impermanence of life. situation? - The haiku depicts life\'s fleeting nature , human ambitions, and the passing of dreams speaker\'s tone? - melancholic, tinged with a sense of nostalgia and the recognition of impermanence mood of the poem? - somber yet contemplative. Diction - Grass- growth and abundance - Warriors- human ambition and endeavor General idea - meditation on the brevity of life and the transient nature of human existence. It invites readers to reflect on the ephemeral beauty of life\'s pursuits and the inevitability of mortality, prompting contemplation on the deeper meaning and significance of human endeavor. ***On The Mountain Pass*** ***Here on the mountain pass, somehow they draw one's heart so\-\-- violets in the grass*** speaking? - A person who appreciates the breathtaking view of nature on the mountain. speaker speaking? - to people finding comfort in the beauty of nature. situation? - A scene on a mountain pass where violets grow amidst the grass evoking emotions and stirring the soul. speaker\'s tone - reverent. observing the scene with a sense of awe and admiration mood of the poem? - serene and uplifting, the poem evokes a sense of tranquility and appreciation for the beauty found in the natural world Diction - mountain pass- personal transformation - violets- beauty, grace, and elegance - grass- harmony and balance General idea - moment on a mountain pass where violets bloom amidst the grass. Despite the simplicity of this scene, the violets have a profound effect, drawing the heart of the observer Yosa Buson - was a Japanese poet and painter, known for his contributions to haiku poetry and his skill in traditional Japanese painting ***Unconcerned*** ***The plum trees bloom\-\-- and pleasure women buy new sashes in a brothel room*** situation? - The serene and timeless scene of plum trees blooming, evoking the beauty and renewal of springtime speaker\'s tone? - tone is reflective, inviting the reader to pause and consider the juxtaposition between the natural beauty of the plum trees and the human activity in the brothel. mood of the poem? - the mood is one of subdued fascination, as the haiku encourages the reader to explore the connections between the natural world and human society Diction - plum tress- resilience and purity - women- sensuality & desires - brothel room- intimacy & secrecy General Idea - the contrasting elements of nature\'s timeless beauty and human desires, symbolizing the cyclical nature of life and the transient world of worldly aspirations ***Youth In Spring*** ***Springtime rain: together, intent upon their talking, go straw-raincoat and umbrella*** speaker\'s tone? - tender and affectionate, suggesting an emotional connection to the scene and its underlying themes of unity and companionship. mood of the poem? - tranquil and harmonious as tt evokes a sense of peace and contentment amidst the springtime rain, as well as a feeling of warmth and connection Diction - springtime rain - renewal and cleansing straw-raincoat - simplicity - umbrella- protection General Idea - Despite their differences in form and function (coat and umbrella), they are united in their shared journey, suggesting themes of companionship and harmony. ***A Mandarin Pair*** ***A mandarin pair! But the pond is old, and its weasel is watching there.*** speaker\'s tone? - The beginning of the haiku suggests a sense of wonder and admiration. However, the tone becomes more sober as there may be a subtle undertone of concern for the safety of the mandarin pair in the presence of the watching weasel. mood of the poem? - nuanced observation and contemplative reflection, inviting readers to engage with the beauty and complexity of nature and the deeper truths it reveals. Diction - Mandarin pair - love, partnership - pond - serenity - weasel- cunning & danger General Idea - The speaker\'s exclamation of admiration for the mandarin ducks contrasts with the pond\'s age and the weasel\'s presence, highlighting the tension and impermanence of nature. Kobayashi Issa - was a Japanese poet known for his mastery of haiku, a traditional form of Japanese poetry characterized by its brevity and focus on nature and the seasons. *A Tormented Fly* *Oh, don't mistreat the fly! He wrings his hands! He wrings his feet!* Speaker's tone? - This tone conveys a sense of urgency and a desire to prevent harm or suffering to the small creature. mood of the poem? - This evokes a sense of concern for the fly\'s well-being Diction - Fly- fragility - Hands- ability and skills - Feet- mobility and stability General Idea - This is a message of empathy and compassion towards all living beings, regardless of their size or perceived insignificance ***Beauty's Power*** ***A daimyo!\-- And who makes him get off his horse? Cherry blossoms do!*** situation? - This was a moment when the daimyo is moved by the cherry blossoms to dismount from his horse - speaker\'s tone carries a sense of intrigue and curiosity mood of the poem? - The mood is serene and reflective, inviting readers to appreciate the simple yet profound moments of connection between humanity and nature Diction - Daimyo- authority - Horse- nobility - Cherry blossoms- beauty and reverence General Idea - The moment captures a brief but profound interaction between the daimyo and nature, illustrating the capacity of natural beauty to evoke contemplation and reverence even in individuals of great authority and stature. ***The Travelling Priest*** ***A crossroad sermon! True, it's rigmarole\-- but then, It's tranquil too!*** situation? - A sermon is being given, suggesting a moment of spiritual or moral reflection amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life. speaker\'s tone? - The speaker conveys a sense of tranquility and acceptance, suggesting that there is still value to be found in a moment wherein it might be nonsensical to others. mood of the poem? - The mood is one of calm reflection and acceptance of the ordinary yet meaningful moments in life. Diction - Crossroad- decisions and transitions in life - Sermon- guidance and reflection General Idea - The haiku explores the juxtaposition of external activity (the sermon) with internal peace, suggesting that even in the midst of chaos or confusion, there can be moments of calm and reflection. Overall, it reflects on the complexity of human experience and the potential for finding tranquility amidst the busyness of life. **Earth & Soldiers (tsuchi to heitai, 1938)** by **Hino Ashihei** - known for his works that focused on his experiences during World War II Characters - kichizo- Big, fine chestnut, with great, wide shoulders and chest, and a coat like velvet horse, comandeered by the army - yohida uhei- past forty, no children but loved his horse like his own child. - o-shin- Uhei\'s wife, providing a link to the home front. Kind, caring, and emphathetic - narrator- Brave and caring soldier who felt pity of Uhei and his Horse being separated because of the war. - corporal Tachibana- Atheist. likes to talk about his ideas and he deliberately provokes arguments, in which he stoutly defends the materialistic point of view. Symbols - "thousand-stitches belt"- Belt symbolizes protection and luck for the wearer. - Boat- It represents a physical and emotional journey where they confront their fears, discover inner strength, and undergo personal growth amid adversity. - Banner- symbolize victory or achievement - Blue sky- limitless possibilities and a sense of hope or optimism. - blue water- calmness, purity, and depth. Themes - Power Dynamics and resistance - Legacy of War - Identity and Belonging - Affection and Familial relationship Implication of the title - The title \"Earth and Soldier\" encapsulates the intertwined relationship between human conflict and the natural world, while also emphasizing the personal and collective experiences of soldiers during wartime **The Tale of Genji** by **Murasaki Shikibu** - mid-ranking aristocratic Fujiwara family during Japan\'s Heian period - served as a lady-inwaiting to Empress Shoshi - highly educated Background of the work - one of Japan\'s greatest literary works, world\'s first novel and was written during the early 11th century Character - HIKARU GENJI- beautiful son of the Emperor and Lady Kiri-Tsubo, charming and talented young man - THE EMPEROR- father of genji - KIRI-TSUBO- Emperor's lover, beautiful and accomplished, but she does not have important family connections - LADY KOKI-DEN- Jealous and politically savvy, she wields a great deal of power, showing how women could be politicalforces in this era - LADY AOI NO UE- genji's wife - WISTARIA/FUJITSUBO- emperor's second lover Symbols - Cherry Blossom- fleeting nature of beauty and life. - Moon- emotional turmoil, romantic longing, and the passage of time. - Rokujō Mansion- Genji\'s wealth, status, and cultural refinement. Theme - joys and challenges of romantic relationships, showing how love can bring happiness, but also heartache and complications. - social status and family background shape people\'s lives and influence their opportunities, relationships, and sense of self-worth. -