10.1 East Asian literature

East Asian literature encompasses rich traditions from China, Japan, and Korea, reflecting cultural, philosophical, and historical developments. These literary traditions date back centuries, with China's origins in the Shang Dynasty, Japan's in the Nara period, and Korea's in ancient oral traditions.

Major genres in East Asian literature include Chinese poetry and prose, Japanese haiku and tanka, and Korean sijo and kasa. These forms evolved over time, influenced by cultural values, aesthetic principles, and historical contexts, showcasing the diversity of East Asian literary expression.

Origins of East Asian literature

• East Asian literature encompasses rich traditions from China, Japan, and Korea, forming a significant part of World Literature II
• These literary traditions reflect the cultural, philosophical, and historical developments of their respective regions
• Understanding the origins provides insight into the evolution of East Asian literary forms and themes

Early Chinese literary traditions

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• Dates back to the Shang Dynasty (1600-1046 BCE) with oracle bone inscriptions
• Includes ancient texts like the I Ching (Book of Changes) and Shijing (Book of Songs)
• Developed sophisticated systems of writing and literary composition
• Influenced by philosophical traditions (Confucianism, Taoism)

Classical Japanese literature

• Emerged during the Nara period (710-794 CE) with works like the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki
• Flourished in the Heian period (794-1185 CE) with the development of kana writing system
• Characterized by court poetry, monogatari (tales), and nikki (diaries)
• Heavily influenced by Chinese literature but developed unique Japanese aesthetics

Korean literary foundations

• Rooted in ancient oral traditions and early written works like the Samguk Sagi
• Developed distinct literary forms during the Three Kingdoms period (57 BCE-935 CE)
• Influenced by Chinese literature and Buddhism
• Evolved unique genres like sijo poetry and p'ansori narrative singing

Major genres and forms

• East Asian literature encompasses a wide array of genres and forms, each with distinct characteristics
• These literary forms reflect the cultural values, aesthetic principles, and historical contexts of their origins
• Understanding these genres is crucial for appreciating the diversity of East Asian literary expression

Chinese poetry and prose

• Poetry includes shi (classical), ci (song lyrics), and qu (opera)
• Prose forms encompass fu (rhapsody), biji (miscellaneous notes), and xiaoshuo (fiction)
• Tang poetry (618-907 CE) known for its concise and evocative style
• Song dynasty (960-1279 CE) prose emphasized clarity and elegance

Japanese haiku and tanka

• Haiku consists of 17 syllables in a 5-7-5 pattern, often focusing on nature and seasons
• Tanka composed of 31 syllables in a 5-7-5-7-7 pattern, expressing emotions and observations
• Matsuo Basho revolutionized haiku in the 17th century, emphasizing simplicity and depth
• Tanka evolved from waka poetry, becoming a staple of Japanese literary expression

Korean sijo and kasa

• Sijo features three lines of 14-16 syllables each, often exploring philosophical themes
• Kasa developed as a longer form of vernacular poetry, typically narrative or descriptive
• Sijo emerged during the Goryeo dynasty (918-1392 CE) and flourished in the Joseon period
• Kasa gained popularity in the 15th century, often addressing moral and social issues

Influential literary movements

• Literary movements in East Asia shaped the development of literature across centuries
• These movements reflect broader cultural, political, and philosophical changes in society
• Understanding these movements provides context for interpreting East Asian literary works

Tang and Song dynasties

• Tang dynasty (618-907 CE) marked the golden age of Chinese poetry
• Poets like Li Bai and Du Fu elevated the art of shi poetry
• Song dynasty (960-1279 CE) saw the rise of ci poetry and prose essays
• Neo-Confucianism emerged, influencing literary themes and philosophical discourse

Heian period in Japan

• Spanned from 794-1185 CE, considered the classical era of Japanese literature
• Saw the development of uniquely Japanese literary forms and aesthetics
• Produced masterpieces like The Tale of Genji by Murasaki Shikibu
• Court poetry and monogatari (tales) flourished, emphasizing elegance and emotional depth

Joseon dynasty in Korea

• Lasted from 1392-1910, a significant period for Korean literary development
• Promoted Confucian values and scholarship through literature
• Saw the rise of vernacular Korean literature alongside classical Chinese works
• Produced notable works like the Chunhyangjeon (Tale of Chunhyang)

Key themes and motifs

• East Asian literature explores recurring themes and motifs that reflect cultural values
• These themes often intertwine with philosophical and religious concepts
• Understanding these motifs enhances appreciation of East Asian literary works

Nature and seasons

• Central to East Asian poetry and prose, often used symbolically
• Reflects the cyclical view of time and human existence
• Cherry blossoms in Japan symbolize transience and beauty
• Bamboo in Chinese literature represents resilience and integrity

Confucian values

• Emphasizes filial piety, loyalty, and social harmony
• Influences character development and moral dilemmas in narratives
• Reflected in works like The Analects of Confucius
• Shapes the ideals of governance and personal conduct in literature

Buddhist influences

• Introduces concepts of impermanence, suffering, and enlightenment
• Influences themes of detachment and spiritual journey
• Evident in works like Journey to the West by Wu Cheng'en
• Shapes aesthetic principles like wabi-sabi in Japanese literature

Notable authors and works

• East Asian literature boasts a rich canon of influential authors and seminal works
• These writers have shaped literary traditions and continue to inspire contemporary literature
• Familiarity with these authors and works is essential for understanding East Asian literary heritage

Chinese literary giants

• Li Bai (701-762 CE) renowned for his romantic and imaginative poetry
• Du Fu (712-770 CE) known as the "Poet-Historian" for his socially conscious verses
• Cao Xueqin (1715-1763) author of the classic novel Dream of the Red Chamber
• Lu Xun (1881-1936) pioneered modern Chinese literature with works like A Madman's Diary

Japanese masters

• Murasaki Shikibu (c. 978-1014) authored The Tale of Genji, considered the world's first novel
• Matsuo Basho (1644-1694) revolutionized haiku poetry with works like The Narrow Road to the Deep North
• Natsume Soseki (1867-1916) bridged classical and modern Japanese literature with novels like Kokoro
• Yasunari Kawabata (1899-1972) first Japanese Nobel laureate in Literature, known for Snow Country

Korean literary luminaries

• Choe Chiwon (857-910) early Confucian scholar and poet who wrote in Classical Chinese
• Jeong Cheol (1536-1593) renowned for his sijo poetry during the Joseon dynasty
• Yi Kwang-su (1892-1950) pioneer of modern Korean literature with works like The Heartless
• Park Kyung-ni (1926-2008) author of the epic novel Toji (Land), chronicling Korean history

East Asian literature vs Western

• Comparing East Asian and Western literature reveals distinct cultural and aesthetic differences
• These differences stem from varied philosophical traditions and historical contexts
• Understanding these contrasts enhances appreciation of both literary traditions

Philosophical underpinnings

• East Asian literature often rooted in Confucian, Taoist, and Buddhist thought
• Western literature influenced by Greco-Roman and Judeo-Christian traditions
• Eastern focus on harmony with nature vs Western emphasis on individual agency
• Cyclical view of time in East Asian literature contrasts with linear Western perspective

Aesthetic principles

• East Asian literature values suggestion, implication, and empty space (ma in Japanese)
• Western literature tends towards more direct expression and detailed description
• Concept of yugen in Japanese aesthetics emphasizes subtle profundity
• Chinese and Korean literature often employ parallelism and balanced structures

Narrative structures

• East Asian narratives may feature less linear plots and character development
• Western literature typically follows Aristotelian plot structure (beginning, middle, end)
• Japanese zuihitsu genre blends essays, personal reflections, and fragmentary ideas
• Chinese and Korean historical narratives often interweave fact and legend

Modern East Asian literature

• Modern East Asian literature reflects the region's rapid social and cultural changes
• Incorporates both traditional elements and new literary techniques
• Addresses themes of modernization, national identity, and globalization

Impact of Western influences

• Introduction of Western literary genres (novel, short story) in the late 19th century
• Adoption of vernacular language in writing, moving away from classical forms
• Exploration of individualism and social critique in literature
• Emergence of new literary movements (Romanticism, Realism) in East Asian contexts

Post-war literary developments

• Reflects trauma and societal changes following World War II and regional conflicts
• Japanese authors like Yukio Mishima and Kenzaburo Oe grapple with post-war identity
• Chinese literature addresses the Cultural Revolution and its aftermath
• Korean literature explores themes of division and reunification

Contemporary trends

• Increased focus on urban life, technology, and globalization
• Rise of genre fiction (science fiction, mystery) in East Asian literature
• Growing recognition of East Asian authors in global literary circles
• Exploration of transnational identities and diaspora experiences

Cultural context and significance

• East Asian literature is deeply embedded in the cultural fabric of its societies
• Reflects and shapes social norms, values, and historical memory
• Plays a crucial role in preserving and transmitting cultural heritage

Role of literature in society

• Serves as a vehicle for moral and philosophical teachings
• Reflects social hierarchies and political structures
• Acts as a form of social critique and commentary
• Preserves historical events and cultural practices through narrative

Relationship to visual arts

• Close connection between literature and calligraphy in China and Japan
• Influence of landscape painting on nature imagery in poetry
• Integration of text and image in formats like emaki (picture scrolls) in Japan
• Literary themes often depicted in traditional theater forms (Noh, Kabuki, Pansori)

Influence on global literature

• East Asian literary techniques and aesthetics inspire Western modernist writers
• Concepts like haiku and zen influence global poetry movements
• Increased translations make East Asian classics accessible to global readers
• Contemporary East Asian authors gain international recognition and readership

Translation and interpretation

• Translation plays a crucial role in making East Asian literature accessible globally
• Challenges arise due to linguistic and cultural differences
• Skilled translation requires deep understanding of both source and target cultures

Challenges in translating East Asian works

• Conveying nuances of tonal languages (Chinese) in non-tonal target languages
• Preserving poetic structures and rhythms (haiku, sijo) in translation
• Translating concepts without direct equivalents in Western languages
• Balancing fidelity to the original text with readability in the target language

Cultural nuances in translation

• Interpreting culturally specific references and allusions
• Conveying implicit meanings and subtext rooted in cultural context
• Translating honorifics and levels of formality in languages like Japanese and Korean
• Preserving the aesthetic principles (wabi-sabi, yugen) in translated works

Notable translators and translations

• Arthur Waley's translations of Chinese and Japanese classics
• Edward Seidensticker's translations of modern Japanese literature
• David Hawkes' translation of Dream of the Red Chamber
• Richard Rutt's translations of Korean sijo poetry