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Tao Of Pooh Analysis

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Before we had started reading The Tao of Pooh by Benjamin Hoff we were given a MACC objective, MACC standing for Massachusetts Common Core. The objective was to read The Tao of Pooh to determine the main precepts and tenets of Buddhism. The Tao of Pooh is about the author attempting to explain Buddhism to Pooh, who at first seems to be an unmotivated and lazy bear and throughout the story uses examples from Pooh’s adventures with his friends to explain the principles of Taoism. As the author describes the principles he uses, effective presentation, rhetoric strategies and style. All of these add to the beauty, power and persuasiveness of the text. Based on the text, the author’s presentation and style are the most powerful tools that the author uses to explain Taoism. Redundantly, this also goes along with the MACC objective. As the story goes on his writing style tends to repeat itself going from a very serious explanation, …show more content…

As it is simply stated in the foreword as the author says “That was when I began to get an idea: to write a book that explained the principles of Taoism” (xii). The author’s purpose is seen throughout the story in the first chapter where he explains some key points about Taoism, by using relatable examples. The example that he uses in chapter one is a scene where he uses three Chinese philosophers, Lao Tse, Confucius and Buddha. Where each of them taste a bit of vinegar. While Confucius and Buddha are disgusted, Lao Tse has a smile on his face. The explanation for this it that Confucius possesses a sour view on life. While Buddha, Had a very bitter life. Both of them had a face of disgust. While Lao Tse has a smile on his face. Lao Tse believed that Harmony could be found by anyone at any time. Going back to the scenario Lao Tse was smiling because he was able to find peace with his situation despite tasting the incredibly bitter

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