This document provides information about Chinese literature. It begins with learning competencies and objectives related to describing Chinese literature and explaining texts in terms of literary elements. It then asks an essential question about how Chinese literature defines its culture and society. The rest of the document discusses classical and modern Chinese poetry and prose forms. It provides examples of important literary works and examines the historical contexts in which Chinese literature developed.

2. Learning
Competencies
Explain the texts in terms of
literary elements, genres, and
traditions (EN12Lit-IIb-32);
1
Situate the texts in the context
of the region, nation, and the
world (EN12Lit-IIc-29);
2
Appreciate the cultural and
aesthetic diversity of literature
of the world (EN12Lit-IIc-33).
3

3. Objectives
• describe Chinese literature; and
• explain the text in terms of literary elements,
genres, and traditions peculiar to China.

4. Essential Question
How does Chinese literature define its culture and
society?

5. Warm Up!
1. On a piece of paper, write down five ways you could live
through a period when the internet and modern-day gadgets
have not yet been invented.
2. Remember that writing letters and using old models of the
telephone are the only means of communication.
3. Look for a partner with whom to discuss your answers.
4. Engage in a discussion with your classmate. Look at the
similarities and differences in your responses.
5. Share your experience with the class.

6. Vocabulary Words
opportunely (adverb) - at the right time or occasion
A witness opportunely appeared at the lowest point of the police’s search for a suspect.
1
currishly (adverb) - showing meanness and ungratefulness
The adopted dog currishly bit the hands of the master who feeds him.
2
anarchy (noun) - a state of confusion resulting in disaster because a community is not
controlled by a leader
Anarchy broke out when the prime minister stepped down from his position.
3

7. Vocabulary Words
filial piety (noun phrase) - a part of Confucian Chinese Buddhist ethics that shows high
esteem or regard to parents, elders, and ancestors
FIlipinos’ filial piety is practiced when we ask for our parents’ blessing whenever we leave
from or arrive at our homes.
4
conscientiousness (noun) - an attitude of making sure that what one does is correct
Adam’s excessive conscientiousness was the cause of his group mate’s irritation.
5

8. Vocabulary Words
circumspect (adjective) - characteristic of being cautious in doing things
Jurors must be circumspect about all the information they hear before giving out a verdict.
6
lascivious (adjective) - characterized by showing an offensive sexual desire
He used to be a lascivious person, but spending a year in prison after a sexual
harassment charge changed him.
7

9. Learn about It!
Beginning of Chinese Literature
● Ming Dynasty - Literature was written to entertain common
literate Chinese.
● Tang Dynasty (618–907) - Woodblock printing was invented.
● Song Dynasty (960–1279) - Movable type of printing was
introduced.
● These developments led to the propagation of literature
across the country.

10. Learn about It!
Classical Poetry
● Book of Changes
○ one of the most important classical texts in Chinese literature
○ book of divination based on eight trigrams, which existed during
the Zhou dynasty
● The Classic of Poetry
○ earliest collection of poems
○ consists of 305 poems, which include folk and festival poems,
hymns, and eulogies

11. Learn about It!
Classical Poetry
● The Classic of History
○ collection of documents and speeches written by rulers and
officials of Zhou period
● The Classic of Rites
○ texts that describe ancient rites and ceremonies

12. Learn about It!
Classical Poetry
● Spring and Autumn Annals
○ chronological history of the state of Lu
● Analects of Confucius
○ book of sayings recorded by his disciples that talks about
harmonious living and how to deal with other people
● Two distinguished poets: Li Po and Tu Fu

13. Learn about It!
Classical Prose
● Mencius and Zhuang Zhi
○ prose writers who demonstrated well-reasoned and
carefully developed ideas
● Tang Period
○ emergence of neoclassic style of prose
● Han Yu (768–824)
○ major essayist who advocated the return of Confucian
orthodoxy

14. Learn about It!
Modern Literature
● Qing Period (1895–1911)
○ modern Chinese literature began
○ a period of active intellectual pursuit sparked by a
nationalistic climate

15. Learn about It!
Modern Literature
● Li Boyuan
○ used vernacular writing for people who did not receive classical
education
○ focused on social and political issues
● Liu E.
○ writer, archaeologist, and politician who used symbolism and
classical writing illustrations in his writing
● Zheng Pu
○ used symbolism and classical literature illustrations in his writing

16. Learn about It!
● The New Culture Movement (1917–1923) - saw the vernacular
language being widely used and eventually displacing the classical
language in all genres
● Lu Xun - considered the founder of modern baihua literature (literature
that uses colloquial language) in China
● socialist realism - adheres to the principle that art must depict
contemporary events exposing the ills of nonsocialist society
● Maoist Era (1949–1976) - placed the publishing industry and the book
distribution system under government control and implemented strict
censorship

17. Learn about It!
● Post-Mao Era (1976–present)
○ published a large number of prose fiction
○ Writers protested against and bemoaned the abuses but
also expressed their eagerness to contribute in building a
new Chinese society.

18. Learn about It!
The Analects: Book I
Confucius (551–479 BCE)

19. Learn about It!
Guide Questions:
1.What is the first book of the Analects of Confucius about?
2.What does it say about learning?
3.What specific aspects of Chinese culture and tradition are
highlighted in the text?
4.What is the tone of the text?
5.What is the general purpose of the text?

20. Analysis
Read the given texts, then answer the questions that follow.
Make sure to cite textual evidence to back up your answers.
Texts for analysis

21. Analysis
1. What is common among all the classical poems presented?
What do these common things say about the Chinese people?
2. What can you infer about ancient Chinese society based on the
subject matter of each poem?
3. What life lessons does each literary piece teach its readers?
4. In what practical situations can the lessons the poem teaches be
applied?
5. How would you describe classical Chinese poetry based on the
imagery used in the above poems?

22. Analysis
Criteria Score
Content
(The question is answered well; textual evidence is given.) 5 pts.
Organization
(There is a logical progression of details/events; clear transitions
between ideas are evident.) 3 pts.
Language
(There are fewer than three errors in spelling, mechanics,
grammar, and word choice.) 2 pts.
Score: /10

23. Values Integration
How can our knowledge of Chinese literature help us
appreciate their contribution to our society and culture?

24. Synthesis
1. Form five groups. Read other books of the Analects of
Confucius or other classical Chinese literary pieces.
2. Each member of the group should write one poem based on
the text.
3. Compile your poems in a clear folder.
4. Choose one member from your group who will present your
output in class.

25. Synthesis
5. After the activity, answer the following questions:
■ What were the problems you encountered in writing a
poem based on the text you read?
■ What did you consider including in your response poem?

26. Assignment
1. Write a letter to one of your close friends.
2. The letter should encourage your friend to read a particular
piece of classical Chinese literature.
3. It should contain five reasons why your friend should read
the text.
4. The letter should have three paragraphs.
5. Prepare to share your letter with the class.

27. Criteria Score
Content
(The letter contains sufficient evidence that is accurate to the text
and will encourage their friend to read it.) 5 pts.
Organization
(Logical progression of details/events; clear transitions between
ideas) 3 pts.
Language
(Use of proper spelling, mechanics, grammar, and word choice) 2
pts.
Score: /10