Literati

Definition

Literati refers to the educated and scholarly class in traditional East Asian societies, particularly in Korea, who were often engaged in scholarly pursuits, arts, and governance. This class played a significant role in shaping Korean culture during the Joseon dynasty through their contributions to literature, Confucian ideals, and the administration of the state. Their influence extended into education, politics, and social values, promoting the importance of intellectual achievement and moral integrity.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The literati were crucial in promoting Confucianism as the dominant ideology during the Joseon dynasty, influencing both governance and societal norms.
2. Members of the literati were often scholars who passed rigorous civil service examinations to gain government positions and influence policy.
3. The literati class was responsible for creating significant literary works, including poetry, essays, and historical texts that contributed to Korean cultural heritage.
4. Literati often held a disdain for commerce and manual labor, seeing their scholarly pursuits as more honorable and aligned with Confucian values.
5. The decline of the literati's influence occurred towards the end of the Joseon dynasty, as new social classes emerged and Western influences began to challenge traditional Korean values.

Review Questions

• How did the literati influence the cultural landscape of Korea during the Joseon dynasty?
  • The literati significantly influenced Korea's cultural landscape by promoting Confucian ideals and contributing to literature and art. They established a standard for education and moral conduct that permeated society. Their scholarly pursuits led to a rich body of literature that reflected both their values and the historical context of the time, shaping Korea's identity during this period.
• Analyze the relationship between the literati class and the governance of Korea during the Joseon dynasty.
  • The literati class was intricately linked to the governance of Korea, as they often occupied key administrative roles. Through civil service examinations, they were able to enter government positions where they implemented Confucian policies that emphasized moral governance. This connection allowed them to influence state decisions while also reinforcing their societal status as educated elites.
• Evaluate how changes in society toward the end of the Joseon dynasty affected the role and status of the literati.
  • As new social classes emerged and Western influences began to permeate Korean society towards the end of the Joseon dynasty, the role and status of the literati were significantly affected. Their traditional authority was challenged by new ideas about modernization and social progress. This shift diminished their control over cultural narratives and political power, marking a transition in Korean society from a strictly Confucian framework towards a more diverse set of influences.

Related terms

Confucianism: A philosophical and ethical system based on the teachings of Confucius, emphasizing morality, social relationships, and justice, which heavily influenced the values of the literati.

yangban: The ruling class or elite of Korea during the Joseon dynasty, typically comprised of literati who held government positions and were responsible for the administration of the state.

seowon: Private Confucian academies established during the Joseon dynasty that served as centers for education and scholarship for the literati.