Maturing Into Deeper Literary Appreciation | Generated by AI
Question: As a student, I didn’t understand Chinese essays and literature, but now at around 30 years old, while preparing for the 04729 College Chinese (University Chinese) self-study examination in China’s higher education self-examination system, I realize that those essays and literature convey something deep.
Answer:
It’s a common experience for many people to gain a deeper appreciation for literature later in life. As a student, you might have approached Chinese essays and literature as mere academic requirements, focusing on memorization or surface-level analysis without the personal context to connect with their profound ideas. Now, at around 30, with more life experiences—such as relationships, career challenges, societal observations, or personal reflections—you’re better equipped to recognize the “something deep” these works convey. This depth often lies in universal themes like human nature, morality, social critique, existential questions, resilience, and the beauty of language, which resonate more strongly as we mature.
The 04729 College Chinese (University Chinese) course in China’s self-study higher education examination system is designed precisely to foster this kind of understanding. It’s a foundational public course for non-Chinese majors, aiming to improve reading comprehension, writing skills, aesthetic appreciation, and cultural literacy. The exam emphasizes not just rote learning but interpreting texts, analyzing their artistic value, and applying insights to modern contexts. Based on standard outlines and textbooks for this course (which haven’t changed significantly in recent years), here’s a comprehensive overview to help you prepare and deepen your understanding:
Course Objectives
- Enhance Language Proficiency: Build advanced reading, writing, and expression skills beyond high school level.
- Cultivate Cultural Awareness: Explore China’s rich literary heritage to understand historical, philosophical, and social contexts.
- Develop Critical Thinking: Learn to analyze themes, structures, and rhetorical devices in essays, poems, and prose.
- Promote Aesthetic Appreciation: Recognize the emotional and intellectual depth in literature, encouraging personal growth and broader worldview.
Content Structure and Main Topics
The course is typically divided into units covering ancient, modern, and some foreign literature. The standard textbook is University Chinese (2018 edition) edited by Xu Zhongyu and Tao Xingchuan, published by Peking University Press. It includes about 50-60 selected works, grouped thematically or chronologically. Key sections include:
- Ancient Chinese Prose and Essays (先秦至清代散文):
- Focus: Philosophical arguments, historical narratives, and moral lessons.
- Examples:
- “师说” (On Teachers) by Han Yu: Explores the importance of learning from others, critiquing rigid social hierarchies. Depth: It challenges ego and promotes humility, which might resonate with career reflections at your age.
- “前赤壁赋” (Former Ode to the Red Cliff) by Su Shi: A poetic essay on life’s transience and finding joy amid adversity. Depth: Philosophical acceptance of change, blending Daoist and Buddhist ideas—perfect for contemplating mid-life shifts.
- “张中丞传后叙” (Postscript to the Biography of Zhang Zhongcheng) by Han Yu: Discusses loyalty and integrity in chaos. Depth: Themes of moral dilemmas in turbulent times, mirroring modern societal pressures.
- Poetry and Ci (诗歌与词):
- Focus: Emotional expression, imagery, and rhythm.
- Examples:
- Works by Li Bai, Du Fu, or Su Shi: Poems on nature, exile, and human suffering. Depth: They convey inner turmoil and resilience, often using symbolism to critique power or celebrate freedom—deeper when viewed through personal hardships.
- “垓下之围” (Siege at Gaixia) related excerpts: Epic narratives of heroism and fate.
- Modern Chinese Literature (现代文学):
- Focus: Social realism, individualism, and cultural critique.
- Examples:
- Essays by Lu Xun (e.g., “故乡” or “狂人日记”): Satirical takes on feudalism and human alienation. Depth: Exposes societal hypocrisies and psychological struggles, which hit harder with adult experiences of disillusionment.
- Works by Zhu Ziqing or Lao She: Personal reflections on family, time, and urban life.
- Foreign Literature (外国文学):
- Focus: Comparative perspectives, often translated works.
- Examples: Excerpts from Shakespeare, Tolstoy, or Hemingway. Depth: Universal themes like love, war, and identity, showing how Chinese literature parallels global human experiences.
- Writing and Application:
- Practical skills: Argumentative essays, literary analysis, and creative writing based on readings.
Exam Format and Skills Tested
- Question Types (Total 100 points, 150 minutes):
- Multiple-choice (20-30%): Vocabulary, author facts, basic comprehension.
- Reading Comprehension (30-40%): Analyze excerpts for themes, rhetoric, and intent.
- Essay Writing (30-40%): Write a 600-800 word response, e.g., discussing a work’s depth or applying it to contemporary issues.
- Skills Emphasized: Critical analysis (e.g., why a text “tells something deep”), synthesis of ideas, and clear expression. The exam rewards insight over memorization—focus on how works reflect profound truths about life.
Tips for Preparation and Deeper Understanding
- Relate to Personal Life: As you’re older, connect texts to your experiences. For instance, ancient essays on ambition might mirror your career path, revealing depths you missed as a teen.
- Study Historical Contexts: Use resources to learn about eras (e.g., Tang Dynasty prosperity vs. Republican-era turmoil) to uncover layered meanings.
- Practice Actively: Read aloud for rhythm, summarize key ideas, and write responses. Join online forums like Zhihu or self-study groups for discussions.
- Build Gradually: Start with modern works (easier language), then tackle classics. Use annotations in the textbook for explanations.
- Resources: Supplement with audio lectures (e.g., on Bilibili) or past papers to see how “depth” is examined.
- Mindset Shift: View literature as wisdom for life—many works explore timeless questions like “What makes a good life?” or “How to face failure?” This maturity is your advantage.
With consistent effort, you’ll not only pass the exam but truly internalize the profound insights these works offer. Good luck with your preparation!
References:
- https://www.jd.com/hprm/1713a4bda66369609e29.html
- https://zhuanlan.zhihu.com/p/554253496
- https://chengjiao.sdju.edu.cn/_t903/2023/0605/c3661a117547/page.htm