Brenden,+Michelle,+Emili

> **__Tao of Pooh Wikipost__ ** > > > **Summary + Thematic Analysis ** > **Ch. 1: The How of Pooh ** > **The narrator introduces the ideas of Taoism to Pooh through a painting called “The Vinegar Tasters.” In the painting, Confucius, Buddha and Lao Tse are tasting vinegar. Confucius and Buddha have unpleasant expressions on their faces, but Lao Tse, is smiling. The narrator says this is because Lao Tse believes that even though life may have an unpleasant taste, //working in harmony with life’s circumstances may change what others may perceive as negative, into something positive.// ** > > **Ch 2: The Tao of Who? ** > **The narrator introduces one of the most important principles of taoism: “P’u, the Uncarved Block.” The principle of the Uncarved Block is that things naturally contain their own unique power that can be easily spoiled and lost when in complex conditions. Pooh is said to be the most suitable example of the Uncarved Block, because he is simple and pure. The stories about getting lost and finding ways by instinct also represents the Taoist idea that //cleverness is not necessarily the most important, but a simple minded thinking is most important.// ** > **All other characters have knowledge. The Rabbit has Knowledge to be clever. The Owl has knowledge to look wise, and Eeyore has knowledge to complain about things. According to the narrato//r, simplicity is what makes a person likable//. Pooh, the Uncarved Block is not arrogant about this. ** > > **Discussion Questions--Ask questions that will stimulate class discussion and help us clarify any unclear passages. - Emili ** > **1) Which of the vinegar tasters would you most likely relate to? ** > **2) Does Pooh seem to support Taoism? Explain your reasoning. ** > **3) What elements of themes from "The Vinegar Tasters" and the Uncarved Block are shown in Chinese society? ** > **4) Why might the narrator have chosen Winnie the Pooh to explain the Taoist ideas? ** > > **Tao of Pooh Questions__** >> The painting represents the essence of life and the “Three Teachings of China,” taught by the three master: K’ung Fu-tse (Confucius), Buddha, and Lao-tse (author of oldest existing book on Taoism). The first says that the present is out of step with the past and the government of man is out of step with the Way of Heaven. The second being that life on earth is bitter, full of desires that lead to suffering and illusions leading to pain. The third says that the harmony that exists between heaven and earth could be found by anyone at any time, but not by following Confucius's’ rules. It also said that the more man interfered with the natural made by universal laws, the further harmony retreated. >> The theme of life seems to be harmony and changes negative ideas into something positive. It is also learning from everything that happens in everyday life. >> One of the basic principles of Taoism is the Uncarved Block. The essence of the Uncarved Block is that things in their original simplicity contain their own natural power, power that is easily spoiled and lost when that simplicity is changed. >> Hoff is going in the direction in that Pooh also has a message regarding the uncarved block in that in its pure, childish form, he is literally the uncarved block. > > > > >
 * 1) <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">What is the significance of the painting Hoff describes named The Vinegar Tasters? (2)
 * 1) <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">What is the theme of life according to Hoff’s interpretation of Taoism? (5-6)
 * 1) <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">How does Hoff explain the “uncarved block” metaphor? (10)
 * 1) <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">What is the secret message of the “uncarved block?” (2)