Abstract The writer of this paper clearly illustrates the plot of Du's epic poem which revolves around family obligations, love and morality while focusing on the title character of Kieu. This paper details the characteristics of Kieu who is a beautiful and educated young woman struggling to conform to societal demands. This paper examines the impact of Confucian philosophy as well as the traditions of Buddhism in 18th century Vietnam, particularly as it pertained to women during this era. This paper also delves into the tragic love story between Kieu and Kim.
From the Paper "The heavenly significance of Kieu's story, which extends beyond her family, is highlighted by the persistent existence of the Vuong family's deceased muse and former servant Dam Tien. As a spirit voice, Dam Tien counsels, guides, and provides some much-needed comfort to Kieu during critical junctures of the girl's struggle. Dam Tien's presence underlines the persistence and necessity of filial obligations and the connection between the individual self and the collective, ancestral past-but the 'lower' nature of the living status of Dam Tien also shows a greater affection and respect for members of the poor serving classes and social order than is evident in some Confucian ideas about the need for deference in the social hierarchy. Of course, the primary interest for many readers is the romantic relationship between the star-crossed and originally betrothed lovers Van and Kieu. But the morality of the tale denies the pair full happiness and the full delights of marital bliss."
Abstract This paper discusses the religions that emerged from Ancient China that shared a strong belief with Daoism, and are centered around philosophies glorifying the cosmos. The paper also includes some material regarding tales from Japan.
From the Paper "There are variations in early Chinese religious tales. Along with other verbal accounts like the Westerner Homer's The Iliad and The Odyssey and later Shinto tales from Japan, ancient Chinese dogma changed and evolved each time it was retold. These early religions also believed in the yin and the yang; different spirits living harmoniously together. Like Shinto, these religions also believed that their ancestors survived through each family's ancestral worship. The more attention paid to one's dead ancestors, the stronger those ancestors become through the memory of the living (Noss 264). The main creation myth of these collected tales concerns a square earth supported by the curved heavens. The devious god Gong Gong, also known as Kung Kung, knocked over one of the four pillars which held the earth level, (Noss 258). Nu Gua, a goddess, repaired the broken column, and therefore saved the earth. She is later said to have created man out of mud. Nu Gua spent much time meticulously creating some of her mud creations; others she formed carelessly. Pan Gu was also an important figure; according to myths he grew over ten feet daily. Early mythic figures of ancient Chinese legends were half-man, half-beasts, (Noss 264). These early sovereigns ruled over their kingdoms for thousands of years."
