Overall

The first seven chapters recount the birth of the Monkey King and his rebellion against Heaven. Then in chapter eight to twelve, we learn how Tripitaka was born and why he is searching for the scriptures, as well as his preparation for the journey.

One interesting aspect of his personality is the development of his relationship with Tripitaka. Before meeting Tripitaka, Monkey King goes around killing off humans for no reason at all and does things freely.  So Guānyīn teaches Tripitaka to chant the Tightening-Crown spell whenever he needs to chastise Wu Kong. Finally, Monkey King is tortured into obedience to Tripitaka. But, strangely, it all changes during the pilgrimage. Wu Kong seems to grow affection for the monk. Monkey King only wants to protect Tripitaka. When Tripitaka makes him leave, thinking that he killed three innocent humans when in fact they were the same demon in disguise, Monkey King cries over his master. And I cries too when I read this chapter. He cries not for uselessness, but Wu Kong just reacts more emotionally and dramatically to some things. He starts to be human.

All in all, Monkey King is a confident, optimistic person. He doesn't just go down when facing hardships; he devises ways to overcome them, putting a smile on his face even when he has been defeated numerous times. The most intelligent and violent of the disciples, he is constantly reproved for his violence by Tripitaka. In short, Monkey King symbolises hope, justice, and the fighting spirit that we all possess. He made Journey to the West the literary success it is now.                

Besides the monkey king’s prominent personality, some other thing should be mentioned. The story tells of many hardships. But no matter how hard, they can succeed at last. Why? Why can they overcome any kinds of difficult and finally reach the Western Heavens and bring back the scriptures to China .what’s more, Tripitaka and his disciples such as Pigsy and Sandy attain Buddha hood in the end of story. In my opinion, it is not just because of three disciples’ power. The most important key is their faith that they firmly believe they can achieve the goal. Their confidence and courage result in their success. If we can understand it and apply to our study or work, we will necessary benefit from it.

An impression after reding A Journey to the West

In the Four Great Classical Novels, it is the most lively, since childhood I read it to always feel both enjoyable and interesting. But today, has not changed is that bizarre, colorful mythology of the world, my insight has changed.

A single stick can be broken easily, but to break a bundle of stick is extremely hard. This theory can also be applied to us humans. When standing alone, a man is weak and vulnerable; yet when men are united and heading towards a common goal, they can sustain all challenges. Teamwork is truly the key to great achievements. The great achievements can be made with combined efforts. This claim can be justified by the successful publication of  the story in “A Journey to the West”.

                The characters in the book “Journey to the West” accounts the legendary pilgrimage to India of the Buddhist monk Tripitaka, accompanied by Monkey King, Pigsy, and Sandy. Monkey King is the most fearless fighter and the most capable problem-solver among the four. He and his team encounter numerous difficulties along the journey: they have to look for sustenance while living under the constant threat of villains and monsters. But whatever they run into, Monkey King never fails to save the day. His supernatural power as well as his tenacity lead accessibility makes it easy for the team to ask others for help when in need. Sandy, on the other hand, plays an important role in bringing the team together. Sticking to his patience, Sandy always manages to resolve the conflicts among the other three. Meanwhile, Tripitaka works as a spiritual guide of the team. With his kindness and compassion, he makes sure that all the team’s decisions are made without violating the principles of Buddhism. He is the one who never loses faith in the cause of pilgrimage. As can be seen, without any of the four, the team would probably get into great troubles or disband halfway through the journey. It is exactly due to teamwork that they reach the final destination together.

                From the stories of “A Journey to the West”, we can see the importance of teamwork. Therefore, in order to make great accomplishment, it’s advisable to all to have a common goal and work together.