In Class, We Briefly Discussed Zhuangzi, an Important Daoist Writer

question 5

Essay

In class, we briefly discussed Zhuangzi, an important Daoist writer, and his literary style. Following this question is a short excerpt from his work (Section 4). Discuss what kind of "language" you think he is writing and how you can tell. Also say how that helps you understand what he means, or at least how it helps you avoid unnecessary questions or possible confusions.
Carpenter Shih saw a gigantic oak tree in the center of a village, but he passed it by without giving it a second look. "It's a worthless tree," he said, because its great branches were so twisted and gnarled and couldn't be made into anything. That night the oak tree appeared to him in a dream and said, "You compare me to more 'useful' trees, but their utility makes life miserable for them. As for me, I've been trying a long time to be of no use. If I had been of some use, would I ever have grown so large?" (Zhuangzi, Chuang Tzu, Basic Writings. Edited by Burton Watson. New York: Columbia University Press, 1964, pp. 60-61)

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