Jessica Mae G.

Tinio
BSBA 1ST Year
Chinese Literature:
Chinese literature has a rich history dating back thousands of years, with many notable works
that are still read and studied today. Some of the most notable literary works of China include:
1. The Classic of Poetry (Shijing): The Classic of Poetry is a collection of ancient Chinese
poems dating back to the 11th to 7th centuries BC. The poems cover a wide range of
topics, including love, nature, politics, and war. The novel is known for its vivid
characters, poetic language, and portrayal of social and cultural life during the Qing
dynasty.
2. Romance of the Three Kingdoms (Sanguo Yanyi): Written in the 14th century, Romance
of the Three Kingdoms is a historical novel that tells the story of the Three Kingdoms
period in Chinese history (220-280 AD). It is considered one of the Four Great Classical
Novels of Chinese literature.
3. Dream of the Red Chamber (Hongloumeng): Written in the 18th century, Dream of the
Red Chamber is a novel that tells the story of the decline of a wealthy family in the Qing
Dynasty. It is also considered one of the Four Great Classical Novels of Chinese
literature.
4. Journey to the West (Xiyouji): Written in the 16th century, Journey to the West is a novel
that tells the story of the monk Xuanzang and his journey to India to obtain Buddhist
scriptures. It is considered one of the Four Great Classical Novels of Chinese literature.
The novel is known for its humorous style, imaginative characters, and profound
Buddhist themes.
Some of the great writers of Chinese literature include:
1. Li Bai (701-762): Li Bai was a poet during the Tang Dynasty and is considered one of the
greatest poets in Chinese history. His works often celebrated nature, love, and friendship.
2. Du Fu (712-770): Du Fu was a poet during the Tang Dynasty and is considered one of the
greatest poets in Chinese history. His works often dealt with political and social issues.
3. Cao Xueqin (1715-1763): Cao Xueqin was the author of Dream of the Red Chamber and
is considered one of the greatest writers in Chinese literature.
4. Wu Cheng'en (1500-1582): Wu Cheng'en was the author of Journey to the West and is
considered one of the greatest writers in Chinese literature.
Japanese Literature:
Japanese literature has a rich tradition dating back to the 8th century. It includes various
forms such as poetry, novels, drama, and essays. Some of the most notable works and
writers in Japanese literature are:
 "The Tale of Genji" by Murasaki Shikibu: This novel is considered one of the greatest
works of Japanese literature. It tells the story of the life and loves of a prince named
Genji. The novel explores themes of love, beauty, and the human condition.
"The Pillow Book" by Sei Shonagon: This book is a collection of essays and observations
about life in Japan during the Heian period (794-1185). It covers topics such as court life,
love, and nature. It is known for its witty observations, poetic language, and unique
structure.
Matsuo Basho: Basho is considered one of the greatest poets in Japanese literature. He is
known for his haikus, which are short poems that capture a moment in time. Some of his
most famous poems include "The Old Pond" and "In the cicada's cry.
"Kokoro" - This is a novel written by Natsume Sōseki in the early 20th century. It is
considered one of the greatest works of modern Japanese literature and is a powerful
exploration of the human condition. It is known for its psychological depth, complex
characters, and realistic portrayal of Japanese society during the Meiji period.
Some of the great writers from Japan include Yukio Mishima, Yasunari Kawabata, and
Haruki Murakami.
In conclusion, China and Japan have produced some of the most significant literary
works in the world, spanning a wide range of genres and themes. The most notable
literary works from China explore the richness and diversity of Chinese culture, while the
most notable works from Japan provide fascinating insights into the unique world of
Japanese sensibility and aesthetics. The great writers from these countries have
contributed greatly to the East Asian literary canon and continue to inspire new
generations of writers
Korea:
Korea also has a rich literary tradition that has been heavily influenced by Chinese literature.
Some of the most notable literary works from Korea include:
"The Story of Hong Gildong" - This is a novel written in the 16th century. It is considered one of
the great works of Korean literature and is a powerful exploration of social inequality and the
struggle for justice. It is known for its use of folklore, satire, and humor to comment on social
issues of the time.
"The Nine Cloud Dream" - This is a novel written by Kim Man-Jung in the 17th century. It is
considered one of the great works of Korean literature and is a powerful exploration of the
Buddhist concept of emptiness. It is known for its use of Buddhist themes, vivid descriptions of
nature, and exploration of the tensions between earthly and heavenly desires.
"The Vegetarian" - This is a novel written by Han Kang in the 21st century. It is considered one
of the greatest works of modern Korean literature and is a powerful exploration of mental illness
and the search for identity. It is known for its experimental style, surreal imagery, and
provocative subject matter.
"The Soil" - This is a novel written by Yi Kwang-su in the 1930s. It tells the story of a rural
community that is torn apart by modernization and Westernization. The novel is known for its
realistic portrayal of Korean society at the time, and its critique of the cultural and political
changes that were taking place.
Some of the great writers from Korea include Yi Sang, Hwang Sun-won, and Kim Young-ha.
Some of the great writers from Korea include Yi Sang, Hwang Sun-won, and Kim Seung-ok.
In addition to these notable works, Korean literature also includes many poems, plays, and short
stories that explore a wide range of themes and issues. The most significant literary works from
Korea often reflect the country's rich cultural heritage and its struggle to define its identity in the
face of external influences.
In conclusion, Korean literature has a long and rich history that continues to inspire and captivate
readers both inside and outside of Korea. The most notable literary works from Korea explore
the country's cultural heritage and its struggle to adapt to changing times and circumstances. The
great writers from Korea have contributed greatly to the East Asian literary canon, and continue
to inspire new generations of writers with their insight, creativity, and literary genius.
Mongolia: Mongolian literature has a rich oral tradition that has been passed down through
generations. Some of the most notable literary works from Mongolia include:
1. "The Secret History of the Mongols" - This is a chronicle written in the 13th century that
tells the story of Genghis Khan and the rise of the Mongol Empire. It is considered the
oldest and most important work of Mongolian literature. It is known for its vivid
descriptions of battles, political intrigue, and Mongolian culture.
2. "The Blue Wolf" - This is a novel written by Chimediin Samba in the early 20th century.
It tells the story of a Mongolian hero and is considered one of the great works of modern
Mongolian literature.
3. "The Legend of the Conquering Son" - This is a folk tale that has been passed down
orally for generations. It tells the story of a hero who defeats a dragon and saves his
village. It is considered one of the most important works of Mongolian folklore.

4. "The Secret History of the Mongols" - This is a classic Mongolian historical text from the
13th century that chronicles the rise of Genghis Khan and the founding of the Mongol
Empire. It is known for its vivid descriptions of battles, political intrigue, and Mongolian
culture.
5. "The Blue Sky" by Galsan Tschinag - This is a contemporary novel that tells the story of
a young Mongolian boy's journey to adulthood and his search for a spiritual connection to
his homeland and people. It is known for its lyrical prose, use of traditional Mongolian
folklore and customs, and exploration of the themes of identity and belonging.
 6. "Wolf Totem" by Jiang Rong - This is a contemporary novel that tells the story of a young
Chinese student who goes to Mongolia during the Cultural Revolution and becomes
fascinated with the wolves and the nomadic way of life. It is known for its vivid
descriptions of the Mongolian landscape and culture, as well as its commentary on the
relationship between humans and the natural world.

Some of the great writers from Mongolia include B. Shirnengiin Ayurzana and G. Mend-Ooyo.
Taiwan: Taiwanese literature is heavily influenced by Chinese literature but also has its own
unique characteristics. Some of the most notable literary works from Taiwan include:
1. "The Orphan of Asia" - This is a novel written by Wu Zhuoliu in the 1930s. It is
considered one of the great works of modern Taiwanese literature and is a powerful
exploration of identity and the struggle for independence.
2. "Notes of a Desolate Man" - This is a novel written by Chu T'ien-wen in the 1990s. It is
considered one of the greatest works of modern Taiwanese literature and is a powerful
exploration of homosexuality and the search for identity.
3. "Tale of the Fisherman's Daughter" - This is a folk tale that has been passed down orally
for generations. It tells the story of a young woman who marries a sea god and is
considered one of the most important works of Taiwanese folklore.
4. "The Rice Sprout Song" by Huang Chunming - This is a classic Taiwanese novel from
the 20th century that tells the story of a rural community's struggle against poverty and
political oppression during the Japanese occupation of Taiwan. It is known for its realistic
portrayal of Taiwanese society, use of local dialects, and social commentary.
5. "The Man with the Compound Eyes" by Wu Ming-Yi - This is a contemporary Taiwanese
novel that blends science fiction, environmentalism, and indigenous culture to explore the
relationship between humans and nature. It is known for its imaginative world-building,
vivid descriptions of the natural world, and social critique.
6. "Green Island" by Shawna Yang Ryan - This is a contemporary novel that explores the
political and social changes that took place in Taiwan during the martial law period. It is
known for its historical accuracy, psychological depth, and exploration of the themes of
memory and identity.
Some of the great writers from Taiwan include Li Ang, Bai Xianyong, and Sanmao.
In conclusion, Mongolia and Taiwan are important parts of the East Asian literary tradition, with
their own unique literary works and traditions. The most notable literary works from Mongolia
explore the history and folklore of the Mongolian people, while the most notable works from
Taiwan explore the struggle for identity and independence. The great writers from these
countries have contributed greatly to the East Asian literary canon and continue to inspire new
generations of writers.