Starter Questions for 10/8/08

Answer one of the following questions:

Starter Question for Confucius

Our introduction to Confucius claims:

The Confucian Way was one of social roles. These usually involved hierarchies of relations, but to Confucius social hierarchy was valid only if it came naturally and spontaneously. The only hierarchical relation that was above judgment was the relation between parent and child, and that natural relation of mutual but differing qualities of affection was the model to which all other social relations aspire.

Where do we see this emphasis on social roles and social hierarchies in our selection? How do the values Confucius promotes support meaningful social hierarchies? What examples from the selection create “proper” functioning hierarchies. In what ways do they support order over chaos? Consider how an individual’s behavior is discussed in terms the relationship he or she has with others.

or

Classic of Poetry Starter Question

Carefully read and explicate (explain lines and their significance) one of the selected poems.

You should explain the use of symbol, the meaning of the poem and its theme. Do not retell the poem. Explain it.