ASIAN LITERATURE
CHINA - Confucius and The Analects
Confucius (551-479 BCE) was a Chinese philosopher, teacher, and political figure. His teachings, emphasized in The Analects, influenced Chinese history and culture. Topics covered include morality, social order, education, and the nature of reality.
JAPAN - Haiku and Karma
Haiku, a form of Japanese poetry, consists of short, unrhymed lines with natural imagery. The philosophy of karma, fundamental in Indian philosophy, revolves around cause and effect, emphasizing the consequences of actions.
JAPAN - Seppuku
Seppuku, or harakiri, is a ritual suicide by disembowelment practiced by Japanese samurai. It was considered honorable and involved a highly ritualized process, including a death poem.
INDIA - The Ramayana
The Ramayana, an ancient Sanskrit epic, follows the life of virtuous prince Rama. It explores duty, exile, and triumph, with themes of prophecy, abduction, and the quest for justice.
SINGAPORE - Catherine Lim
Catherine Lim Poh Imm, a Singaporean fiction author, focuses on Singapore society and traditional Chinese culture. Her social commentary criticizes the ruling political party's agendas.
SOUTH KOREA - "The Land of Morning Calm"
South Korea is known for its natural beauty and tranquility, earning the title "The Land of Morning Calm" due to its morning freshness.
ANGLO–AMERICAN LITERATURE
UNITED KINGDOM - William Shakespeare
William Shakespeare, the "Bard of Avon," is considered the greatest writer in the English language. He wrote plays, sonnets, and narrative poems, leaving an indelible mark on English literature.
UNITED KINGDOM - J.K. Rowling
J.K. Rowling, born in 1965, is renowned for the Harry Potter series. Her imaginative storytelling and world-building captivated global audiences, making her a literary icon.
CANADA - Life of Pi
Life of Pi, written by Yann Martel, is a fantasy novel that won the Booker Prize in 2002. It tells the story of an Indian teenager shipwrecked with wild animals, including a Bengal tiger.
USA - Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving in the USA, observed on the fourth Thursday of November, is a national holiday marked by gratitude, gatherings, and a traditional meal. It signifies thanks, family time, and the start of the festive season.
USA - "Divergent"
"Divergent" is a popular young adult sci-fi fiction series by Veronica Roth. Set in a dystopian future Chicago, it explores themes of identity, conformity, rebellion, and ethical dilemmas.
EUROPEAN LITERATURE
GUY DE MAUPASSANT
Guy de Maupassant (1850-1893) was a French writer known for his novels and short stories. His work mixed realism with fantasy, often portraying the cruelty and selfishness of humanity.
GUY DE MAUPASSANT - "The Necklace"
"The Necklace" is a poignant tale by Guy de Maupassant exploring social status, the illusion of wealth, and the consequences of pride and vanity. It critiques societal obsession with appearances.
DANTE ALIGHIERI - Divine Comedy
Dante Alighieri, a late Middle Ages poet, wrote the ambitious Divine Comedy. It chronicles his journey through Hell (Inferno), Purgatory (Purgatorio), and Paradise (Paradiso), showcasing themes of life, death, and the divine.
BROTHERS GRIMM
The Brothers Grimm, Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm, were German scholars known for "Grimm's Fairy Tales." They preserved German folklore, publishing stories like "Hansel and Gretel" and "Snow White."
LATIN–AMERICAN LITERATURE
GABRIEL GARCÍA MÁRQUEZ - "One Hundred Years of Solitude"
Gabriel García Márquez, known for magical realism, wrote "One Hundred Years of Solitude" in 1967. The novel portrays the Buendía family's multi-generational saga in the fictional town of Macondo.
GABRIEL GARCÍA MÁRQUEZ - Magical Realism
García Márquez's unique writing style features magical realism, blending ordinary and fantastical elements seamlessly. His novels, rich in symbolism and vivid descriptions, explore complex themes and characters.
AFRICAN LITERATURE
Theme: Racial Discrimination
African literature explores racial discrimination's historical dimensions, addressing colonialism, slavery, and imperialism. Authors depict systemic inequality within institutions, advocating for societal change and empathy.
Quote: "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world."
WOLE SOYINKA - "The Telephone Conversation"
Wole Soyinka's poem critiques racial prejudice through a telephone conversation between an African man and a prejudiced landlady. It exposes the absurdity of judging based on skin color.
Comments
Post a Comment