“A Story from Confucius” by Confucius: A Critical Analysis

Introduction: “A Story from Confucius” by Confucius

Published in Chinese Fables and Folk Stories in 1908, and translated by Mary Hayes Davis and Chow-Leung, “A Story from Confucius” by Confucious teaches valuable qualities such as patience, perseverance, and self-discipline. These qualities are fundamental to Confucian philosophy. The story conveys the importance of controlling one’s emotions and desires, and how this self-control can lead to inner peace and wisdom. Through this timeless story, Confucius continues to inspire and guide readers on their journey toward personal growth and self-improvement.

Main Events in “A Story from Confucius” by Confucius

Literary Devices in “A Story from Confucius” by Confucius

Literary Device	Example and Explanation
Allusion	“You know Mun-Gun, who is quite old?” – Confucius alludes to an elderly individual to draw a comparison between Tsze-Lu’s condition and that of Mun-Gun.
Anaphora	“How many teeth have you?” / “How many tongues?” / “How many teeth have you lost?” – Repetition of the phrase “How many” emphasizes Confucius’s questioning and highlights the importance.
Assonance	“The tongue is peaceful and gentle with the teeth.” – The repetition of the short ‘e’ sound in “peaceful” and “gentle” creates a soothing effect, reinforcing the idea of gentleness.
Consonance	“He was at peace and happy again in a little time.” – The repetition of the ‘s’ sound in “peace” and “happy” creates a soft and harmonious effect, mirroring the state of peace described.
Hyperbole	“Every time one of the pupils says a thing you do not like, you are greatly enraged.” – Exaggeration is used to emphasize the frequency and intensity of Tsze-Lu’s anger.
Imagery	“The blood came from his mouth.” – This vivid image evokes a sense of the severity of Tsze-Lu’s condition, emphasizing the physical consequences of his anger.
Irony	“The strongest to resist, is the first to decay.” – Confucius employs irony by stating that the strongest, Tsze-Lu’s anger, will lead to his downfall if not controlled.
Metaphor	“The tongue is peaceful and gentle with the teeth.” – The tongue and teeth metaphorically represent gentleness and aggression, respectively, illustrating the importance of self-control.
Onomatopoeia	“And you will surely die, if you do not use more self-control.” – The use of “die” creates a sharp, impactful sound, emphasizing the seriousness of the consequence.
Oxymoron	“If he wished to do a thing, he did it, and no man could prevent.” – The juxtaposition of “wished” and “did it” highlights the contradiction between desire and action, showcasing Tsze-Lu’s impulsivity.
Paradox	“The strongest to resist, is the first to decay.” – Confucius presents a paradoxical statement, suggesting that strength, when misdirected like Tsze-Lu’s anger, leads to weakness and decay.
Personification	“The teeth are lost because they are strong, and determined to have everything they desire.” – Teeth are personified as having desires and determination, attributing human qualities to them.
Repetition	“And you will surely die, if you do not use more self-control.” – Repetition of “you will surely die” emphasizes the consequence of lack of self-control, reinforcing the importance of the message.
Simile	“The tongue is peaceful and gentle with the teeth.” – Confucius uses a simile to compare the relationship between the tongue and teeth to the ideal behavior of humans in managing conflicts.
Symbolism	“The tongue is peaceful and gentle with the teeth.” – The tongue symbolizes self-control and gentleness, while the teeth represent aggression and lack of restraint, reflecting human behavior.
Synecdoche	“How many teeth have you?” – The term “teeth” is used to refer to Tsze-Lu’s overall physical well-being, encompassing his health and behavior, not just the literal teeth in his mouth.
Understatement	“One day, after one of these fits of temper, the blood came from his mouth.” – Confucius understates the severity of Tsze-Lu’s condition, downplaying it compared to its actual seriousness.
Verbal Irony	“It may be better that I no longer study and work.” – Tsze-Lu suggests that stopping his studies might improve his health, which is ironically contrary to Confucius’ advice on self-improvement.
Zoomorphism	“The teeth are lost because they are strong, and determined to have everything they desire.” – Confucius uses zoomorphism by attributing human traits of desire and determination to teeth.

Characterization in “A Story from Confucius” by Confucius

Major Characters:

• Confucius:
  • Revered philosopher and teacher.
  • Wise mentor who imparts lessons on self-control and moral conduct.
  • Demonstrates compassion and guidance towards his students.
• Tsze-Lu:
  • One of Confucius’s pupils.
  • Characterized by intelligence and kindness, but also prone to great anger.
  • Seeks guidance from Confucius to address his struggles with anger management.
  • Serves as the central figure through whom the story’s moral lesson is conveyed.

Minor Characters:

• Nou-Wui:
  • Another pupil of Confucius.
  • Known for his peaceful nature, contrasting with Tsze-Lu’s tendency towards anger.
  • Used as a reference point by Confucius to illustrate the difference in reactions to conflict.
• Mun-Gun:
  • An elderly individual known to Confucius and Tsze-Lu.
  • Serves as a comparison point to highlight the importance of self-control in maintaining health and longevity.
  • Symbolizes the benefits of gentleness and restraint in contrast to Tsze-Lu’s struggles with anger.

Major Themes in “A Story from Confucius” by Confucius

1. Importance of Self-Control: The story underscores the significance of self-control as a fundamental virtue for personal well-being and social harmony. Confucius uses Tsze-Lu’s struggle with anger as a vehicle to impart this lesson. By pointing out the physical consequences of Tsze-Lu’s unchecked anger, such as the blood coming from his mouth, Confucius highlights how lack of self-control can lead to detrimental outcomes. Through the metaphor of the tongue and teeth, Confucius illustrates how gentleness and restraint, embodied by the tongue, outlast aggression and impulsivity, represented by the teeth. This theme is further reinforced as Confucius advises Tsze-Lu to cultivate self-control to prolong his life and lead a fulfilling existence.
2. Conflict Resolution and Peaceful Coexistence: Another prominent theme is the importance of resolving conflicts peacefully and fostering harmonious relationships. Confucius contrasts Tsze-Lu’s prolonged anger with Nou-Wui’s quick return to peace after a quarrel. Nou-Wui’s peaceful nature serves as an example of how conflicts can be resolved swiftly without allowing anger to fester. Additionally, the metaphor of the tongue and teeth emphasizes the idea of peaceful coexistence, as the tongue, representing gentleness, is depicted as accommodating and helpful, even in the face of resistance from the teeth. This theme emphasizes the value of diplomacy, empathy, and compromise in maintaining social cohesion.
3. Wisdom and Guidance: The story showcases Confucius as a wise mentor who provides valuable guidance and moral teachings to his pupils. Confucius diagnoses the root cause of Tsze-Lu’s troubles and offers insightful advice on how to address them. Through his questioning and metaphorical explanations, Confucius imparts timeless wisdom about the importance of self-awareness, emotional regulation, and moral conduct. His role as a teacher extends beyond academic instruction to encompass moral and personal development, highlighting the holistic nature of education in Confucian philosophy.
4. Symbolism and Metaphor: Symbolism and metaphor are prevalent throughout the story, serving to enrich its thematic depth and philosophical underpinnings. The metaphor of the tongue and teeth, for instance, symbolizes the contrasting virtues of gentleness and aggression, with the tongue representing self-control and the teeth symbolizing impulsivity and aggression. Similarly, the loss of teeth over time serves as a metaphor for the consequences of unchecked aggression and lack of restraint. Through these symbolic elements, the story invites readers to reflect on deeper philosophical concepts related to human nature, morality, and personal growth.

Writing Style in “A Story from Confucius” by Confucius

1. Dialogue-driven: The story progresses mainly through conversations between Confucius and his pupils, revealing their personalities and the lessons learned. (e.g., “Confucius answered, ‘Tsze-Lu, you have a wrong idea about your body…'”)
2. Anecdotal: A specific story about Tsze-Lu’s anger serves as a springboard for Confucius’ moral instruction. (e.g., “One day, after one of these fits of temper, the blood came from his mouth…”)
3. Use of Examples: Confucius employs relatable examples like teeth and a tongue to illustrate the consequences of anger. (e.g., “You know Mun-Gun, who is quite old?’ Yes, I know him well.'”)
4. Simple and Direct Language: The story uses clear and concise language, making the moral message accessible. (e.g., “The strongest to resist, is the first to decay…”)
5. Focus on Practical Application: Confucius doesn’t just criticize Tsze-Lu’s anger, he offers solutions like self-control and patience. (e.g., “I want to ask you some questions:—”)

Literary Theories and Interpretation of “A Story from Confucius” by Confucius

1. Didacticism:

• Explanation: Refers to literature that aims to teach a moral lesson or ethical principle.
• Example: Confucius directly uses the story of Tsze-Lu’s anger to convey the importance of self-control and patience. (“Confucius answered, ‘Tsze-Lu, you have a wrong idea about your body…'”)

2. Use of Symbolism:

• Explanation: Assigns symbolic meaning to objects or elements within the story.
• Example: The teeth and tongue represent contrasting approaches to conflict. The teeth, strong but prone to decay, symbolize uncontrolled anger. The enduring tongue represents calmness and self-control. (“You see the teeth are lost because they are strong…The tongue is peaceful and gentle with the teeth…”)

3. Focus on Character Development (Confucius as a Mentor Figure):

• Explanation: Explores how characters learn and grow through their experiences.
• Example: Confucius acts as a mentor, guiding Tsze-Lu towards self-awareness and the importance of managing his anger. (“I want to ask you some questions:—”) Confucius doesn’t shame Tsze-Lu but helps him understand the root cause of his problems.

Topics, Questions, and Thesis Statements about “A Story from Confucius” by Confucius

Topic	Question	Thesis Statement
Conflict Management	How does Confucius advocate for resolving conflicts peacefully in “A Story from Confucius”?	In “A Story from Confucius,” Confucius emphasizes the importance of conflict resolution through peaceful means, showcasing the detrimental effects of unchecked anger and the benefits of gentleness and restraint in fostering harmonious relationships.
The Role of Mentorship	What role does Confucius play as a mentor in guiding Tsze-Lu towards self-improvement?	Confucius serves as a wise mentor who provides valuable guidance and moral teachings to Tsze-Lu, highlighting the importance of self-awareness, emotional regulation, and moral conduct in achieving personal growth and well-being.
Symbolism and Metaphor	How do symbolism and metaphor enhance the thematic depth of “A Story from Confucius”?	Through the use of symbolism and metaphor, Confucius employs rich imagery to convey deeper philosophical concepts related to human nature, morality, and personal development, inviting readers to contemplate the underlying meanings and implications of his teachings.

Short Questions/Answers about/on “A Story from Confucius” by Confucius

1. What is the primary cause of Tsze-Lu’s physical ailment in “A Story from Confucius”?
   • The primary cause of Tsze-Lu’s physical ailment is identified by Confucius as his inability to control his anger. Confucius explains to Tsze-Lu that it is not his academic pursuits or schoolwork that are causing trouble, but rather his tendency towards great anger. This is illustrated through Tsze-Lu’s prolonged fits of temper, which result in physical symptoms such as blood coming from his mouth. Confucius emphasizes the need for Tsze-Lu to cultivate self-control in order to overcome this issue and ensure his well-being.
2. How does Confucius use metaphor to convey his teachings in “A Story from Confucius”?
   • Confucius employs the metaphor of the tongue and teeth to convey his teachings on self-control and gentleness. He compares the tongue, representing peacefulness and self-restraint, to the teeth, symbolizing aggression and lack of control. Confucius illustrates how the tongue, despite being frequently harmed by the teeth, remains peaceful and gentle, while the teeth, determined to have everything they desire, decay over time. This metaphor serves to underscore the importance of self-control and the detrimental effects of unchecked anger.
3. What lesson does Confucius impart through the comparison between Tsze-Lu and Mun-Gun in “A Story from Confucius”?
   • Through the comparison between Tsze-Lu and Mun-Gun, an elderly individual known for his peacefulness despite his age, Confucius highlights the importance of self-control and its impact on one’s well-being. While Tsze-Lu’s anger leads to physical ailments and decay, Mun-Gun’s peaceful demeanor allows him to maintain his health despite his advanced age. This comparison emphasizes the benefits of gentleness and restraint, suggesting that cultivating these qualities can lead to a fulfilling and prolonged life.

Literary Works Similar to “A Story from Confucius” by Confucius

1. “The Bet” by Anton Chekhov: This short story explores themes of morality, wisdom, and the consequences of impulsive actions. In “The Bet,” a wealthy banker makes a bet with a young lawyer regarding the value of imprisonment versus freedom. Like Confucius in “A Story from Confucius,” Chekhov delves into the human condition and the importance of self-awareness and self-control.
2. “The Necklace” by Guy de Maupassant: Similar to Confucius’s story, “The Necklace” delves into themes of greed, consequences, and the pursuit of happiness. The story follows a woman who borrows a necklace to fit in with the upper class, only to lose it, leading to significant hardships. Both narratives explore the implications of material desires and the importance of contentment and humility.
3. “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson: While tonally different, “The Lottery” shares thematic similarities with Confucius’s story in its examination of societal norms, ritualistic behavior, and the consequences of blindly following tradition. Like Confucius’s teachings on self-awareness and questioning societal norms, Jackson’s story challenges readers to reflect on the nature of conformity and morality.
4. “The Tell-Tale Heart” by Edgar Allan Poe: This classic short story explores themes of guilt, madness, and the consequences of unchecked emotions. Like “A Story from Confucius,” “The Tell-Tale Heart” delves into the psychological effects of unrestrained emotions, particularly anger and paranoia. Poe’s narrative highlights the destructive power of guilt and the inability to control one’s actions.
5. “The Gift of the Magi” by O. Henry: In this beloved short story, O. Henry explores themes of sacrifice, love, and the true meaning of wealth. Like Confucius’s emphasis on selflessness and humility, “The Gift of the Magi” portrays characters who demonstrate the power of self-sacrifice for the sake of love. Both stories convey poignant messages about the importance of perspective and the value of intangible qualities over material possessions.

Suggested Readings about/on “A Story from Confucius” by Confucius

1. Confucius. Analects. Translated by Arthur Waley, Random House, 2003.
2. Creel, Herrlee Glessner. Confucius and the Chinese Way. The University of Chicago Press, 1970.
3. Yao, Xinzhong. An Introduction to Confucianism. Cambridge University Press, 2000.

Representative Quotations from “A Story from Confucius” by Confucius

Quotation	Context and Theoretical Perspective
“You remember when you and Nou-Wui quarreled. He was at peace and happy again in a little time, but you were very long in overcoming your anger.”	Confucius uses the example of Tsze-Lu’s conflict with Nou-Wui to illustrate the difference in their reactions to anger. This reflects the idea of emotional regulation, a concept often explored in psychological theories such as emotional intelligence, which emphasizes the importance of effectively managing and understanding one’s emotions. Confucius’s advice aligns with the perspective that emotional self-awareness and regulation are crucial for personal well-being and interpersonal relationships.
“The tongue is peaceful and gentle with the teeth. It never grows angry and fights them, even when they are in the wrong.”	Confucius employs the metaphor of the tongue and teeth to convey the importance of gentleness and self-control. This aligns with ethical theories such as virtue ethics, which emphasize the cultivation of virtuous traits such as temperance and compassion. Confucius suggests that adopting a peaceful and gentle approach, like the tongue, leads to harmony and longevity, contrasting with the aggressive and destructive nature of unchecked anger, represented by the teeth.
“The strongest to resist, is the first to decay; and you, Tsze-Lu, will be even so if you learn not the great lesson of self-control.”	Confucius concludes his teachings by emphasizing the significance of self-control in preventing decay and achieving longevity. This aligns with philosophical perspectives on self-mastery and personal development, such as Stoicism, which emphasizes the cultivation of rationality and emotional resilience. Confucius suggests that individuals who fail to exercise self-control are prone to decay and decline, both physically and morally, underscoring the timeless relevance of this virtue in fostering personal flourishing.
“Every time one of the pupils says a thing you do not like, you are greatly enraged.”	Confucius highlights the frequency and intensity of Tsze-Lu’s anger in response to perceived slights or offenses. This observation reflects cognitive-behavioral theories of anger management, which emphasize the role of cognitive distortions and maladaptive thought patterns in fueling anger. Confucius’s advice to Tsze-Lu underscores the importance of recognizing and challenging these cognitive distortions to cultivate healthier emotional responses and interpersonal relationships.
“You see the teeth are lost because they are strong, and determined to have everything they desire.”	Confucius uses the metaphor of the teeth to illustrate the consequences of unchecked desires and impulses. This aligns with philosophical perspectives on desire and attachment, such as Buddhism, which emphasizes the role of desire in causing suffering and discontentment. Confucius suggests that indulging in unchecked desires, akin to the aggressive nature of the teeth, leads to decay and destruction, contrasting with the enduring and peaceful nature of self-restraint, symbolized by the tongue.