Lesson Handout: 21st Century Literature from the Philippines and the World | Page 1

Learning Objectives:
1.​ I can identify and describe key characteristics of literature from China, Japan, Korea, and India.
2.​ I can explain how historical, cultural, and philosophical influences shaped the literary traditions of different Asian countries.
3.​ I can identify and analyze key themes in African folktales
4.​ I can understand the role of oral traditions in African literature

Introduction to Asian Literature

Asian Literature is a diverse and expansive body of work created across the vast continent of Asia, spanning thousands of
years. It includes poetry, prose, and various other forms of writing in a multitude of languages. Influenced by the region’s
complex history, religions, political changes, and cultural movements, Asian literature reflects the life, struggles, and
philosophies of the people who have lived across Asia.

The literary traditions of Asia are immense in scope, ranging from sacred texts to personal narratives, epic poems to short
descriptive works, and much more. Due to the sheer volume and diversity of literary works across Asia, it is essential to
explore them by geographical region. This lesson will provide an overview of the major literary traditions of four key
countries in Asia: China, Japan, Korea, and India.

I. Chinese Literature

Historical Overview​
Chinese literature boasts a history that spans over 3,000 years, making it one of the oldest and most influential literary
traditions in the world. Its beginnings date back to at least the 14th century BCE, and it has evolved in tandem with
China’s historical, cultural, and philosophical development. The Chinese language, despite undergoing changes in
pronunciation, dialects, and written forms, has maintained its fundamental structure and identity.

Key Features of Chinese Literature

●​ Written Language: The Chinese script (characters) is one of the oldest writing systems still in use today. Chinese
characters represent words or ideas, and their pronunciation has been a significant influence on the structure of the
literature.
●​ Themes: Chinese literature often explores themes like nature, love, politics, philosophy, and history.
●​ Influence: Chinese literature has greatly influenced the literary traditions of neighboring countries, including
Japan, Korea, and Vietnam. These cultures borrowed Chinese writing systems and literary forms, and many early
works were written in Classical Chinese.

The Tang Dynasty (618-907 CE)​

●​ Li Po (Li Bai): Known for his romantic and nature-inspired poetry. Li Po’s works often reflect his love for the
natural world and the transient nature of life.
●​ Tu Fu (Du Fu): Renowned for his socially conscious poetry that often commented on the political and moral
issues of his time.
●​ Wang Wei: Famous for his landscape poetry, Wang Wei's works often combined elements of visual art and poetry,
reflecting his deep connection with nature.

Famous Works and Poets

●​ Li Po: "Drinking Alone by Moonlight"

●​ Wang Wei: "Deer Park"

II. Japanese Literature

Historical Overview​
Japanese literature has a history extending over 1,300 years, beginning around the 7th century CE. The early stages of
Japanese literature were heavily influenced by Chinese literature, as Japan adopted Chinese writing systems and poetry
forms. However, over time, Japan developed its own unique literary forms and styles, which have continued to evolve to
this day.

Key Features of Japanese Literature

●​ Haiku: One of the most iconic forms of Japanese literature, haiku is a short, 17-syllable poem traditionally
structured in three lines. Haiku captures a moment in nature or human experience in a concise and poignant way.
●​ Noh and Kabuki: These are two traditional forms of Japanese theatre. Noh is a slow, austere form of theatre
focused on ritual and symbolism, while Kabuki is more energetic, colorful, and theatrical.
●​ Themes: Japanese literature often explores themes of impermanence (known as mono no aware), nature, the
fleeting nature of life, and personal reflection.

Famous Works and Poets

●​ Matsuo Basho (1644-1694): Basho is the most famous haiku poet in Japanese literature and is credited with
elevating the haiku form to serious art. His most famous haiku is:​
"The old pond,​
A frog jumps in,​
Sound of water."
●​ Yukio Mishima (1925-1970): A 20th-century novelist known for his works exploring the tension between
modernity and traditional Japanese values.

Influential Themes and Styles

●​ The Concept of Mono no Aware: The transient nature of life and beauty.
●​ Minimalism: Japanese literature often embraces ambiguity and understatement, focusing on simplicity and
emotional depth.

III. Korean Literature

Historical Overview​
Korean literature dates back over 1,000 years, with early works written in Classical Chinese. However, with the invention
of the Korean script Hangul in the 15th century, Korean literature began to flourish in the native language. Early literary
works were written in Chinese characters, but eventually, Korean writers developed systems to transcribe their language
more accurately.

Key Features of Korean Literature

●​ Hangul: In the mid-15th century, King Sejong created Hangul, the Korean alphabet, which allowed the Korean
language to be written more easily and accurately.
●​ Poetic Forms: Korean literature includes a variety of traditional poetic forms, such as:
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○​ Hyangga: Early native Korean poetry, often written in a syllabic format. Hyangga ("native songs")
poems were written in four, eight, or 10 lines; the 10-line form- comprising two four-line stanzas and a
concluding two-line stanza-was the most popular and oldest form in Korean literature.
○​ Pyolgok ("special songs") or changga flourished during the middle and late Koryo period. It is
characterized by a refrain either in the middle or at the end of each stanza.The theme of most of these
anonymous poems is love, the joys and torments of which are expressed in frank and powerful language.
○​ Sijo: A traditional form of Korean poetry with three lines and 14 to 16 syllables per line.Sijo ("current
melodies") is the longest-enduring and most popular form of Korean poetry. Sijo is a three line poem in
which each line has 14 to 16 syllables and the total number of syllables seldom exceeds 45. Each line
consists of groups of four syllables. Sijo may deal with Confucian ethical values, but there are also many
poems about nature and love.
○​ Kasa: A longer form of poetry, often dealing with subjects such as love, war, and nature.Kasa ("verses")
tends to be much longer than other forms of Korean poetry and is usually written in balanced couplets.
During the earlier period, the poem was generally about 100 lines long and dealt with such subjects as
female beauty, war, and seclusion
○​ Changga: A type of narrative song that often explores themes of love and nature.

Famous Poets

●​ Seo Jeong-ju (May 18, 1915 - December 24, 2000): A modern Korean poet known for his interest in Buddhism
and folk traditions. His works are reflective of the social and political changes in Korea.
○​ Seo Jeong-ju was a Korean poet and university professor. He taught Korean literature in universities,
writing under the pen name "Midang".
○​ He is widely considered as one of the best poets in the twentieth-century. Korean literature and was
nominated five times for the Nobel Prize in literature. His grandmother's stories and his interest in
Buddhism had a strong influence upon his writing.
○​ He wrote over 1,000 poems over more than 60 years and had considerable influence on Korean literature,
being considered the 'founding father of modern Korean poetry.
●​ Kim So-wol (1902–1934): Known for his deep emotional lyricism and poems about love, loss, and nature.

Important Literary Themes

●​ Confucian Influence: Korean literature often reflects Confucian values such as filial piety, loyalty, and respect
for tradition.
●​ Nature: Much of Korean poetry is inspired by the beauty of nature and often explores the relationship between
the individual and the natural world.

IV. Indian Literature

Historical Overview​
Indian literature has one of the longest and most diverse histories in the world, with roots going back to the Vedas, which
were composed around 1500 BCE in Sanskrit. Over time, Indian literature has been written in a variety of languages,
including Sanskrit, Tamil, Urdu, and Hindi, among others.

Key Features of Indian Literature

●​ Sanskrit Literature: The early literature of India was largely written in Sanskrit, and it includes religious texts,
epics, and philosophical treatises. The Mahabharata and Ramayana are two of the most famous Sanskrit epics.
○​ The Mahabharata by Vyasa, the longest poem ever written, is still relevant after 4,000 years.
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○​ The Ramayana also teaches important lessons on morality and ethics. Rama, considered to be the
embodiment of dharma (duty, honor, and loyalty), is regarded as the ideal son, husband, and, eventually,
king. The greatest test of his dharma comes upon his return to Ayodhya and ascent to the throne.
○​ Sanskrit: an ancient Indo-European language of India, in which the Hindu scriptures and classical Indian
epic poems are written and from which many northern Indian (Indic) languages are derived.
●​ Religious Texts: The Vedas, Upanishads, and Bhagavad Gita are some of the foundational texts of Hindu
philosophy and Indian literature.
○​ Vedas: a large body of religious text that is composed of Vedic Sanskrit and originated in ancient India.
They form the oldest scriptures of Hinduism and the oldest layer of Sanskrit literature
●​ Modern Indian Literature: Indian literature in the modern era began to incorporate Western literary influences,
including realism and psychological exploration, especially during British colonial rule.

Famous Poets

●​ Rabindranath Tagore (May 7, 1861 - August 7, 1941): Tagore was a Bengali poet and philosopher who won the
Nobel Prize for Literature in 1913. He introduced new prose and verse forms and helped bring Indian literature to
the global stage.
○​ One of his most famous poems is:​
"Where the mind is without fear and the head is held high,​
Where knowledge is free,​
Where the world has not been broken up into fragments​
By narrow domestic walls."
○​ Bengali poet, short-story writer, song composer, playwright, essayist, and painter who introduced new
prose and verse forms and the use of colloquial language into Bengali literature, thereby freeing it from
traditional models based on classical Sanskrit.
○​ He was extremely influential in introducing Indian culture to the West and the other way around, and he is
commonly considered as the outstanding creative artist of early 20th-century India. In 1913 he became the
first non-European to receive the Nobel Prize for Literature.

Themes in Indian Literature

●​ Philosophy and Religion: Much of ancient and classical Indian literature deals with deep philosophical questions
related to spirituality, morality, and life’s meaning.
●​ Epic Narratives: The Mahabharata and Ramayana are vast epics that explore human dilemmas, the nature of
duty, and the complexities of good and evil.

I. Introduction to African Literature

African literature represents the diverse cultural, social, and historical experiences of the African continent. It includes a
blend of oral traditions and written texts in multiple languages, offering insight into the values, struggles, and worldviews
of different African societies. The literature of Africa often focuses on issues like colonialism, the quest for independence,
cultural identity, and the preservation of traditions.

●​ Oral Literature: This form of storytelling includes myths, proverbs, folktales, songs, and histories passed down
orally from generation to generation. These stories often serve educational purposes, conveying moral lessons and
preserving cultural practices. For example, in many African communities, storytelling is a vital method of
teaching children about their heritage, societal roles, and ancestral wisdom.
●​ Written Literature: With the rise of postcolonial African writers, written literature has become a powerful
medium for expressing African voices. Many African authors write in European languages like English, French,
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or Portuguese, using them as tools to challenge colonial narratives and address contemporary issues. Prominent
African authors include:
○​ Chinua Achebe: Widely regarded as the father of African literature in English, Achebe's Things Fall
Apartaddresses the destructive effects of European colonialism on Igbo society. His works highlight the
importance of preserving cultural heritage while adapting to modern changes.
○​ Wole Soyinka: A Nigerian playwright and poet, Soyinka is known for his works that address political
oppression, corruption, and the struggle for justice. His play Death and the King's Horseman is a
powerful commentary on cultural conflict and the consequences of colonialism.
○​ Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o: A prominent Kenyan writer, Ngũgĩ has been an outspoken critic of colonialism and
its effects on African cultures. His works, such as A Grain of Wheat, explore themes of resistance,
liberation, and the importance of African languages in preserving cultural identity.

Key Themes in African Literature:

●​ Colonialism and Its Aftermath: The clash between African cultures and European colonial powers, and the
lasting effects of colonialism on African societies.
●​ Identity and Heritage: African literature often explores themes of cultural pride, the preservation of heritage, and
the reclamation of African identity in the face of colonialism.

II. Folktales and Their Significance

Folktales play a central role in African literature. These narratives are often rooted in the social and cultural values of the
community and serve as both entertainment and a method of imparting important lessons.

●​ Masala Kulangwa and the Monster Shing'weng'we: This East African folktale follows the journey of Masala
Kulangwa, a young man whose cleverness and bravery enable him to defeat Shing'weng'we, a monster who has
swallowed all the people in the world, except for Masala's mother. Masala's adventure is a story of personal
growth, resilience, and the triumph of good over evil. The tale emphasizes the importance of courage, wisdom,
and the restoration of balance in the world.​
Themes:
○​ The triumph of good over evil
○​ The importance of courage and intelligence
○​ The connection between past struggles and future victories
●​ Rawera (The Comforter) and the Monsters: Set in the village of Funtu, this folktale centers around Rawera, a
young man who embarks on a mission to confront the monsters that have devastated his community. With the help
of a bird, Rawera faces these dangerous creatures and restores peace to his people. The story highlights the themes
of resilience, justice, and the need to protect one's community and heritage.​
Themes:
○​ Overcoming adversity
○​ Protection of the community
○​ The power of determination and resilience

III. Importance of Oral Tradition in African Literature

Oral tradition is a cornerstone of African literature, serving as the primary means of communication, education, and
entertainment in many African societies. Oral narratives are performed through storytelling, often accompanied by music,
rhythm, and audience participation.
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●​ Role of Griots: Griots are traditional African storytellers and praise singers who serve as historians, preserving
the oral history of their communities. They engage their audiences with call-and-response techniques, music, and
rhythmic speech, ensuring that stories are passed down in an engaging and memorable way.
●​ Cultural Significance: Oral tradition helps maintain cultural continuity in African societies. Through storytelling,
communities pass on knowledge about customs, beliefs, and moral values. Oral literature also honors ancestors
and reinforces social norms.