History G380            HOMEWORK #1           NAME________________________

This is an informal exercise in close reading.  The poem below is taken from the Book of Poetry, an anthology of lyrics for folk and art songs, political and religious odes composed between about the tenth and sixth centuries B.C.  It is a window through which we can catch a direct glimpse of early Chinese society, but, as with all ancient texts, it’s easy to miss what we can see because we may read it too quickly or inattentively.  Every ancient text is an invitation to close detective work. We usually don't notice most of what we actually see when we read a text, counting on familiar contexts to keep us oriented.  An important part of this course will be learning about China by looking at poems, stories, statements, and narratives by authors writing from contexts very different from our own; the more sensitive an observer you become, the more you'll learn.  Read closely, try to identify elements that seem revealing, puzzling, or interesting, and note them on your page.  (Be sure you look up any words that you're unsure of.)  Check the "Sample Poetry Exercise" to see how this type of exercise is supposed to work. 

     The Dead Doe in the Wilds

In the wilds there lies a dead doe

All wrapped in white rushes,

A young woman longs for spring

And fine young men entice her.

In the woods there grows a stand of oaks,

In the wilds there lies a dead deer,

White rushes tightly tied --

And a young woman, smooth as jade.

Slowly!   Oh, be patient,

Don't pull the kerchief at my waist,

Don't stir the dogs to barking!