Feng Xuans Cunning Three Burrows Strategy | Generated by AI
“Feng Xuan as a Retainer of Lord Mengchang” (冯谖客孟尝君) is a classical Chinese text from the Strategies of the Warring States (Zhanguo Ce, 战国策), which chronicles the political intrigues and diplomatic maneuvers during China’s Warring States period (475-221 BCE).
This narrative tells the story of Feng Xuan (also written as Feng Yuan), an initially unassuming retainer who enters the service of Lord Mengchang, one of the Four Lords of the Warring States known for his hospitality to scholars and guests. Through his clever strategies, Feng Xuan secures his patron’s long-term security and prosperity, demonstrating themes of wisdom, foresight, and the complex relationship between advisors and rulers in ancient China.
The text is a staple in Chinese literature courses for its rich language, historical significance, and the strategic wisdom it illustrates.
Analysis of Frequent Exam Questions for Course 04729
Based on the typical examination patterns for University Chinese (大学语文) self-study exams, here are the common question types and focus areas for this text:
1. Character Analysis Questions
- Feng Xuan’s character development: How does Feng Xuan transform from appearing demanding and ungrateful to becoming an invaluable advisor?
- Lord Mengchang’s leadership qualities: What does his treatment of retainers reveal about his character?
- Compare and contrast the two main characters’ personalities and motivations.
2. Theme and Central Idea Questions
- What is the central theme of this narrative? (Common answers: strategic thinking, loyalty, the importance of planning ahead)
- How does the text illustrate the relationship between a wise minister and his lord?
- Discuss the concept of “planting the three burrows of the cunning rabbit” (狡兔三窟) as a metaphor for strategic planning.
3. Literary Technique Analysis
- Characterization methods: How does the author reveal character through actions, dialogue, and reactions?
- Narrative structure: Analyze the three-part structure of Feng Xuan’s strategies
- Use of dramatic irony: How does the author create suspense through Feng Xuan’s seemingly odd behavior?
4. Classical Chinese Language Questions
- Key vocabulary and phrases:
- 无以 (nothing with which to…)
- 客孟尝君 (to be a retainer of Lord Mengchang)
- 狡兔三窟 (three burrows of the cunning rabbit)
- Grammar structures: Understanding classical Chinese sentence patterns
- Translation exercises: Translating key passages into modern Chinese
5. Historical and Cultural Context
- The retainer (门客) system during the Warring States period
- The role of the Four Lords in ancient Chinese politics
- Understanding the feudal relationships between lords and their advisors
6. Key Plot Points to Master
- Feng Xuan’s three complaints about his treatment
- The mission to collect debts in Xue (burning the debt records)
- Building relationships with the King of Qi
- Restoring the ancestral temple
- The meaning and significance of the “three burrows”
7. Comparative Analysis Questions
- Compare this text with other advisor-ruler relationship narratives in Chinese literature
- How does Feng Xuan’s approach differ from other famous strategists?
8. Writing and Expression Questions
- Discuss what modern lessons can be learned from Feng Xuan’s strategic thinking
- Write about the importance of long-term planning using examples from the text
Exam Preparation Tips:
- Memorize key passages and be able to translate them accurately
- Understand the progression of Feng Xuan’s three strategies
- Be able to explain the cultural significance of the retainer system
- Practice analyzing how the text uses concrete actions to reveal abstract character traits