Category Archives: Asian Literature

Reading the classics of Asian Literature I come to understand that the majority of women in ancient China lived oppressed lives. Even women with high education and from imperial family did not escape the oppression; however life for these well educated women was slightly easier than for the large population of poor women. They had to understand their place in society which was a “private space, of the domestic household, largely separated from the public realms within which males operated.” (B 22)

            Since early childhood females were considered inferior to men. Men parents had more preference to “teach their boys to read books and study histories” (B28) and forget about their daughters. Also women could not remarry because a husband is considered as heaven therefore “a wife cannot [her husband]” by doing so she will be leaving heaven. The rules of a woman were very extreme for example “when she goes outside her own home, let her not be conspicuous in dress and manner. When at home let her not neglect her dress” (B30) also woman were not allowed to gather as a group to discuses about their lives.

            Marriage in ancient China might have been arranged by their father. Since a woman’s thoughts and opinions were not considered important they could not complain about the father’s orders to marry a man that in some cases they never met before. Once married, a girl would live with her husband’s family and she is required to obey all the members of his family. If a wife wants to gain the love of her husband “she must win for herself the love of her parents-in-law. To win for herself the love of her parents-in-law, she must secure for herself the good will of younger brothers and sisters-in-law” (B31) only then she will have harmony in her life. Woman in early China were “frail things and [could not] do as [they] wish. (B267)

            So may years have gone since the sufferings of the women in China and one would think that these is something of the pass. However, on November, 8, 2010 an NY Times article states that in some places of the world women are still considered inferior to men. And the only way to escape from this prison is by setting themselves in fire. There is nothing they can do because “The Choices for Afghan women are extraordinary restricted: Their family is their fate. There is little chance for education, little choice about whom a woman marries, no choice at all about her role in her own house. Her primary job is to server her husband’s family”. (NY Times) They can not run away from home because these women are afraid of being rape and put in jail. And when these runaways women return home they are used as “honor killings” (NY Times). Oppression for Afghan’s women is mainly from her in-laws. In one case in particular a 17 years old who had suffered years of abuse from her in-laws burn herself because her father-in law believed that “she was not brave enough to do so”.      

 The N Y Times:

The Rise of the Tao and Confucius

In The Rise of the Tao, the personality of Abbess Yin reminded much of Confucius. Her wise, calm and meticulous statements are similar to the tone of Confucius’. Their knowledge is presented by saying only what needs to be said. This is an honorable notion that takes much patience. Abbess Yin states in order to consecrate the temple correctly it must take four hours exactly. She said plain and simple “No” (NY Times) to a local official who asked if she could rearrange the ritual.

One statement of Confucius’ is “He by revising the old knows the new, is fit to be a teacher.” (A1092). Although Abbess Yin performs a ritual that does not change, she demonstrates that one must be very precise in order for it to be correct which is just as crucial. Abbess Yin was even concerned if the temple was ready to begin the ritual. “Tomorrow” she said slowly, calculating the logistics. “They don’t have much ready….”. (NY Times)This displays her familiarity and experience which proves her fit to be a teacher.

Although both Abbess Yin and Confucius seem to have similar personalities, they differ by the religion they practice. The article describes Taoism and how Abbess Yin is trying to spread the growth by “…[T]emptation is to turn their temples into adjuncts of the local tourism bureau.” (NY Times) It mentions that all creation is unified through Taoism and is practiced by “Usually the supplicant will pray to a deity, and the priest or nun will stage ceremonies to summon the god’s assistance.” (NY Times)

The differences are that “…Confucianism emphasizes moderation, harmony and social structure, Taoism offers a refuge from society and the trap of material success.” (NY Times) The description of Confucianism is stated by “Confucius focused not on “goods and spirits” but rather on the realm of the concrete and human.” (A1091) Also, “Ethical behavior is grounded in a refusal to do to another what one would not want done to oneself…” (A1091). Being a good-hearted “civil” human being is enough in Confucius’ eyes but in Taoism one must seek a deity to confess to.

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