HOMEWORK #1             NAME     B.J. Clinton     

Mark and make a note about any interesting aspects you observe in this poem, selected from the Book of Poetry.  Treat this text as if it were, for the time being, your only window into the society of China during the period, say, 1000-750 B.C.  Mark this sheet up with pen or pencil however you like (use the back if that's convenient).

                                        The Graveyard Gate      ....not clear what graves mean in this poem

                                   Thorn bush at the grave gate,      ....thorns are painful, like feelings for dead                             
                                            Cut it with an axe.
               who?  ....                That man, he's no good!        ....is he supposed to be unpleasant, like a thorn?
he's a famous man ....                  And all in this state know;
                                            They know, but it goes on --      ....what goes on?  are we supposed to know?
                                   For long it has gone on.
                                                                              ....is this politics?  is the poet's enemy the bad man?

repeats, like a song               Plum tree at the grave gate,       ....I'd think a plum tree would be good
                                   Owls come and roost.           ....night bird; spooky - a bad sign?  superstition?
                                   That man, he's no good!
  warning to whom? ...                  And I sing out a warning.       ....looks like the poet is the owl
                                            Ignore me as he will -- 
                                            Once fallen, he'll think of me.          ...sounds like a jilted lover - did women write?

              confusing! ...can't tell if it's about politics or a lover ... 
                                                                        did those get mixed up in early China, too?