Unit 13: Literatures of Early Modern East Asia Flashcards
Why is the inclusion of early modern Chinese vernacular literature important to the development of world literature as a subject of study?
The inclusion of early modern Chinese vernacular literature is important for world literature because it:
- Broadens the Canon: It diversifies the traditionally Western-focused canon, adding unique cultural perspectives.
- Vernacular Tradition: Highlights the shift from classical to accessible languages, reflecting global literary trends.
- Societal Themes: Offers deep exploration of politics, morality, and society, enriching thematic studies.
- Global Connections: Shows literary exchanges and influence across East Asia and the West.
- Challenges Eurocentrism: Decolonizes literary studies by acknowledging non-Western contributions.
- Genre Innovation: Introduces unique novelistic forms and narrative structures.
How does Chinese vernacular literature differ from classical literature?
Chinese vernacular literature differs from classical literature in the following ways:
- Language: Vernacular literature uses everyday spoken language, while classical literature is written in formal, classical Chinese.
- Audience: Vernacular works target common people, while classical texts were aimed at scholars and elites.
- Themes: Vernacular literature often focuses on everyday life and commoners, while classical literature addresses philosophical, historical, and elite concerns.
- Accessibility: Vernacular texts are more accessible to the general public, while classical literature requires higher education to understand.
- Narrative Style: Vernacular literature adopts a more straightforward, narrative-driven style, while classical literature is more formal and structured.
How was vernacular literature in China a response to social and political events?
Vernacular literature in China responded to social and political events in the following ways:
- Rise of the Common People: It reflected the growing importance of the common populace, addressing their concerns and experiences.
- Critique of Authority: Many works critiqued corruption, social inequality, and government inefficiency, responding to the political climate.
- Ming and Qing Dynasties: During these periods, social unrest and bureaucratic decline influenced vernacular literature, leading to stories about moral decline and the struggles of ordinary people.
- Cultural Shifts: It represented a move toward democratizing literature, breaking away from the exclusive dominance of elite classical texts.
How did the cancellation of the examination system contribute to vernacular literature?
The cancellation of the examination system in China contributed to vernacular literature by:
- Expanding Readership: Without the focus on classical Chinese for exams, more people turned to accessible vernacular texts.
- Decline of Classical Focus: The classical language lost its dominance, making way for popular literature in everyday language.
- Encouraging New Themes: Writers no longer had to cater to elite scholar-officials, allowing more diverse and socially relevant themes to emerge.
- Broadening Education: As education expanded beyond classical learning, more readers engaged with vernacular works, boosting their production and popularity.
What new types of literature came into being as a result of the great leap in literacy in early modern Japanese popular literature?
The great leap in literacy in early modern Japan led to the emergence of new types of popular literature, including:
- Kusazōshi: Illustrated books with simple stories, often humorous or adventurous, aimed at a wide audience.
- Ukiyo-zōshi: “Tales of the Floating World” that depicted the urban culture of the pleasure districts, focusing on the lives of merchants, courtesans, and commoners.
- Kibyōshi: Satirical picture books with text and images, often commenting on social and political issues.
- Yomihon: More complex and serious narrative works, combining historical fiction with moral lessons.
These genres reflected the interests of a growing literate public.
What is meant by zoku and ga literature?
In Japanese literature, zoku and ga refer to two contrasting styles or categories:
Zoku (俗): Refers to “vulgar” or “popular” literature, aimed at common people. It focuses on everyday life, entertainment, humor, and accessible language. Zoku literature often includes stories of love, adventure, and humor.
Ga (雅): Refers to “elegant” or “refined” literature, associated with high culture and the aristocracy. It emphasizes sophistication, aesthetics, classical themes, and a polished writing style.
These terms highlight the divide between popular, everyday writing and more elite, artistic literature.
What are the characteristics of haikai no renga, which gave birth to the genre of haiku?
Haikai no renga is a form of linked-verse poetry that led to the development of haiku. Its key characteristics include:
- Humor and Playfulness: Unlike the more serious classical renga, haikai no renga embraced wit, wordplay, and humor.
- Contrasts and Juxtapositions: It often paired the refined with the vulgar, or nature with human activities, creating surprising and playful contrasts.
- Collaborative: Composed by multiple poets, each contributing alternating verses to build a linked chain of stanzas.
- Seasonal Themes: Like haiku, it incorporated nature and seasonal references (kigo), laying the foundation for haiku’s focus on seasonal moments.
These elements made it more accessible and playful, which influenced the brevity and style of haiku.
Who was Matsuo Bashō?
Matsuo Bashō (1644–1694) was a famous Japanese poet known for refining the haiku form. He embraced themes of nature, simplicity, and transience, influenced by Zen Buddhism. His most famous work is The Narrow Road to the Deep North, a travel diary blending poetry and reflections.
How was Bashō’s “The Narrow Road to the Deep North” a response to the rise of popular literature?
Bashō’s The Narrow Road to the Deep North was a response to the rise of popular literature by blending high art with common culture. As popular fiction gained traction in Japan, Bashō sought to elevate the haikai form by emphasizing simplicity, nature, and spiritual reflection, offering a contemplative alternative to the entertainment-focused literature of the time. His work balanced literary refinement with accessibility, appealing to both elites and the general public.
How does Bashō use haiku in “The Narrow Road to the Deep North”?
In The Narrow Road to the Deep North, Bashō uses haiku to capture fleeting moments of beauty and emotion during his travels. Each haiku distills his observations of nature and human experience into brief, vivid images, complementing the prose and enhancing the reflective, contemplative tone of the journey. The haiku serve as pauses, allowing readers to immerse in the scenes and appreciate the transience of life.
How does “The Narrow Road to the Deep North” take up the motif of the journey?
The Narrow Road to the Deep North takes up the motif of the journey by framing it as both a physical and spiritual exploration. Bashō’s travels through Japan reflect his quest for enlightenment and deeper understanding of life, nature, and art. Each location he visits is imbued with historical and cultural significance, inviting readers to reflect on the transient nature of existence. The journey becomes a metaphor for personal growth, emphasizing the importance of experience and observation in the pursuit of wisdom.
How are haiku and/or “The Narrow Road to the Deep North” similar to or different from classical Japanese literature?
Haiku and The Narrow Road to the Deep North differ from classical Japanese literature in several ways:
Form and Structure: Classical literature, like The Tale of Genji, often employs complex narratives and prose. In contrast, haiku uses a strict 5-7-5 syllable structure, focusing on brevity and immediacy.
Themes: While classical literature frequently explores themes of court life, romance, and social status, Bashō’s work emphasizes nature, transience, and spiritual reflection, aligning more closely with Zen Buddhist principles.
Style: Bashō’s language is simple and direct, contrasting with the elaborate and ornate style of classical literature. His use of vivid imagery and sensory detail invites readers to experience moments fully.
Cultural Context: The Narrow Road to the Deep North reflects a shift towards a more personal, introspective perspective, representing a departure from the societal focus of earlier works.
