great works ii – 2850 jta 12:25-2:05: love letters from the world

Looking at the characterization behind Monkey and the Heroic Journey Model, it’s easy to connect him to the Ordinary World. I believe that readers in many ways can sort of relate to Monkey. He has questions, desires and concerns that all normal human beings have. “I have no cause for unhappiness. But I have a misgiving about the future, which troubles me sorely.” This alone is a conflict that many have in the Ordinary World. People in general often have a hard time being happy with just where they are. It’s human nature to be concerned about the unseeable future. Not only this but I believe that often, people are looking for some kind of purpose, some kind of definition to their lives. It’s satisfying to feel as though you have been given a meaning. Monkey seems to feel this too when he says, “Splendid! From now onwards let me be called Wake-of-Vacuity.” As soon as the boy gives him a name, he feels more important. I can connect Monkey being given a name to people in the Ordinary World being given a role, or a job.

• Aly

Aly you make a strong argument and back up your idea of Monkey being connected to the Ordinary World very well. I would like to focus on Tripitaka and how the Heroic Journey Model applies to him. The step in the model that I associate Tripitaka with is the Trials: Facing New Challenges. In each chapter of “Journey to the West,” Tripitaka faces challenges and each time deals with them differently. “That is very kind of you, but my disciple has run away, so I cannot accept them.” This is the one of the challenges Tripitaka faces and he deals with it in a nonchalant way, meaning he doesn’t really pay attention to it. He goes about his business until he runs into the Bodhisattva Kuan-Yin, who helps teach him a spell that would resolve his issue and will make Monkey never part ways with him again. This part of the story proves to be important to Tripitaka because of the next problems that come his way. “’Well, suppose it [horse] has been eaten. How am I to travel? It’s a great deal too far to walk.’ And as he spoke his tears began to fall like rain.” This is another trial Tripitaka faces and if it wasn’t for Monkey being with him, he wouldn’t have been able to overcome the challenge. Compared to Monkey, who’s answer to challenges include attacking and fighting, Tripitaka take a more passive approach to situations, sometimes not doing anything.

• Jorge

Aly and Jorge both make great points about how Monkey and Tripitaka are connected to the Ordinary World and Trials: Facing New Challenges, respectively.  In my opinion I believe the step, Call to Adventure, of the Heroic Journey Model most likely applies to Monkey.  Throughout the whole story “Journey to The West”, Monkey has to face a new adventure each chapter whether it be leaving the waterfall to find immortality or trying to fight back a kingdom that was stolen, each time he accepts the call to a new adventure.  “You go first and show us how”.  This was the very first call to adventure that Monkey was given and of course with ease he accepted the call and went right into the waterfall.  Once he accepted this adventure and followed through with his action, is when I believe he left the Ordinary World behind.  “Master, now that we have found this thing, there is no more doubt about the matter. Tomorrow it will be my job to catch this fiend”.  This is Monkey’s final call to adventure of “Journey to the West” and with no hesitation he does what he has to do and completes his quest.  This just proves that throughout the book, Monkey no matter what adventures or quests he comes across, does what he believes to be right and gets them done.

• Preston