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I. Overview of Exam Content

Overview of Classical Chinese Literature: Understanding the origins, schools, development, and influence of classical Chinese literature on later periods.
Historical Phases of Classical Chinese Literature: Major literary stages from the Pre-Qin period to the Qing dynasty and their representative works.
Ideological Background of Classical Literature: The influence of Confucianism, Daoism, and Legalism on literature, as well as the role of historical context in shaping literary schools.
The Relationship Between Society and Literature: How social changes, political turmoil, and cultural traditions influenced literary creation.
Artistic Characteristics of Classical Chinese Literature: The rhetorical techniques, expressive forms, poetry structure, symbolism, and emotional expression in classical literature.
Classical Chinese Literature in a Global Context: Analyzing the place and influence of classical Chinese literature in world literary traditions.

II. Classical Chinese Literature and Representative Works

The Book of Songs (Shi Jing): Analyzing its historical significance as China’s earliest anthology of poetry, divided into three sections: Feng, Ya, and Song.
Language and Artistic Features of the Book of Songs: The use of simple, plain language, depiction of daily life and nature, and the employment of parallelism and antithesis.
Emotional Expression in the Book of Songs: The portrayal of themes such as love, politics, and social issues.
Chu Ci (Songs of Chu): The background and literary contributions of Qu Yuan and other poets, focusing on works like Li Sao (The Lament).
The Literary Status of Qu Yuan: Qu Yuan’s impact on Chinese classical literature, particularly the symbolic and emotional expression in Li Sao.
Analysis of Li Sao: A deep dive into the structure, rhetoric, and emotional content of Li Sao.
Han Dynasty Literature: The development of literature in the Han dynasty, particularly historical texts such as Shi Ji (Records of the Grand Historian) and Han Shu (Book of Han).
Literary Features of Shi Ji and Han Shu: The literary and historical value of these historical texts, including character development and narrative style.
Tang Dynasty Literature: The flourishing of Tang poetry, prose, and other forms, with particular attention to the artistic evolution in poetry.
Artistic Features of Tang Poetry: The structure, themes, and stylistic innovations of Tang poetry, highlighting rhythm, rhyme, and balance.
The Poetry of Li Bai: Exploring the bold, free-spirited style of Li Bai, characterized by naturalism and romanticism.
The Poetry of Du Fu: Analyzing Du Fu’s melancholic, deep, and socially critical poetry.
The Landscape Poetry of Wang Wei: Wang Wei’s integration of nature and Zen philosophy in his poetry.
Poetic Styles of Tang Poets: Comparative analysis of the individual styles of Tang poets like Li Bai, Du Fu, Bai Juyi, and Wang Wei.
The Art of Song Dynasty Ci Poetry: The evolution of ci poetry, focusing on its rhythm and musicality, with an emphasis on poets like Su Shi and Xin Qiji.
Analysis of Su Shi’s Ci Poetry: Su Shi’s blend of boldness and philosophical depth in poems like Shui Diao Ge Tou.
Analysis of Xin Qiji’s Ci Poetry: Xin Qiji’s passionate and nationalistic approach to ci poetry, exemplified by works like Qingyuanshi.
Yuan Dynasty Drama: The rise of Yuan drama, including the development of zaju (a form of Chinese opera) and qu (songs).
Major Yuan Playwrights: Key figures such as Guan Hanqing and Zheng Guangzu, and their contributions to Chinese theater.

III. Classical Literary Theory

Literary Thoughts in the Pre-Qin Period: The influence of Confucianism, Daoism, and Legalism on early Chinese literary creation.
Confucian Literary Thought: Confucian values like virtue, loyalty, and propriety in literary works, with a focus on social responsibility and moral guidance.
Daoist Literary Thought: The influence of Daoism’s natural philosophy on literary works, advocating for spontaneity and simplicity.
Legalist Literary Thought: Emphasizing order and authority, with works focusing on practical governance and societal structure.
Characteristics of Pre-Qin Prose: The straightforward, philosophical, and reflective nature of early prose, as seen in texts like Lunyu (Analects) and Zhuangzi.
Literary Value of Zuozhuan and Guoyu: Examining the literary techniques in these historical texts, particularly in character portrayal and narrative structure.
Rhetorical Techniques in Classical Poetry: The use of bi-xing (metaphor and allusion), parallelism, and antithesis in shaping classical poetry.
Literary Style in Lunyu (Analects): The simplicity, conciseness, and moral insights that characterize Confucian literature.
Rhetoric in Zhuangzi (Daoist Text): The use of allegory, parable, and paradox in Daoist thought as conveyed in Zhuangzi.
Methods of Expression in Classical Poetry and Prose: How classical Chinese writers employed sparse language to convey profound ideas and emotions.
Fables and Symbolism in Classical Literature: The use of fables and symbolic imagery in traditional works, conveying deeper meanings.
Rhetorical Features of Classical Prose: Techniques like parallelism and contrast that are used to enhance the aesthetic and intellectual appeal of classical prose.
Literary Criticism in Ancient China: The development of literary criticism in classical Chinese thought and key critical texts like Shijing and Yuefu.
Social and Ideological Content in Classical Literature: The multiple layers of meaning embedded in classical works, reflecting social, historical, and personal ideologies.
Aesthetic Standards in Classical Literature: Classical Chinese aesthetics focused on beauty, virtue, and moral harmony.

IV. Modern Chinese Literature Overview

Modern Chinese Literature Post-May Fourth Movement: The May Fourth Movement’s influence on modern Chinese literature, including the rise of vernacular literature.
Literary Movements in Modern China: The New Culture Movement, Leftist Literature, and the rise of vernacular Chinese in literary creation.
The Role of Lu Xun in Modern Chinese Literature: Lu Xun’s status as the founding figure of modern Chinese literature, particularly through works like A Madman’s Diary and The True Story of Ah Q.
Social Critique in Modern Literature: The themes of social critique and personal struggle found in works by writers like Ba Jin and Lao She.
Artistic Forms in Modern Literature: The diversification of genres in modern literature, including novels, short stories, and essays.
The Relationship Between Literature and Social Change: How literature reflects social and political changes, particularly during periods of revolution and reform.
The Rise of Female Writers in Modern Chinese Literature: The emergence of female writers like Ding Ling and Xiao Hong, and their exploration of gender and social issues.
Modern Poetry and Language Innovation: The linguistic and formal innovations in modern Chinese poetry, particularly the shift to vernacular language.
Modern Novel Narrative Techniques: Innovations in structure, character development, and plot design in the modern Chinese novel.
Modern Essays and Autobiographical Literature: The development of essays and autobiographical writing in the modern period, with writers like Lu Xun, Guo Moruo, and Liang Shiqiu.

V. Classical and Modern Literary Works

Analysis of Nahan (Call to Arms): Lu Xun’s influence on modern Chinese literature, especially his short story Diary of a Madman.
Analysis of Wandering (彷徨): The exploration of the inner conflicts and dilemmas of modern individuals, as seen in works by Lu Xun.
Analysis of Midnight (子夜): Ba Jin’s depiction of the social and political turbulence in modern China.
Analysis of Family (家): Ba Jin’s Family as an exploration of the traditional family system’s decline.
Analysis of White Deer Plain (白鹿原): Chen Zhongshi’s portrayal of rural China’s transformation over several generations.
Analysis of Fortress Besieged (围城): Qian Zhongshu’s satirical examination of intellectuals and modern Chinese society.
Development of Modern Poetry: The progression of poetry from the May Fourth movement’s free verse to contemporary Chinese poetry.
New Moon Poetry and Symbolism: The influence of Western Symbolism on the New Moon Poetry group, including poets like Xu Zhimo and Li Jinfa.
Modern Prose Style: The development of modern prose in China, particularly from writers like Lu Xun and Liang Qichao.
Modern Drama and Theatre: The emergence of modern

Chinese drama, influenced by Western theatre traditions.

Literature in the Cultural Revolution: The impact of political movements like the Cultural Revolution on literature, particularly through the promotion of revolutionary literature.

VI. Foreign Literature and Its Influence

Shakespeare’s Works: Analyzing Shakespeare’s plays and poems, and their profound influence on world literature.
The Golden Age of Russian Literature: Contributions of Russian authors like Pushkin, Tolstoy, and Dostoevsky to global literature.
French Romantic Literature: The works of Hugo, Balzac, Flaubert, and others in the context of French Romanticism.
German Literary Philosophy: The literary contributions of German writers like Goethe and Nietzsche, particularly their philosophical exploration of the human condition.
The Development of American Literature: The formation of American literature and contributions by authors like Faulkner and Hemingway.
Modernist Literature Features: The rise of literary modernism, particularly through techniques like stream of consciousness and symbolism, as seen in Joyce’s Ulysses.
Translation and Spread of Foreign Literature: How foreign literature entered China through translation and its influence on Chinese writers and literary practices.
Foreign Literature’s Influence on Chinese Modern Literature: The role of Western literary theories and techniques in shaping Chinese modernist literature.

VII. Literary Analysis and Creative Techniques

Thematic Analysis of Literary Works: Exploring the themes of various literary works and how they convey deep intellectual insights.
Character Development: Analyzing how authors shape characters through personality traits, actions, and internal motivations.
Symbolism and Metaphor: How symbols and metaphors convey deeper meanings in literature.
Structural Analysis of Literary Works: Examining narrative structure, plot development, and the arrangement of events in literary works.
Language Techniques in Literary Creation: How authors use language techniques such as metaphors, contrasts, and exaggerations to enhance literary expression.
Emotional and Psychological Depiction: How literature portrays characters’ emotional states and psychological processes.
Literary Criticism: Theoretical foundations of literary criticism, including methods to analyze and evaluate literary works.
Poetry Creation Techniques: Understanding the language, form, and emotional expression in modern poetry.
Fiction Writing Techniques: The use of plot, character, and conflict in creating compelling novels.
Essay Writing Techniques: The art of self-expression and social critique in essay writing.
Drama Creation Techniques: Analyzing how dialogue, stage setting, and character conflict are used in drama to convey themes.
Historical Context of Literary Works: How understanding historical background can enhance the interpretation of literary works.
Comparative Literary Analysis: Comparing different literary works to deepen understanding of narrative techniques, styles, and themes.
Narrative Perspectives and the Role of the Narrator: How different narrative perspectives influence the interpretation of literary works.
Philosophical and Social Themes in Literature: Exploring the intersection of literature and philosophy, particularly how literature conveys philosophical thought.
Literature as Social Criticism: How literature serves as a tool for social critique, revealing societal issues and injustices.

VIII. Literature and Culture

Literature’s Interaction with Culture: The role of literature in reflecting cultural values, social norms, and national identity.
Cross-Cultural Literature: The impact of cultural exchange on literature and how different cultural traditions shape literary works.
Literature and Social Change: How literature acts as a driver for social change, reflecting and recording historical transformations.
Literature and National Identity: Literature’s role in forming national consciousness and preserving cultural heritage.
Literature’s Educational Function: The role of literature in education, personal growth, and intellectual development.
Political Aspects of Literature: How literature reflects political ideologies, movements, and governmental power.
Entertainment Value of Literature: Literature’s role in providing entertainment while also offering intellectual and emotional engagement.
Rise of Internet Literature: The impact of digital technology and the internet on literary creation and consumption.
Globalization of Literature: How literature transcends cultural and linguistic boundaries in a globalized world.
Integration of Literature and the Arts: The intersection of literature with other art forms like painting, music, and cinema.
Literary Innovation in Form: How modern and contemporary literature experiments with form, structure, and language.
Literature and Religion: The exploration of religious themes and cultural beliefs through literary works.
Gender Perspectives in Literature: Analyzing gender roles and the influence of feminist thought in literary works.
Literature and Psychology: How psychological theories and human behavior are represented in literature.
Ethical Functions of Literature: The moral lessons conveyed by literature through character behavior and narrative outcomes.

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