85 pages • 2 hours read
Wu Cheng'en, Transl. Anthony C. YuThe Journey to the West: Volume I
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1592A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.
Character Analysis
Sun Wukong/The Stone Monkey/Handsome Monkey King/BanHorse Plague/The Great Sage, Equal to Heaven/Pilgrim
The monkey known as all these names starts out as a divine being, becomes a monster, and then a prisoner—all through his selfish pursuit of immortality and pride. He represents man, in part for his duality: He possesses both yin and yang.
The Jade Emperor
The Jade Emperor rules Heaven and represents law and order. Initially, he tries to be lenient with Wukong, but Wukong’s many wrongs against Heaven force his hand so that he must act to prevent the monkey from destroying the Heavens.
Patriarch
Patriarch is an immortal who trains the Monkey King in the Way and names him Sun Wukong. However, he’s also the one who banishes Wukong after he catches Wukong showing off. Patriarch does not want Wukong to tell anyone that Patriarch taught him the Way.
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