pick just one that really interests you, one that you can write your HW log about (250-350 typed double-spaced pages = 10 pts). Important: use evidence and cite page numbers for quotes to support whatever points you want to make. We can talk about other points, themes. 1. Given that all religions have some validity, provided that the believer is sincere and devoted in his belief, what characters show sincerity and devotion, and why do they do it? When do they show piety in any of its forms, including filial piety? When do characters show a lack of piety or sincerity or devotion? 2. If one can grasp the meaning of life only through great struggles, endurance, much suffering, and the life-long pursuit of learning, in what ways does Monkey show endurance through struggle and suffering? Is he forever learning, and if so, what is he learning?

1. Given that all religions have some validity, provided that the believer is sincere and devoted in his belief, what characters show sincerity and devotion, and why do they do it? When do they show piety in any of its forms, including filial piety? When do characters show a lack of piety or sincerity or devotion? 2. If one can grasp the meaning of life only through great struggles, endurance, much suffering, and the life-long pursuit of learning, in what ways does Monkey show endurance through struggle and suffering? Is he forever learning, and if so, what is he learning? 3. Human nature can be seen not only seriously but also comically. What episodes show the comic aspects of humans or other beings or creatures? When is Monkey a comic character? When does Monkey show human frailties and failings? Is anyone else a comic character? If so, when and how? 4. Given that poetic justice means that characters get what they deserve in the end, what are some of the examples where characters face consequences for crimes and broken promises etc? Does the universe of Monkey seem to function in a way that is fair, ultimately? 5. Bureaucracy and government officials are parodied or satirized in Heaven and in the land of the dead (the World of Darkness) in Monkey, often for comic effect. Find examples of characters encountering bureaucrats in otherworldly places, and discuss the points being made. For example, do you think the author is sometimes making points about government officials? 6. Monkey as a king of the monkeys has some things in common with Gilgamesh as a king, e.g. a desire for immortality. When they are good kings, what virtues do they show? Is one of them better than the other? When they are not good kings, what failings do they share? Who has the greatest flaws as a king? 7. Given that situational irony means that things are not as they should be, in what episodes do you see examples of situational irony? Given that cosmic irony means that the universe is rigged in a way that goes against what sentient beings would wish for, are there examples of cosmic irony in the novel so far? other question 7. Redemption and “salvation” are important themes in Monkey. Piety is shown in many ways in this story, and pious acts seem to add up to the benefit of the character. What are some of the examples of pious action resulting in redemption or “salvation”? 8. Compare the character development of Monkey to that of some of the others in the novel, e.g. Pigsy and Tripitaka. In what ways are they becoming more enlightened, and in what ways are they clearly not becoming more enlightened? Try to find examples of actions that reveal their characters’ flaws as well as virtues as they change. Where do you see Monkey acting or feeling self-important and/or egotistical? 9. Compare the character developments of Monkey, Pigsy and Tripitaka to the character developments of the heroes in Gilgamesh. Though the novel is primarily comic and the epic is more serious and even tragic (possibly), how do the characters’ traits, flaws, and/or virtues compare? Which characters do you care about more, and what episodes or scenes make you care? 10. Kuan-yin, a.k.a. Guanyin or Guanshiyin, is a Bodhisattva and not a deity although she (originally he) is treated as a deity in Chinese popular practice, and is one of the most popular “gods” in East Asia. How is she depicted in Journey to the West, and how does she compare to other gods and Buddhist figures? 11. If Tripitaka is our only pure and good character, how effective is he? What does each character on the quest bring to the group? In what ways do they play off against each other, and how do their interactions contribute the story? Why is it that Tripitaka and Monkey attain Buddhahood but Pigsy does not? 12. How are Taoists depicted in the novel? In what ways are they shown to be engaged in questionable or bad activities? How do the Buddhists and Taoists stand in comparison with each other? How do you reconcile these episodes and scenes with the idea that all religions should be revered? 13. Go back to our definition of the novel and consider what makes this story exemplify the novelgenre. Why is Monkey a good novel hero? Why would he not make a good epic hero? How about Tripitaka? Is he a good novel hero, or would he be a better epic hero? 14. Look in the novel for acts of generosity (in any of its forms), discipline and patience. Then lookfor examples of their opposites, i.e. the nonvirtues of greed (selfishness), a lack of discipline, and anger. How are acts that shows the virtues rewarded, and how are their opposites rewarded? 15. Look in the novel for evidence of exertion, meditation, and wisdom (in any of its forms). Then look for examples of their opposites, i.e. the nonvirtues of laziness (sloth), mindlessness (lack of awareness), and foolishness. How are acts that shows the virtues rewarded, and how are their opposites rewarded? 16. The last paragraph of the novel is a dedication to the Buddha. In what ways does this novel “mitigate the sufferings of the lost and damned”? Do you think it turns the hearts of its readers toward a greater kind of truth? If so, what of value do you take away from Monkey? Background information for Mo nke y {http://www.religionfacts.com/buddhism/sects/theravada.htm} The book name is { Monkey: Folk Novel of China } by Wu Ch'êng-ên I will upload the question in the file section below