Abstract
This paper discusses the 1994 Chinese film "Farewell My Concubine", which is set against a violent background of political upheavals. Beginning during China's warlord era of the 1920s, the film spans 50 years, and includes the Japanese occupation and the Cultural Revolution. In particular, the paper argues that despite its background, the central theme of the film is the love affair between the two central male characters, Duan Xiaolou and Cheng Dieyi.

From the Paper
"It might be argued that the film is not so much about a love story as about Chinese history. After all, the film is one of the first to be bold enough to expose the "Cultural Revolution" for the fascist rampage that it really was. It also gives insight into what it was like to be an ordinary citizen during the most important historical event of the era - the establishment of the Peoples' Republic of China by Mao Zedong and his Chinese Communist Party in 1949. The film is certainly flooded with politics and traumatic events such as the Japanese occupation, and all of these events have a profound impact on the lives of the characters. However, it is argued that to the viewer the political details are much less important than the love story that takes centre stage."

Tags:Duan, Xiaolou, Cheng, Dieyi, cultural, revolution

Abstract
The paper relates that "Farewell my Concubine" (1994) is a lavish, sumptuous, long, visual feast of a movie, that, like many other Chinese films, is set against a violent background of political upheavals. The paper describes how beginning during the warlord era of the 1920s, the film spans 50 years, and includes the Japanese occupation and the Cultural Revolution. The paper notes, however, that the viewer is distracted from the harsh reality of Chinese politics by the splendid opera scenes and lavish cinematography.

From the Paper
"Farewell my Concubine (1994) is a lavish, sumptuous, long, visual feast of a movie. Like many other Chinese films, it is set against a violent background of political upheavals. Beginning during the warlord era of the 1920s, the film spans 50 years, and includes the Japanese occupation and the Cultural Revolution. However, the viewer is distracted from the harsh reality of Chinese politics by the splendid opera scenes and lavish cinematography. The film gives the impression of being shot not in colour, nor in black and white, but rather in orange and black. The centre of most scenes glows with a rich, warm, sumptuous orange, stark against the..."

Tags:film, chinese, cheung

From the Paper
"Farewell My Concubine by Chen Kaige (1993) was one of the rare Chinese films that has made its way to Western audiences. it was acclaimed by Western critics and received awards from various critics organizations. The film also represented a shift in artistic opportunities in China. The film is an opportunity for Westerners to see inside China today, to appreciate the state of Chinese filmmaking, and to gain a different view of humanity from a filmmaker who has a strong command of the medium.
The story of the film covers a long period in Chinese history. The film begins with a prologue in which two of the main characters are preparing for a farewell performance of their best theatrical vehicle, a piece called "Farewell My Concubine." They are stage performers in the Beijing Opera, and much of the spectacle in the film derives from the way the opera in China is..."

From the Paper
"Empress Dowager Tzu Hsi: the last female ruler
of the Manchu Imperial House
In spite of her last words, ?Never again allow a woman to hold the supreme power in the State,?1 Tzu Hsi survived three waves of succession to rule over China for almost half a century. During a period that was racked by internal turmoil and foreign invasions, Tzu Hsi overcame tremendous odds to hold on to the reins of power. Her character contributed greatly to her skills as a consummate politician. She was a charismatic leader that attracted the adoration of her subjects including common people who had never seen her in person.2 Furthermore, she was driven by a fiery ambition to ensure that the Manchu dynasty did not disintegrate in the face of the pressure brought on by rebels and the foreigners. She cemented her grip on power by..."

Abstract
In this article, the concept of honor in Chinese heroes is discussed. The writer uses the films, 'Farewell My Concubine', 'The Emperor and The Assassin', and 'The Great Conqueror's Concubine' to examine the topic. Further, the writer defines what makes a true hero and also discusses heroism versus leadership.

From the Paper
"This paper will analyze the concepts of honor in Chinese society as demonstrated in the movies 'The Emperor and the Assassin', 'Farewell My Concubine' and 'The Great Conqueror's Concubine' as well as in readings from the texts 'Chinese Civilization A Source book' and 'The Cambridge Illustrated History of China' both by Patricia Buckley Ebrey. The paper will first address the definition of a true hero as compared to what makes a successful ruler. It will then discuss how honor is defined ... "

Tags:Farewell my concubine, The emperor and the assassin, The great conqueror's concubine

Abstract
This paper reviews the critically acclaimed 1991 film, "Raise the Red Lantern" by world-renowned director Zhang Yimou. The author summarizes the film about a young girl who becomes the third concubine of the wealthy Chen household. The paper describes the film as a parable for the corruption of modern society in China and explains the symbols used to depict communist authoritarianism in the film - the Chen household represents the government, and the customs of the house are the laws of the country. The author also praises Zhang's use of rich colors to enhance the the emotional response to the film.

From the Paper
"The red lanterns in this film are a stunning image, representing the power of the concubine. As was done in historical China, the lanterns are lit at the house of the concubine who the master favours. The concubine that has the lit lanterns ultimately has control over the rest of the concubines, as well as great influence over the master. If a concubine breaks the rules of the household, her lanterns will be covered in black cloth."

Tags:film review, communism, China

Abstract
This paper takes a look at the life and rule of Empress Dowager Cixi (1835-1908). The paper asserts that, like her contemporary, Queen Victoria of England, she was able to wield power and insisted on doing so. But unlike Queen Victoria, the paper points out that she had risen from a concubine of the lowest rank at the Beijing court and is popularly remembered as a ruthless woman. The paper concludes that Cixi's rigid and backward views let the Western powers take advantage, quite easily, of China's low development and that she was a human disaster for China and for the Chinese.

Outline:
Introduction
Ordinary Origins
The End of Emperor Xianfeng
A Narcissist at Court
An Empress of Early Warlords
Rumours and Observations
A Revised Empress
Last Remarks

From the Paper
"In 1861, Xianfeng died and as the mother of his heir, Tongzhi, Cixi was given the title of Empress. Several other regents were appointed to run the Chinese empire and before long there was intrigue. Two of the other regents were accused of crime against the state and were permitted to commit suicide to avoid execution. A third regent was beheaded and his property went to Cixi as a virtual civil war raged in five provinces where millions died in the fighting or of starvation, large parts of the interior laid waste and several cities destroyed. Rather than responding to the crisis, the empress continued to meet with the previous emperor's uncle, Prince Kung (q.v), an experienced courtier in order to learn the arts of politics."

Tags:China, ruler, woman

Abstract
This paper explains that, in Chinua Achebe's novel "Things Fall Apart", the cultural traditions of the Umoufia tribe are a representation of human social groups, which date back four thousand years to ancient Mesopotamia. The author points out that a recurring theme in the novel is the use of violence as a means of control over the weaker members of Umoufia society, especially women. The paper relates that this novel describes the customs, traditions and rituals of the tribe used to place woman in the roles of property, spectator, slave and concubine.

From the Paper
"The next paragraph revels that Oknokwo was now satisfied, and able to move on, what of course is lacking is the effect this beating had on the victim and her daughter. Through the reading, we know the mind of the men, and perhaps Achebe would not assume to understand the female point of view and thus leaves it out. This omission of female perspective leaves the issue shrouded in mystery and custom, which appears to be the way Achebe wants it to remain. "

Tags:umoufia, violence, control, marriage, father

Abstract
The paper looks at a vernacular story that originated in China during the Ming dynasty. The story in question; "Du Tenth Sinks in the Jewel Box in Anger" is a typical example of concubine romance. The paper shows how in the story, money and love are closely related. The paper looks at how money affects the beginning, the development and the end of the relationship between Du Tenth and Li Jia, the main characters of the story.

From the Paper
"This essay looks at one particular Chinese vernacular story from the late Ming Dynasty. The story is briefly discussed within the context of the history and culture of the Ming dynasty. What follows is a personal opinion and thought on the story. The story is by Feng Meng-long and is titled "Du Tenth Sinks in the Jewel Box in Anger." In this story, money and love are closely related. This essay analyses how money affects the beginning, development and the end of the relationship between Du Tenth and Li Jia, the main characters of the story."

Tags:china, stories, mingdynasty

Abstract
This paper studies that Dowager Empress Cixi came of modest origins and entered the court as a low concubine. The writer examines that she learned how to manipulate the court, produced a male heir and exploited her position as Dowager Empress for more than 50 years, most of it remembered for misrule. Further, the writer discusses her as a treacherous woman who was much written about.

From the Paper
"Chinese women tend to be stereotyped as quiet, demure creatures, shaped by their culture to not give offence, or as people using their feminine ways, in a society controlled by men. In the example of Empress Dowager Cixi (1835-1908) is found someone rather different. Like her contemporary, Queen Victoria of England, she was comfortable wielding power. Unlike Queen Victoria, she rose from an official concubine of the lowest rank to have tremendous power and a ruthlessness that remains legendary. Indeed, Empress Cixi has a full chapter in a popular volume, The Most Evil Women in History."

Tags:dowagerempress, cixi, qing