Theme: Integrity
Group Members: Radia, Elizaveta, and Mel
Comment #1 – Mel
Actions of integrity requires one to be honest and fair, a trait that isn’t common. From reading Chapter one, we see the evidences of Wukong as a being with integrity. As a being born and nourished by nature, he knew that he had to be fair, thus be graceful of his surroundings and that life that nature gave him. “Having learned at once to climb and run, this monkey also bowed to the four quarters,” shows how he is thankful for the life that we was giving, and how he believes it is only fair to pay back his thanks by bowing back to nature, his parent. Another example of his integrity, fair and honest, is when he meets the woodcutter. Wukong says to the woodcutter, “Honored brother, go with me. If I receive my benefit, I will not forget the favor of your guidance.” Wukong believes that it is only fair that the woodcutter receives a favor back. Integrity is an important trait for Wukong to have. It ties closely with his name because his full name is “Sun Wu Kong”. Sun means monkey, or descendant. Wu means to acknowledge or as the translator puts it, “to wake.” Kong means emptiness or vacuity. Having integrity is a way of viewing what actions are considered just. It is a moral principle. Something that is just means being even, as shown by Lady Justice. When favors are returned, both parties acknowledge the blank in owes. This emptiness is what makes people acknowledge and achieve a calm state in the conscience. This trait of integrity is important to pass on to the descendants: to acknowledge the emptiness of owing or mistreating others.
Comment #2 – Radia
One of Monkey’s significant traits is integrity. Mel mentions how the monkey tells the woodcutter to join him on finding eternal youth. The monkey isn’t secretive about his intentions and genuinely wants to share this experience. His integrity and appreciation is expressed through his conversations with the woodcutter when he says, “…you are indeed a gentleman of filial piety, and you will be certainly be rewarded in the future.” Monkey asks for this favor and is willing to return the favor. Another example that illustrates Monkey’s integrity is when he finds out where the stream leads to. Although he takes charge, he still reports back to the other monkeys about his findings and shows the monkey a potential home. This portrays his fairness because he’s willing to share this land with them. He isn’t willing to just leave them all behind which is seen when he states, “Gentlemen! ‘If a man lacks trustworthiness, it is difficult to know what he can accomplish!” Monkey is encouraging the others; even though they all feel exhausted. He wants to secure and settle this place for the monkeys. The Monkey’s name Sun Wukong, symbolizes his character. The translation of his name means to acknowledge, awareness, vacuity, and emptiness. The fact that he’s honest and fair relates to the idea that he acknowledges his surroundings and is aware of his behavior which roots back to his morals. Emptiness helps Sun Wukong from not lashing out on others and being fair. Thus, he tries to have a calm nature.
Coment #3 – Elizaveta
I totally agree with Mel and Radia. The integrity that Monkey has is something very valuable in our world, but it is very hard to find. Once Wukong came back from the cave, he said, “let’s all go live in there, and spare ourselves from being subject to the whims of Heaven.” A thought of taking over everything that he found never reached him. He never thought that he could keep a cave that he found for himself and lie about findings because he is honest. Monkey wanted the best for the community in which he lived. He put wants, needs, and desires of people around him above his personal advantages. Moreover, his integrity He is very honest with others monkeys. Even though he is a king, a leader, he is not afraid to open his true feelings; one could even call it his weaknesses. He shared his anxious thoughts about the future by saying, “though I am very happy at the moment, I am a little concerned about the future. Hence I’m distressed.” A person must be truly honest and brave to expose his heart to the public this way.