
Unit ThreeWisdom and Insight Chinese and Japanese Literature (1000 B.C. to 1890 A.D.
ChinaHistorical Background • world’s oldest surviving civilization (approx. 3,500 years) • Began in Yellow River Basin (Northern China) • By 1600 B.C .- developed complex economic and social system ~ Shang Dynasty developed by elite group of kings (Northern China)
ChinaHistorical Background • believed heaven granted rulers right to rule • subjects must live in complete obedience in exchange for good government • people had the right to rebel
ChinaHistorical Background Chou Dynasty (1122-256/255 B.C.) • Central Asian people • overthrew Shang Dynasty • advances in philosophy (Taoism and Confucianism), despite political turmoil
ChinaHistorical Background Ch’in Dynasty (221-206 B.C.) • short lived (15 years) • built a system of roads • Great Wall of China (4,500 miles) Han Dynasty (206 B.C.-220 A.D.) • established trade with Europe and western Asia • introduction of Buddhism T’ang Dynasty (618-907) • Golden Age of China • rulers created empire that stretched from Pacific Ocean to borders of Persia and India- world’s most effective system of government • invention of gun powder and block printing
ChinaHistorical Background Sung Dynasty (960-1279) • Neo-Confucianism- reaction against Buddhist influence; blending of morality and meditation to achieve enlightenment Yuan Dynasty (1206-1368) • overrun by Mongol invaders • dynasty established by Genghis Khan • first foreign rule of China • flourishing trade ~Exp. ) visit from Venetian Marco Polo Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) • avoided foreign influence, due to the former invasion of Mongols
ChinaHistorical Background Ch’ing Dynasty (1644-1911/1912) • 2nd foreign dynasty- Manchurian • unrest toppled dynasty and imperial rule
Japan Historical Background • little known about original settlers • farming through irrigation by 200 B.C. • immigration from Korea and other Asian countries • divided into tribal organizations called ujior clan ~aristocrats ~warriors ~spiritual leaders
Japan Historical Background Yamato Clan and Chinese Influence • 4th Century- Yamato Clan most powerful in Japan • Brought Chinese beliefs to Japan (Buddhism; Confucianism) • Chinese influence also found in architecture, art, clothing, and language, and political structure (central imperial rule)
Japan Historical Background The Heian Age • 794- new imperial capital built in Heian (now Kyoto) • courtiers- a refined life; devoted to ceremonies and festivals • emperor’s power began to diminish; political rule fell into hands of powerful aristocrat family- Fujiwara • large aristocratic families set up estates on outskirts in hopes to challenge Fujiwara family
Japan Historical Background Feudal Japan • warrior nobility like Western Europe • Samurai or Daimyo- lords/highest class • MinamotoYoritomo became powerful shogun, chief general • trouble unifying Japan led to centuries of feudal warfare
Japan Historical Background Japan Shuts Out the World • 1600’s- Tokugawa shoguns created a peaceful society with a central government • new capital built in Edo (Tokyo) • Tokugawa felt threatened by European traders • 1639-closed Japan to world
Japan Historical Background Perry Opens the Door • 1853- United States fleet lead by Perry arrived in Edo to end Japanese isolation • 14 years later, Tokugawa shogunate ended • new emperor called reign Meiji (enlightened rule) • Japanese began to study western ways • Japan became a modern industrial nation by 1900
Japan Historical Background Japanese Religious Traditions
Chinese Literature Philosophy • Along with poetry, most popular genre • The Analects –Confucius • Tao TeChing- Lao Tzu
Chinese Literature Poetry
Chinese Literature Drama and Fiction
Japanese Literature Poetry
Japanese Literature Poetry Contests
Japanese Literature The Haiku
Japanese Literature Japanese Prose
Japanese Literature Japanese Drama