Chinese literature is one of the major literary

heritages of the world, with an uninterrupted

history of more than 3,000 years, dating back
at least to the 14th century BCE. Its medium,
the Chinese language, has retained its
unmistakable identity in both its spoken and
written aspects in spite of generally gradual
changes in pronunciation, the existence of
regional and local dialects, and several stages
in the structural representation of the written
graphs, or “characters.”
CHINESE LITERATURE
Chinese literature is a rich treasure
trove of stories, poems, and writings
that span thousands of years. It reflects
the thoughts, culture, and beliefs of the
Chinese people throughout history.
Classic Chinese literature often includes
ancient texts like "The Book of Songs," a
collection of poems, and philosophical
works like "The Analects" by Confucius,
which offer insights into ethics and
governance.
CHINESE LITERATURE
Chinese novels, like "Journey to the
West" or "Dream of the Red Chamber,"
are famous for their intricate
storytelling and vivid characters.
Overall, Chinese literature is a
fascinating window into the hearts and
minds of its people across different
periods.
HISTORY OF CHINESE
CHARACTERS
 HISTORY OF
CHINESE
CHARACTERS
HISTORY OF CHINESE
CHARACTERS

Hanzi
Hanzi
 2 MAIN TYPES OF
CHINESE CHARACTERS

•Ideograms
•Pictograms
•Pictograms
•Ideograms
Pinyin
CHINESE CHARACTERS
Chinese characters can be classified
into two main types: pictograms and
ideograms. Pictograms are
characters that resemble the objects
they represent, like the character for
木
"tree" ( ). Ideograms, on the other
hand, represent abstract ideas or
concepts, like the character for "love"
爱
( ).
 CHINESE DYNASTIES
AND
THEIR CONTRIBUTION
IN LITERATURE
 Shang Dynasty (about
1700-1050 BC) —
Development of Chinese
Writing
 Zhou Dynasty (1045-255
BC) — Basic Philosophical
and Religious Literature
Qin Dynasty (221-206
BC) — Literary
Disaster and Legalism
Han Dynasty (206 BC –
220 AD) — Scientific
and Historical Texts
Tang Dynasty / Golden
Age (618-907) — Early
Woodblock Printing,
Discovery of
Gunpowder and Poetry
Five Dynasties and Ten
Kingdoms (907-960) -
A period of division and
wars among regional
powers
 Song Dynasty (960-
1279) — Early
Woodblock Printing,
Travel Literature,
Poetry, Scientific Texts
and the Neo-Confucian
Classics
 Yuan Dynasty (1279-
1368) — Drama and
Great Fictional Novels
Ming Dynasty (1368-
1644) — Novels
 Qing Dynasty (1644-
1911) — Novels and Pre-
modern Literature
Confucianism
 Confucianism
Confucianism is a philosophy and way of life that
focuses on creating a harmonious society through
moral and ethical principles. At its core are the
teachings of Confucius, an ancient Chinese
philosopher.
Key ideas of Confucianism include:

Xiao (Filial Piety):

Specifically refers to the
respect and care for one's
parents and ancestors,
seen as a fundamental
virtue.
 Ren (Humanity): It's
about being kind,
compassionate, and
empathetic towards
others. It involves
treating others with
kindness and empathy.
Li (Rituals and Etiquette):
Refers to proper behavior
and etiquette in various
social situations. It
emphasizes respect,
courtesy, and appropriate
conduct.
 Zhong (Loyalty and
Fidelity): Stresses the
importance of loyalty and
commitment to one's
responsibilities and
duties in relationships
and society.
 Confucianism
Confucianism aims to cultivate moral individuals who
contribute to a peaceful and orderly society. It
emphasizes education, proper conduct, and the
importance of roles and relationships within society.
While it has deeply influenced Chinese culture and
society, its principles have also spread to other parts of
East Asia.
 I. IDENTIFICATION
1. a collection of poems, and
philosophical

2. are famous for their intricate

storytelling and vivid characters.
3. Are characters that resemble the objects
they present.

4. Represent abstracts ideas or concepts,

like the character for "love"
5. Basic philosophical and religious literature

II. Modified TRUE OR FALSE

6. Confucionism is a philosophy and way of

life that focuses on creating a harmonious
society
7.Ren refers to proper behavior and etiquette in
various social situations

8. Tang Dynasty is the Literary Disaster and

Legalism
 9.Zhong stresses the importance of loyalty and
commitnent to one's responsibilitus and duties in
relationship and society.

10. Chinese language is a rich treasure trove of

stories, poems, and writings that span thousands of
year
 Answer Key: Identification
1. The Book of Songs
2. Journey to the West/ Dream
of the Red Chamber
3. Pictograms
4. Ideograms
5. Zhou Dynasty
Answer key: Modified True or False
6. Confucianism
7. Li
8. Qin Dynasty
9. True
10. Chinese Literature