|
English 240: Ancient Literature Confucius, The Analects Al Drake | Cyber Cafe M/W 10-11 | ajdrake@ajdrake.com Book 1 1. The insights of Confucius are offered by means of dialogue--how might this form add to the impact of the Master's ideas? Also, if you have read some of the Platonic dialogues, how would you say the conversations between Confucius and his circle compare to Socrates' way of setting forth his ideas? Book 2 2. Here as elsewhere in The Analects, Confucius finds himself responding to requests for clarification on the nature of learning and teaching. So what does he have to say about these things--what is it to learn and understand, and what makes a good teacher? What do you yourself think about these matters? Book 3 3. As in the first book, Confucius refers to "the rites" several times, and here he discourses on music as well. Why might following established religious and ceremonial procedures so important to him, and what do you suppose to be the significance of music to Confucius? Book 4 4. What characterizes "the gentleman," according to Confucius? How, for instance, does a gentleman look upon his own endeavors? In what light does he understand his relationship to others both above and below him? How does he regard his parents? Book 5 5. When Confucius is asked to compare various men with regard to their "benevolence," he offers some rather complex responses. Why? What do you think he means by that term? Also, what does the Master say of himself in this book? Book 6 6. Here Confucius further elaborates on his ideas about benevolence. What nuances does he add? What is the value in his method of definition by successive and stylistically different remarks to various inquirers--why not, that is, just offer an entire definition at once, and have done with the matter? Book 7 7. Confucius modestly disclaims his status as a sage, but it's clear that he deserves the name. In this book, what makes him more than a gentleman--good though that title may be in itself? What benefits flow from this high degree of character? 8. In the sixth and seventh books, Confucius insists that difficulty is of the essence in learning and in conducting oneself as a gentleman. Why so? Why wouldn't a person previously unwilling or unable to deal with "difficulty" fail to benefit from his teachings? Book 8 9. What relationship does Confucius assert between individual goodness (i.e. following the Way) and the social and political environment? What does Confucius appear to think of the "common people," and of the degree of influence upon them that a gentleman may attain by his own conduct? Book 9 10. In this book, the writer says that Confucius always refused to be either egotistical or inflexible. How, up to this point in The Analects, has the Master demonstrated these virtues? How does he verify the author's impression of him in the current book? Book 10 11. What picture of Confucius emerges in this book regarding his way of dealing with those above and below him in rank? What is his like in his day-to-day habits and manner of speech? Why are we being told all this? Book 11 12. Confucius, in hearing what his disciples have set their hearts upon, sides with Tien--why so, and what criticism does he venture of the other remarks in this vein? Book 12 13. In this book Confucius speaks about government. How does he think that rulers and administrators can maintain order? What wise thing did Emperor T'ang do? 14. Do you think that the principles Confucius sets forth about the relationship between the rulers and the ruled are tenable in a modern democratic society? How do you see the relationship between ordinary people and those who hold elective office in America? Should they set an example for all of us? Or would that be presumptious and inappropriate? Explain your view. Edition: Confucius. The Analects. Trans. D. C. Lau. New York: Penguin, 1979.
|