Topics of the final paper
1 Reflections on declines of empires, or the mutation, transience of human state
1. Dynastic changes or transience of human life is a recurring concern in Chinese poetry, but the Chinese poets’ attitudes toward the concern vary from person to person, depending on their philosophical inclinations or the value system(s) they subscribed to. Choose at least two poets’ works that treat this subject. Discuss their approaches and solutions that reflect their moral or philosophical values.
Su Shi, Jiang Kui, Wang Qinhui, the Yuan qu poets
2 Poetry for Social Criticism or Political Protest
One’s moral response to societal evils or social injustice is a recurring concern in Chinese poetry.
How do poets deal with the unpleasant aspects of personal experience or dark side of social reality? Do they address the topics of the evils of society in voices that are subtle, sarcastic, scathing, etc. Do they use diverse personae to project the sufferings of the underdogs? Or do they denounce what they consider unfair and unjust treatment of the week in an explicit way? Do they cite historical past for commenting on the present?
Du Fu, Bai Juyi, Su Shi, Gong Zizhen, Angel Island poems, etc.
You can choose the topic from this two.
International writing style please.
