english test 6-10 12/02

Question 1

describe the shang dynasty. how might these dynasties influence the literature of the times?

Answer 1

• Developed bronze working
• Established the decimal system
• 12 month calendar
• Created fine pottery

Question 2

describe the tang dynasty. how might these dynasties influence the literature of the times?

Answer 2

• Golden age of chinese civilization
• Economy expanded
• Stabilized government
• Chinese influence spread to europe

Question 3

7) Provide a brief description of Chinese government. How is their system of government different from our own?

Answer 3

In the chinese government, you must complete an exam in order to be part of the government unlike America, where we choose who are leaders are through the people

Question 4

Chinese literature is varied. Which genre is deemed as the most important/respected? Which type falls a close second? Which genre is considered an inferior form of writing?

Answer 4

1. Poetry
2. Philosophy
3. Drama and Fiction

Question 5

Discuss the viewpoints of the 4 distinct speakers of “Substance, Shadow, & Spirit.” What are the speakers’ beliefs / philosophies? Which speaker wins the argument and WHY? What was T’ao Ch’ien’s agenda?

Answer 5

Substance: Buddhism
Spirit: Taoism
Shadow: Confucius

The speaker that wins is Spirit which is Taoism because the author connects and agrees with the perspective of Spirit making that the belief that he wants people to be influenced by

Tao’s agenda was to express simple, inner peace, and a connection to nature in life

Question 6

Provide a list of 4 specific teachings that Lau Tzu sets forth in Tao Te Ching. What American literary movement does this school resemble?

Answer 6

• Dont value materialistic things
• Those who are passive, will live longer than those how are aggressive
• Dont be greedy
• Live simply

the school resembles transcendentalism