Your essay assignment: a tea
merchant would like to educate a lord in northern China about this newfangled
drink from the south so that he can close the sale for a cartload of tea. For his audience with the lord, he has prepared
himself by thoroughly reading Lu Yu’s treatise on the Classic of Tea so that he
can convince the prince of the many ways that tea can enhance the culture of
his court. How might he market tea, and
the process of tea-making, to the lord as an expression of the Chinese
sensibilities of harmony, balance, propriety, and etiquette?I need an analytical paper, I am not looking for a summary!Write the paper using the attached document (I would strongly prefer not using any outside sources but if you do so please site everything)I’ve also attached an example of an analytical paper
example_of_an_analytical_paper.doc
classic_of_tea.docx
classic_of_tea_2.docx
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Example of an excellent analytical paper
This paper was written for me by a freshman some years ago. Notice the admirable
sense of detachment here. This student did not try to solve these texts, or to cast
judgment on their rightness or wrongness. Rather, she has understood that these texts
were written with certain assumptions about women, kinship, cunning, ruthlessness and
divine favor. None of this is stated so directly by the authors of these accounts, but an
attentive and critical reader can identify them nonetheless. Consequently, this student
has illuminated some important aspects of early medieval society. And yet, she also
knows that the authors present some problems for understanding the period. As she so
remarkably observed about the depiction of women, “They became role models of values
important to men: humility, chastity, subservience and serving without complaining.” In
other words, this student has maintained a skepticism about the accounts, and recognizes
that maybe medieval women were not so docile as authors in this society would have us
believe. And finally, note how she has concisely introduced and concluded her paper.
The texts of Gregory of Tours’ History and the Life of Balthild are two important primary
sources. Gregory’s History gives an overview the life of Frankish king and conqueror,
Clovis. This history is written a century after the barbarian Frankish invasion of
modern‑day France. On the other hand, the Life of Balthild is a detailed hagiography
written shortly after her death. Though the accounts differ in perspective, both divulge
the values that the peoples of the early church held dear.
Gregory of Tours’ History of Clovis was written a century after his victories,
therefore, one must consider that certain events and causes may be emphasized because
of this. The text is written as things that are “said to have happened.” And as most
history told retrospectively, Clovis’ stories may have been distorted by changing values.
One gathers then, that at the time the History was written, people valued cunning and
respect. Clovis was ruthless in his takeover, but he was also clever. One of his queen’s
admirable qualities was her cleverness. She used this to her advantage to convert Clovis
and wield her influence in the church to help further Christianity. Family relations were
also emphasized. As ruthless as Clovis was, he is said to have grieved over his sister’s
death and his child’s death. Gregory is also attentive to diplomacy, at least when the
result went in Clovis’ favor, as when Clovis met the Gothic king Alaric.
The story of Balthild’s Life is hagiography. When we read such texts, we must be
aware that the author praises the saint without fault. In the Life of Balthild, the author,
who happens to be a nun, includes references from the Bible to boost Balthild’s image.
As Clotild was “remarkable for her great modesty and her loving kindness,” Balthild was
remarkable for her humility. These were two women who used the church to create a
sphere of influence. They siphoned money from their wealthy husbands to build
churches and convents, or to help the needy. However, they were limited to these
activities. They became role models of values important to men: humility, chastity,
subservience and serving without complaining. Nevertheless, the two texts demonstrate
that these women exemplified godliness.
Gregory of Tours’ History and the Life of Balthild are important historical sources.
They evaluate what the peoples of the early church deemed important. Poverty, humility
and cunning are some examples that could help one get into heaven, or simply to get
one’s hands on a kingdom. The development of these virtues must be examined carefully
given the perspectives of the texts. The texts also demonstrate the extent of women’s
influence in that day. In all they serve to give us a window into the beginnings of the
church and its believers.
The Classic of Tea By Lu Yu
…
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