Exploring Connections Between Ancient and Modern Literature

Discover the fascinating connections between ancient texts like the Book of Songs, Analects of Confucius, and Journey to the West with modern experiences, society, and literature. Delve into themes of love, governance, virtues, and cultural endurance through insightful analyses and reflections by Lisa Trainor presented at NCTE in November 2009.

• Literature
• Connections
• Ancient
• Modern
• Cultural

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1. Book of Songs Analects of Confucius Journey to the West

2. Personal Connections I ve felt that way, too! Cultural Connections Wow, that s just like today. Literary Connections I know a story/movie like that. Lisa Trainor, NCTE November 2009 2

3. Choose one that speaks to the modern student. Often not hard because of a phenomenon called collective unconsciousness (Carl Jung) My heart is not a mirror To reflect what others will. Book of Songs #75. Lisa Trainor, NCTE November 2009 3

4. Next, relate to a common experience in society and other literature Book of Songs #24 I Beg of You, Zhong Zi Voices of young love Romeo and Juliet Bring in the specifics of the traits, structure and conventions. Book of Songs #1 Guan Sui (or Kuan, Kuan ) Illustrates the lyrical leap of Asian poetry Lisa Trainor, NCTE November 2009 4

5. Book II, Analect 3: The Master said, Guide them by edicts, keep them in line with punishments, and the common people will stay out of trouble but will have no sense of shame. Guide them by virtue, keep them in line with the rites, and they will, besides having a sense of shame, reform themselves. How is this just like us? Lisa Trainor, NCTE November 2009 5

6. Confucius searched years for a ruler to follow his four merits: Benevolence, Righteousness, Filial Piety and Ritual behavior. Students read selected Analects and discuss which one would be the most difficult for a modern ruler to achieve. Responses show connection to today s values and norms of society and government. Lisa Trainor, NCTE November 2009 6

7. Story that endures in modern Asian culture. Movies ( Forbidden Kingdom )Jet Li as Monkey King Comics (Children s shows) Opera ( The Monkey King ) Lisa Trainor, NCTE November 2009 7

8. Two key elements to connect with modern, Western students: Classic journey story of the monk, Xuanzuang. Mischievous character of the monkey. Lisa Trainor, NCTE November 2009 8

9. The noise of the combat reached the Jade Emperor who in great consternation sent two messengers to the Western Region to see if Buddha could help. . . Buddha said, . . . I ve got to go and deal with this creature who is making trouble at the Taoist court. (Chapter VII, Monkey, translated by Arthur Waley) Lisa Trainor, NCTE November 2009 9

10. Illustrates the coexistence of the three belief systems of China: Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism. Difficult for Western students to grasp. Article from Education about Asia Lisa Trainor, NCTE November 2009 10

11. Creating a connection to ones existing knowledge allows for the creation of new knowledge. Once students see ancient literature as connected to themselves and the here and now , it takes on meaning and relevance for them. The door is now open Lisa Trainor, NCTE November 2009 11