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

Journey to the West (pdf): The Heroic Journey

Thanks for all of your perceptive, thought-provoking posts!  I’ve organized your posts according to the character you’ve discussed.

Monkey:

Muneeb; Jacqueline; Susanna; Jiwoo; Aly; Preston; BIntou; Keauna; Nicole; Maria; Onu; Joaquin; Rebecca.

 Some comment rightly that Monkey isn’t satisfied with his “ordinary” world, specifically with the future, and so is compelled to leave his comfort zone and go in search of what he is missing. Aly makes an interesting comment, that as “soon as the boy gives his a name, he [Monkey] feels more important.” He is willing to “face new challenges” (Jacqueline) and he is curious (Annie), and ready to take up the call to adventure (Preston, Bintou, Nicole) all of these traits are important to the hero. Susanna points out that Monkey easily passes through the first four stages of the journey, but he does have problems when faced with obstacles. Maria mentions that although he takes ups the call to any adventure, he “gives up” easily when criticized. The question is, does he truly learn and grow? Joaquin says that he is on the path, but has not yet learned enough. Some believe that Monkey does finally learn that all obstacles are part of the path (Jiwoo) and so is on the way to Enlightenment. Keauna makes a very interesting remark, when she points out that Monkey had been a “great sage” of heaven, but that was not enough to win him salvation; he must learn to “humble himself” so that he can truly follow the right path. Onu points out that the period Monkey was imprisoned served as a time for contemplation and the threshold to the new world, when he is released. Rebecca’s comment is quite a perceptive one, in that she notes that Monkey’s deepest fear is facing his own mortality, and isn’t that the fear we all face, and something we will all one day have to reconcile ourselves to? In this sense, does Monkey perhaps need to learn that true Enlightenment is the way we behave with each other?

 Tripitaka:

Jorge G.; Francesca; Annie; Daphne; Jorge M.; Joseph; Tara; Katerina; Farhan.

One comment points to Tripitaka as the true hero, but the question is, where is the proof in the text? Remember to use quotes to support your assertions. Others of you point out that Tripitaka may have some problems, such as easily giving up (Jorge M.) or even not really wanting any helpers (Monkey/Pigsy) as Francesca points out. Another disagrees, saying that Tripitaka very graciously accepts his helpers, so this is another question to ponder. Joseph and Tara both suggest that Tripitaka takes up the “call” to adventure when he accepts the obedience cap for Monkey. So here, is Tripitaka accepting his role as leader?   Just a question. Katerina points out that although Tripitaka is in charge of this expedition, he is not a true leader, because he cannot truly act. Farhan agrees with these, yet reminds us that Tripitaka is indeed compassionate, and that is also an important aspect of the hero (someone who is trying to get to a sense of self-realization, and helping others to get there, too).