Unit 1: Early ChinaIAH 204 Spring 2014 - Mid-Term Study Guide Topics and sample questions. (The questions listed are just a sample of the types of issues you should be able to write about on the exam. There are just a few suggestions to help you think about some of the issues we have discussed. It is not a comprehensive list of all possible exam questions nor are all possible issues in the course raised here.)Unit 1: Early China- The Classic of Poetry: What is it? How is it used? What is shared by different poems in this anthology?- What is the difference between the meanings of the poems and the Mao Commentaries (Han Dynasty) on the Classic of Poetry? Please use the individual poem(s) as your example(s).- What are differences between the Confucian school and the Daoist school? What are differences within the same school of Confucian thought? How do these philosophers convey their ideas? - What are the major faults of the Qin dynasty as exemplified in “The Faults of the Qin”?- What is the relationship between the literati and the rulers as discussed in the class?- Describe the Grand Historian (Sima Qian): what was his goal in life and what dilemma did he face?- What is important about the Records of the Grand Historian?- How did the Retainer outwit the king of the Qin State?- Is courage sufficient for the Retainer to defeat the King of Qin State? - What renders the Retainer outstanding in the episode when he tries to avoid the General?- What is the significance of the story on “Bian He’s Jade”?- What is the key significance of the canonization of Confucian school of thought in literature?- How do you describe the tensions between the ruling orthodoxy and the literary resistance with examples?Unit 2: Traditional China- Explain Cao Pi’s views on literature.- Discuss Tao Qian’s writing in the context of his attitude toward life.- Discuss the different roles of poetry in society during this period.- Between Li Bai and Du Fu, who had a more playful, optimistic style of poetry (rather than misery or self-pity)?- Legend, “Ying-ying’s story,” by Yuan Zhen: Discuss some of the key themes and issues in this story. - Why are many poets and independent thinkers unsuccessful in national examinations -- often even banished from government positions?- What are the stylistic characteristics of the Song lyrics?- What are the problems with Confucianism according to Zhu Xi? What are his strategies to change it?- Why are many lyrics of this period about drinking? What might be the key for the authors to present themselves as drunk in the poems, i.e. how might such poems have helped the authors to express their views on the society with impunity?- What is the main purpose of the marine voyages of Zheng He? What is the significance ofthese Marine Voyages in the cultural realm?- During this period, in what ways did elite and popular culture merge together? What changes were made to the examination system?- Wu Chengen The Journey to the West (chapter 99): What is the mission of the Tang Monk and his three disciples? How does this story illustrate the philosophy that nothing in life is perfect?- Classical tale: “The Courtesan and the Jewel Box” How do the two main characters seem to be influenced by Confucian thought (Mr. Li and the Courtesan, Decima)?- The Scholars, Chapter 3, Wu Jingzi:What was the author’s main objective for this novel? In Ch. 3 how did Butcher Hu’s opinion of his son-in-law change? What might be the reason for him to change?- “The Painted Skin:” What is the moral of the story? Explain how the characters of the girl and the beggar are related to the illustration of this moral.Unit 3: Breakthrough in Modern China - What events contributed to the weakening of the Qing Dynasty during the 19th century?- How did intellectuals plan to invigorate Chinese culture around the turn of the 20th century?- What are the main points of Dickens’ novel according to Lin Shu?- “On the Power of Mara Poetry”What is the meaning of the term “Mara Poetry”? Why is this kind of poetry powerful as renderedby Lu Xun?- What is the May Fourth Movement? What are the main principles of the Movement? Why is Lu Xun disliked by both critics on the right and people on the left of the Chinese society?- Describe Lu Xun’s use of the image “iron house”.- “Madman’s Diary”: What does the metaphor of “eating people” refer to? What is the reason for the author to use the voice of a mad man in this story?- “Regret for the Past”: The girl, Tzu-Chun, only says one line. Paraphrase that line and explain its significance. • “Xiao Xiao”: What is the relationship between Xiao Xiao and the girl students from the city? How does Xiao Xiao’s uncle react when Xiao Xiao gets pregnant, and why is this important? How is Xiao Xiao different from other female characters we have read about (e.g.