Analects · Chapter
XXXI explained
Confucius, when in the company of a person who was singing, would ask the singer to repeat the song if it was sung well, and he would accompany it with his own voice.
What happens
Confucius, when in the company of a person who was singing, would ask the singer to repeat the song if it was sung well, and he would accompany it with his own voice.
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Narrative arc
Story tension across the book.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
The emotional peak occurs when Confucius directly confronts Yû with a list of six virtues—benevolence, knowled…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingCharacters to notice
- Confucius
Demonstrates his appreciation for good singing by asking for a repeat and joining in.
Key passages
“When the Master was in company with a person who was singing, if he sang well, he would make him repeat the song, while he accompanied it with his own voice.”
When Confucius was with someone who sang well, he would ask them to sing the song again, and he would sing along with them.
Highlights Confucius's engagement and appreciation for the arts.
