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Journey to the West Xijou ji

Outline. I. Novels of late Ming DynastyII. Journey to the West. Novels of Late Ming (1573-1620). a marked upsurge in the activities of commercial publishers.Old novels: repeatedly reprinted vs. new novels were published.The longer new novels: borrow main plot lines from older worksBut show much greater freedom in their treatment of the material The original novel of this period: element of reversalin the long run everything changes to its own opposite, e.g. unity to division, prosperity to1141

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Journey to the West Xijou ji

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    1. Journey to the West ??? (Xijou ji)

    3. Novels of Late Ming (1573-1620) a marked upsurge in the activities of commercial publishers. Old novels: repeatedly reprinted vs. new novels were published. The longer new novels: borrow main plot lines from older works But show much greater freedom in their treatment of the material The original novel of this period: element of reversal in the long run everything changes to its own opposite, e.g. unity to division, prosperity to ruin, or vice versa. retribution = originally an old Buddhist concept every act performed carries moral valence, will be rewarded or punished in the next incarnation. From 1550-1650, retribution= an automatic process, inherent, no intervention by gods or demons, retribution within a single lifetime.

    4. Novels of Late Ming (1573-1620) One is never confronted with a choice between two evils or two positive values. The choice is always straightforward: between good and evil, and the person’s future well-being is determined by his own choice. Concrete descriptions: followed by poems/ couplets as summing-up; or by a familiar proverb or saying. Greed and lust are featured prominently. At times, there is a certain interest in personal mental processes. E.g.why some people yield to temptation while others cling to the good in the face of all difficulties. the authors show nothing but contempt for those who are so weak, for whatever reason, as to make the wrong ethical choice.

    5. Novels from the Last Century of the Ming Dynasty Every one = personally responsible for the course of his life (yet, not in existential sense) Usually the process of retribution runs through to its consequences within the space of a single lifetime. Toward the end of this period (early 17th century), there was a bloom in the production of modern Chinese (language) novellas.

    6. Structure of Novels in Late Ming Dynasty These novellas typically consist of 2 stories: 1. a short opening story (short & simple) 2. a longer main story (detailed, complicated, & well-organized example of the same moral) both illustrate the workings of the same explicitly formulated moral law. Author’s intention: not mainly for amusement, but to present the truth (retribution) for the readers to awake from their benighted state of folly and better their ways. Author: as a professional storyteller, full of folksy innocence and homespun virtue Novels in this period show a much wider range of characters from a broader scale of social background than the earlier. More attention to the problems of ordinary folk.

    7. Novels of Late Ming (1573-1620) Strong concern with moral issues black-&-white characterization mechanically simplistic results a reputation for facile moralism: not in all cases, but most novels lack the concept of the tragic. Not much place in them for fate or for the dilemma.

    8. II. Journey to the West???/ The Xiyou ji Supposed to be written by Wu Cheng’en???(ca.1500-ca.1582), probably between 1570-1580. a member of the literati (but never passed higher-level examinations, held only modest office in his later years). The oldest survival edition dates from 1592. Materials base on a very old popular story cycle. Great influences by: Chinese folk religion, Chinese mythology, Daoism and Buddhism Adventurous story-type (an ancient Chinese Harry Potter) Allegory about religious journey to find self enlightenment.

    9. Journey to the West / The Xiyou ji Historical Truth: In 629-645 A.D.(early Tong), a Chinese monk Xuanzang??undertook a pilgrimage to India for collecting sutras. Upon his return, was given a honorific name: Tong Xuanzang/Tripitaka (600-664)??? He recorded his story in official records. A great deal of earlier versions of the legend the wise monk Xuanzang as their hero (center of the text), starting their narrative with his departure from China for faraway lands Xuanzang/Sanzang’s journey made a tremendous impression on his contemporaries, became a fertile source of legends

    10. Journey to the West : Chapters Journey to the West: Base the story on historical truth & earlier text versions of the legend Add : imagination & creativity: magic, gods, demons, fairies The Monkey-king as the center

    11. Overview of the Novel In total--100 chapters: Part I : ch.1-7– prelude starts out with the birth of Sun Wukong. Then, describe Sun’s quest for eternity and magic powers & his rebellion against the reigning authorities in heaven, for which he is eventually imprisoned under a mountain. Part II : ch.8-12—biography and background Of Xuanzang/Tripitaka, and his other disciples Part III : ch.13-99—adventures stories Part IV : ch.100– return journey

    12. The Story of Journey to the West / The Xiyou ji Soon after Xuanzang’s departure from China: Loses all his original retinue (human followers) he is, instead, accompanied by supernatural creatures as disciples: 1. the best fighter, Sun Wukong,??? 2. the pig Zhu Bajie??? 3. the Sha monk?? 4. a new white horse. The monkey, the pig, the Sha monk and the horse are all gods in Heaven in the past but they commit certain mistakes. If they could successfully get the sutras, they can return back to Heaven and become gods again.

    13. The Story of Journey to the West / The Xiyou ji Together, the new company goes through 81 perils of all sorts: most of them involving encounters with monsters seeking to eat Xuanzang. 80 of the perils are met on the journey to The Western Paradise and one on the way home. Why do the monsters want to eat Xuanzang? For they would attain immortality if they could have the flesh of Xuanzang.

    14. Story of Journey to the West / The Xiyou ji An extremely interesting book for those who retain a kid’s mind. Magical power, monsters & adventure: devil tiger general, the cunning bony-woman, the seductive spider-girl, the angry cow-king, the troublesome woman-kingdom, the strong big-bird…

    15. Character Analysis I. Tang Sanzang??? Other names: Tripitaka, Tang Monk, Master, Jin Chan Zi (name of his previous life, was a Buddha’s disciple banished to reincarnation for disobedience to Buddha’s teaching) Personality: A kind and passionate monk Very obedient to the rules of Buddhism Strongly opposed to violence and killing Never tempted by worldly desires Gullible, very religious Shows stupidity and human flaws throughout the journey

    16. Character Analysis I. Tang Sanzang??? Abilities Can memorize scriptures after one reading Can mediate for long periods of time Can recite Tight-Fillet Spell (Band-Tightening Curse) in order to control Monkey King Flesh is said to hold immortality, thus all demons wish to eat him

    17. Character Analysis I. Tang Sanzang??? He is tricked by various demons during the journey. He mistakes Monkey King’s good intentions as savage killing (include driving the Monkey away 2 times) and listens to the Pig, Pa-chieh’s words. Requires saving by Monkey King time after time. At the journey’s end, he attains Buddha status and is named Golden Lohan (Zheng Guo).

    18. Character Analysis II. Monkey King, Sun Wukong??? Other names: Mei Houwang(Beautiful Monkey), Stone Monkey, Qitian Dasheng (he named himself as, Saint as Great as Heaven) Abilities: 72 transformations Somersault Fiery Golden Eyes Magic Golden-clasped Rod Various spells such as commanding wind, freezing humans, demons, and gods alike with one word

    19. Character Analysis II. Monkey King, Sun Wukong??? Personality Bravery and fearlessness Confident The main fighter throughout the journey Loyal to the Master and steadfast in his promise to bring the group to India Clever, witty, and always playful. Often plays jokes on Pa-Chieh and the devils Strong sense of dignity, honor, and pride Temperamental when these elements are threatened Main flaw is overconfidence and arrogant Selfishly wishes to be immortal and achieves his goal Does demonstrates maturity and growth during the journey

    20. Character Analysis II. Monkey King, Sun Wukong??? He was born from a rock on the summit of Flower Fruit Mountain. Worried about death, so determined to find immoral beings and learn their ways. After equipping with his abilities, he wants to get a post in Heaven. They make him to be the stable-keeper.

    21. Character Analysis II. Monkey King, Sun Wukong??? He later finds out that it is an unimportant post so he fights with a number of gods. Eventually, he loses the battle with the Buddha and is imprisoned for five centuries until he agrees to help Tripitaka throughout the journey. At the journey’s end, he attains Buddha status and is named Fighting Buddha.

    22. Character Analysis III. The Pig, Pa-Chieh??? “Pa-chieh” (means to get rid of the 8 Buddhist sins) He was the Altar Warrior God in Heaven, yet he flirted the Moon goddess. Thus, he is punished to become human again. Abilities: Nine-Toothed Rake (which he used to carry in Heaven) 36 Transformations Cloud Riding Water Abilities – once in charge of the Heavenly River. Extremely useful because some perils involve water activities. (The Monkey cannot wield much power in water. )

    23. Character Analysis III. The Pig, Pa-Chieh??? Personality: His characters represents human shortcomings His lustfulness often puts the group in danger, as he is always blinded by the beauty of woman. He is lazy. Falls asleep in crucial moments when other are depending on him. Greedy and gluttonous Provides comic relief for the story A foil to the Monkey

    24. Character Analysis IV. Sha Monk?? Other names: Sha Wu Jung, Sha Seng Abilities: underwater battle Cloud riding (flying) Skilled alchemist Carries small gourd which can enlarge, enabling the group to cross rivers

    25. Character Analysis IV. Sha Monk?? Personality Dedicated disciple Extremely loyal to Tong Sanzang/Tripitaka Patient, logical and polite The mediator between the Monkey-King and the Pig. Background and personality is the least developed among the three disciples At the end of journey, he is transformed into an arhat (luohan) by Buddha.

    26. Character Analysis V. Bodhisattva Other names: Guanyin Goddess of Mercy Chinese’s favorite divine being Her name means “heeding the cry” and she hears and helps all those who cry out to her when in need. During the journey, she constantly appears to convey important messages or help the group.

    27. 81 Perils/Danger The perils of Tong Sanzang??? starts from his previous life, to birth, through to the end of his journey of collecting sutras and back home. 81 = 9x9, meaning endless perils. (9 meaning endless in Chinese) However, the actual perils of the journey were less than 81

    28. Examples of Perils E.g. fifth and sixth perils actually belong to a single incidence On the beginning of the journey, Tong Sanzang is accompanied by 2 human servants and 1 horse They meet a Devil Tiger General and all except Sanzang are eaten, whereas Sanzang is saved by a god from Heaven.

    29. Examples of Perils Some perils are not life threatening but related to the taming of all his 4 disciples - the monkey (chapter 13, 7 & 8 perils), the pig (chapter 18 & 19, 12 perils), the Sha monk (Ch 22, 15 & 16 perils) and the horse (Ch 15, 9 perils). The perils of Tong Sanzang???, thus, are also the perils of the whole team – Master?? and his disciples, the monkey, the pig, the Sha monk and the horse.

    30. Examples of Perils E.g. Following the expel of Sun Wukong (he is expelled by Sanzang who is ignorant and erroneously misled by the cunning bony-woman), Sanzang?? asks the pig Zhu Bajieto go to find food but Bajie fells into asleep. Sanzang?? then asks the Sha monk to find Bajie. Sanzang?? is left unprotected and he is abducted by a Yellow devil. The Yellow devil turns Sanzang?? into a tiger as if he is a monster under disguise. Finally, Bajie?? goes to seek help from Wukong?? who finally comes back to save the life of his Master Sanzang?? (Perils 21-23)

    31. Examples of Perils E.g. The group arrives the Women Kingdom. The queen wants Sanzang?? to be her wife and makes him King. Sanzang pretends to agree and go out the city to say farewell to his disciples. The Monkey King then quickly carries the Master away (perils 43). E.g. There are two Monkey Kings and even Sanzang cannot distinguish which is the real one. They ask a number of gods in Heaven and nobody knows the truth, because both of them can perform all the abilities. Eventually, the Buddha recognizes the real Sun Wukong and the pretending one is killed by Sun (perils 57-58)

    32. Examples of Perils E.g. The whole team goes through the ‘Hot Firing Basin.’ They can only get through the mountain with the help of a big magic banana leaves ‘fan’ from the Princess Iron Fan. However, both the princess and her husband, the Cow-king do not agree. They fight 3 fierce battles and ultimately with the help of heaven guards, the team finally wins the battle and successfully borrows the magic fan and goes through the mountain (perils 47-49).

    33. Stories behind the Perils All these perils are successive training of the team from the Master Sanzang?? to his disciples, Wukong??, Zhu Bajie??, the Sha monk?? and the horse. It is only through all these perils and struggles, mistrust and reconciliation, life-threatening disasters and temptation to quit that the whole team becomes ‘mature’ and finally successfully achieves the purpose of collecting sutras from India (West Paradise) back to China.

    34. Stories behind the Perils All characters were full of ‘human’ weakness – Kind but ignorant Master Sanzang??, smart but rebellious Wukong??, lazy and lustful Zhu Bajie??, simple monk Sandy??. It was through these perils each individual became stronger and more determined, the whole team became more harmonious and unified, their bonding became stronger that they finally achieved their Mission.

    35. Analysis of Journey to the West / The Xiyou ji The characterization follows the same lines: Zhu Bajie (the pig) is an unintelligent and lusty glutton; Sun Wukong (the monkey) is ingenious but overconfident; Sandy (the monk) is diligent but conservative; Sanzang is kind-hearted but ignorant. In the allegorical interpretation, the various dangers and monsters are the illusions that stand between man and Enlightenment, though it is usually difficult to specify which illusion is associated with which monster.

    36. Analysis of Journey to the West / The Xiyou ji The foibles of human nature, social ills in Chinese society, absurd features of the Chinese pantheon—all are subjected to scrutiny, giving rise to numerous comic passages.

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