NAME: RAYMOND LONGASA
COURSE, YR. & BLOCK : MM2-B
SUBJECT: LITERATURE 1
ACTIVITY #2
A. What is Japanese Literature?
Japanese Literature refers to the written works produced by Japanese authors,
typically in the Japanese language.
B. How will you describe Japanese Literature?
Japanese Literature can be described as a rich and diverse body of work that
encompasses various genres such as poetry, novels, plays, and essays. It often
reflects traditional Japanese culture, values, and aesthetics, and is known for its
attention to detail, symbolism, and emphasis on nature.
C. Answer the following questions:
1.What the two things preferred by Japanese to easily understand their written works?
Ambiguity and The particles of speech
2.What country influenced most of their literature?
China has influenced most of Japanese literature, particularly in its early stages.
3.Identify the author of the following and write briefly what it is about.
a. Tales of Genji is a classic Japanese novel written by Murasaki Shikibu in the 11 th century. It is
considered one of the earliest and most important works of Japanese literature, depicting
the life and romantic relationships of the aristocrat Hikaru Genji.
b. The Narrow Road of the Deep North is a haibun travelogue written by Matsuo Basho in the
17th century. It chronicles his journey through the northern regions of Japan, providing vivid
descriptions of nature and insights into the human condition.
c. The Wild Geese is a novel written by Ogai Mori in the early 20th century. It tells the story of a
young Japanese woman who becomes a geisha and explores themes of love, sacrifice, and
societal expectations.
d. In Praise of Shadows is an essay written by Junichiro Tanizaki in 1933. It explores the
aesthetics of traditional Japanese culture, particularly focusing on the beauty of shadows,
subtle lighting, and the contrast between light and darkness.
e. Setting Sun is a novel written by Osamu Dazai in 1947. It portrays the decline of a noble
family during the early Showa period in Japan, reflecting the social and political changes of
the time.
D. What is Chinese Literature?
Chinese literature refers to the written works produced by Chinese authors, typically
in the Chinese language.
E. Describe briefly Chinese Literature.
Chinese Literature can be described as a vast and ancient body of work that spans
over thousands of years. It encompasses various genres such as poetry, novels,
historical texts, and philosophical treatises. Chinese literature is known for its
richness, complexity, and influence on global literary traditions.
F. Answer the following questions:
1.What three countries had the greatest influence to Chinese literature?
Korea , Japan , and Vietnam
2. Identify the author of the following and write briefly what it is about.
a. Journey to the West is a classic Chinese novel written by Wu Cheng’en in the 16 th century. It
tells the story of the Monkey King and his journey to obtain sacred Buddhist scriptures,
incorporating elements of mythology, fantasy, and adventure.
b. The Romance of Three Kingdoms is a historical novel written by Luo Guanzhong in the 14 th
century. It depicts the power struggles and military campaigns during the Three Kingdoms
period in Chinese history, reflecting themes of loyalty, heroism, and political intrigue.
c. A Dream of Red Mansion, also known as The Story of the Stone, is a novel written by Cao
Xueqin in the 18th century. It is considered one of the greatest works of Chinese literature,
portraying the decline of a wealthy family and exploring themes of love, fate, and social
hierarchy.
d. The True Story of Ah Q is a novella written by Lu Xun in the early 20th century. It satirizes and
critiques the social and political conditions in China during the late Qing Dynasty, focusing on
the character of Ah Q, a poor and ignorant peasant.
e. Remembrance of Earth’s Past is a science fiction trilogy written by Liu Cixin in the 21 st
century. It explores themes of human survival, interstellar communication, and the impact of
advanced technology on society.
G. What is Indian Literature?
Indian Literature refers to the written works produced by Indian authors, typically in
various vernacular languages such as Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, and Urdu.
H. Answer the following questions
1. Enumerateerent vernacular languages used in Indian Literature.
Sanskrit, Prakrit, Pali, Bengali, Bihari, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Ka shmiri,
Malayalam, Oriya, Punjabi, Rajasthani, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu, Lahnda, Siraiki and
Sindhi.
2. What form did the earliest Indian literature take?
The earliest Indian literature took the form of the canonical Hindu sacred writings,
known as the Veda.
3. What are the two most famous works of Indian literature and theater?
The Mahabharata and Ramayana
4. Who wrote Laila Majnu? What is this about?
Laila Majnu is a love story written by the Persian poet Nezami Ganjavi. It tells the
tragic tale of Laila and Majnu, two lovers from different tribes who are forbidden to
be together.
5. How did English contribute to Indian literature and its people?
English has contributed to Indian literature and its people by providing a wider
audience and platform for Indian authors to reach international readers. It has also
led to the emergence of a distinct genre of Indian English literature, reflecting the
unique experiences and perspectives of Indian writers in the English language.
