Question

Monkey (from Journey to the West) can be considered a “trickster.” What characteristics define this archetype and what are the examples of it in the book?

Answer 1

Sun Wukong is a traditional monkey hero in text books like "Journey to the west" in which this fictional character is described as a trickster. Monkey king has a number of peculiar characteristics which are similar to Greek mythology fictional characters. Story describes how tricksters get converted to comic heroes. This book was written during the Ming dynasty. It is symbol of enthusiasm, liberty and evolution in mankind and human race. It is a part of common series called Xiyouji. It is about a journey of Buddhist monk to India in the Tang dynasty. His name was Xuanzang. He wanted to end the misinterpretations linked to chinese tradition and philosophy in India due to fragmentation of chinese culture. Journey to West was written by Cheng'en Wu. He met four people during his journey named as Wukong, Wuneng, Wujing and Aolie. Wukong was born from a stone egg. Wukong was later known as Monkey king. He gained immortality and supernatural powers after meeting spiritual saints. He stole the golden hooped rod of spiritual leader which provided supernatural powers to him. He was appointed horseman by the emperor of Celestial palace. He was in trouble during Monther banquet in which he stole most of the fruits and was punished by being placed in a Brazier of eight trigram for fourty nine days. He was defeated by Buddha and kept to control the region and that province. Athough he is considered asexual still he was involved in sex with women in caves. His role is mentioned in Ming, Song and Confusian Dynasty.