The Journey to the West: Analysis of Major Characters
"The Journey to the West" is a classic Chinese novel that explores the transformative pilgrimage of the monk Hsuan Tsang and his companions as they journey to India to retrieve sacred Buddhist scriptures. Central to the narrative are its major characters: Monkey, a chaotic yet powerful figure born from a stone egg, who seeks redemption after a tumultuous existence in Heaven; Hsuan Tsang, the devoted priest whose purity and determination guide the group through various trials; and Pigsy and Sandy, both former celestial beings who, after facing their own downfalls, accompany Hsuan Tsang on his quest for enlightenment.
Each character faces personal challenges and temptations, ultimately leading to their own forms of redemption. For instance, Pigsy struggles with indulgence, while Sandy seeks forgiveness for his past mistakes. The journey is overseen by Kuan-yin, the merciful Bodhisattva, who plays a crucial role in ensuring the success of the pilgrimage. Alongside these main figures, other celestial beings, such as the Jade Emperor and Lao Tzu, add layers of conflict and moral reflection to the story. The overarching themes of transformation, spirituality, and the quest for knowledge resonate throughout the narrative, making it a profound exploration of character and morality in the context of Chinese culture.
The Journey to the West: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Wu Chengen
First published: Hsi-yu chi, 1592 (abridged English translation, Monkey, 1943; English translation, 1977–1983)
Genre: Novel
Locale: China, India, and various mythical regions
Plot: Fantasy
Time: Seventh century
Monkey, who was born of a stone egg fecundated by the wind. He was king of the Mountain of Flowers for several hundred years, after which he set out into the world in search of knowledge that would make him immortal. Under the name of “Aware-of-vacuity,” he studied with Patriarch Subodhi for several hundred more years. Because of the tremendous magic power he had acquired, as well as his natural arrogance, he named himself “Great Sage Equal of Heaven.” Permitted to live in the Kingdom of Heaven, the mischievous creature disturbed and outwitted all the divinities with his magic tricks until Buddha himself intervened and imprisoned him beneath a mountain. After five hundred years, Monkey was released through the intercession of the Bodhisattva Kuan-yin, on the condition that he become the disciple of the priest Hsuan Tsang, who was then on his way to India in quest of the Buddhist Scriptures for T'ai Tsung, the emperor of T'ang. Monkey's role now is to assist the priest against the many calamities that befall him. Although he can never overcome completely the temptation to play tricks, Monkey earns his redemption and receives the Illumination that in the end, after a successful journey to India, allows him to be received into Heaven as a Buddha.
Hsuan Tsang, a priest. Abandoned by his mother when he was born, he was rescued and brought up by the abbot of a monastery. In his old age, he was selected for his sanctity by T'ai Tsung, the emperor of T'ang, to go to India and bring back to China the Tripitaka, the sacred Scriptures of the Big Vehicle. Hsuan Tsang then received the name of Tripitaka. Tripitaka was to encounter and overcome nine great calamities to transcend his mortal condition. In spite of great devotion, he could not have accomplished his mission without the help of his four disciples, who all possess some kind of magical power. He is easily discouraged and given to tears, but his purity is his saving asset, and he is finally received into Heaven as a Buddha.
Pigsy, a lesser divinity in the Kingdom of the Jade Emperor. Chased out of Heaven for courting a Fairy maiden, he lives on earth as a demon with the face of a pig. Addicted to base pleasures of the flesh, he is given a chance to recover his former place in Heaven by the Bodhisattva Kuan-yin, who converts him and sends him to India with Tripitaka. In the end, he receives the Illumination and is admitted to Heaven as CleanseroftheAltar.
Sandy, formerly the Marshal of the Hosts of Heaven. Banished to the River of Flowing Sands for breaking a crystal cup at a celestial banquet, he lives on the flesh of human beings. He obtains his redemption by accompanying Tripitaka on his pilgrimage to India. His conduct enables him to regain a place in Heaven with the title of Golden-Bodied Arhat.
The Horse, the son of the Dragon King of the Western Ocean, condemned to death for misconduct in his father's palace. He was saved by Kuan-yin on condition that he carry Tripitaka to India. The young dragon swallows the priest's horse as the latter is trying to cross a river. Learning his mistake, he allows himself to be changed into the horse's identical image. He faithfully serves the priest and is rewarded by being made one of the eight Senior Heavenly Dragons.
T'ai Tsung, the emperor of T'ang, who died because he failed to keep his promise to save a Dragon King from execution. Brought back to life through the mediation of his minister, he is celebrating his resurrection when Kuan-yin appears and orders him to send someone to India to get the Scriptures of the Big Vehicle, then unknown in China. The emperor entrusts Hsuan Tsang with the mission. He must wait fourteen years for the priest's return.
Kuan-yin, the merciful Bodhisattva. She organizes and supervises Hsuan Tsang's pilgrimage.
Buddha, the Enlightened One. Upset by the greed, lust, and many other defects of the Chinese people, he sends Kuan-yin to China to look for a man holy enough to bring the true Scriptures from Paradise and thus set the Chinese on the way to moral reformation.
Lao Tzu, an alchemist and father of the Tao. He defeats Monkey but is unable to destroy him. Lao Tzu appears as a gruff old scholar whose lack of a sense of humor is his worst enemy.
Erh-lang, a magician, nephew of the Jade Emperor. With the help of Lao Tzu, he defeats Monkey in battle.
The Jade Emperor, the tyrant of Heaven.
The King of Crow-cock, who is killed by a magician who then assumes the king's appearance and usurps his throne. After three years, the king appears to Tripitaka in a dream and asks for help. His body is rescued by Monkey and Pigsy, then brought back to life with a “pill” borrowed from Lao Tzu.
Vaisravana, who, with the help of his son Natha, fights unsuccessfully against Monkey on behalf of the Jade Emperor.