10.2 The four great classical novels, with focus on Journey to the West

Chinese literature reached new heights during the Ming Dynasty with the emergence of the Four Great Classical Novels. These masterpieces, including Journey to the West, blended history, mythology, and philosophy into captivating narratives that continue to shape Chinese culture.

Journey to the West stands out for its vivid characters and allegorical depth. The tale of a monk's pilgrimage to India, accompanied by supernatural beings, explores themes of spiritual growth and enlightenment while entertaining readers with fantastical adventures and humor.

The Four Great Classical Novels

Renowned Works of Chinese Literature

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• Journey to the West (Xi You Ji) follows the legendary pilgrimage of the Tang dynasty Buddhist monk Xuanzang who traveled to the "Western Regions" of Central Asia and India to obtain Buddhist sacred texts (sūtras) and returned after many trials and much suffering
• Romance of the Three Kingdoms is a 14th-century historical novel attributed to Luo Guanzhong, set in the turbulent years towards the end of the Han dynasty and the Three Kingdoms period in Chinese history, starting in 169 AD and ending with the reunification of the land in 280
• Water Margin, also translated as Outlaws of the Marsh, is a 14th-century novel attributed to Shi Nai'an, detailing the trials and tribulations of 108 outlaws during the Song dynasty
• Dream of the Red Chamber, also known as The Story of the Stone, is an 18th-century novel by Cao Xueqin that chronicles the rise and decline of the Jia family and is renowned for its precise and detailed observation of the life and social structures typical of 18th-century Chinese aristocracy

Significance and Influence

• These four novels are considered the pinnacle of classical Chinese fiction, known for their masterful storytelling, vivid characters, and profound themes
• They have had a lasting impact on Chinese culture and literature, inspiring countless adaptations, retellings, and scholarly studies
• The novels provide invaluable insights into Chinese history, philosophy, religion, and social norms, offering a window into the rich cultural heritage of China
• Their influence extends beyond China, with translations and adaptations in various languages, making them an integral part of world literature

Journey to the West: Characters and Authorship

Wu Cheng'en and the Novel's Creation

• Wu Cheng'en, a Ming dynasty novelist and poet, is credited with writing Journey to the West, drawing inspiration from historical accounts, folk tales, and religious texts
• The novel is believed to have been written in the 16th century, during the late Ming dynasty, though the exact date of composition remains uncertain
• Wu Cheng'en's life and other works, such as "The Petition of the Female Immortal," provide context for understanding his literary style and themes

Central Characters and Their Roles

• Monkey King (Sun Wukong), a powerful and mischievous monkey born from a stone, who becomes a disciple of Tang Sanzang and aids him on his journey while battling his own impulsive nature
• Tang Sanzang, a Buddhist monk tasked with retrieving sacred scriptures from India, who represents piety, perseverance, and the struggle against temptation
• Zhu Bajie (Pigsy), a gluttonous and lustful pig demon who becomes Tang Sanzang's disciple and provides comic relief throughout the journey
• Sha Wujing (Sandy), a reformed sand demon who joins Tang Sanzang as a disciple and serves as a loyal and dependable companion

Mythological Creatures and Their Significance

• The novel features a vast array of mythological creatures, including demons, spirits, and gods, drawn from Chinese folklore and Buddhist cosmology
• These creatures often serve as obstacles or allies to the protagonists, representing various aspects of human nature and the challenges faced on the path to enlightenment
• Examples include the Bull Demon King, the Iron Fan Princess, and the Jade Emperor, each with their own unique powers and symbolism
• The interaction between the characters and these mythological beings highlights the novel's themes of spiritual growth, the struggle between good and evil, and the attainment of wisdom

Literary Elements and Themes in Journey to the West

Allegorical Interpretation and Religious Themes

• Journey to the West can be read as an allegory for the journey towards enlightenment, with each character and event representing aspects of Buddhist philosophy
• The novel incorporates Buddhist themes, such as the importance of self-discipline, the pursuit of wisdom, and the overcoming of desires and attachments
• Tang Sanzang's journey symbolizes the path to enlightenment, with the various trials and temptations he faces representing the obstacles one must overcome to attain spiritual liberation
• The novel also critiques religious hypocrisy and corruption, as seen in the portrayal of false monks and corrupt temples encountered along the journey

Daoist Elements and Influence

• In addition to Buddhist themes, Journey to the West also incorporates elements of Daoism, another major Chinese philosophical and religious tradition
• The character of Monkey King embodies Daoist ideals of spontaneity, naturalness, and the pursuit of immortality
• The novel's depiction of the interplay between Heaven, Earth, and humanity reflects the Daoist concept of the Three Realms and the harmony between these spheres
• Daoist magical practices and the concept of cultivating inner power (qi) are also prevalent throughout the story, as seen in the characters' supernatural abilities and transformations

Episodic Structure and Narrative Techniques

• Journey to the West is structured as a series of episodes, each detailing a specific adventure or challenge faced by the protagonists on their journey
• This episodic structure allows for a wide range of stories, characters, and themes to be explored, while maintaining an overarching narrative of spiritual growth and enlightenment
• The novel employs various narrative techniques, such as humor, satire, and hyperbole, to engage readers and convey its messages
• The use of poetry, proverbs, and literary allusions throughout the text adds depth and complexity to the storytelling, showcasing the author's literary prowess and the rich cultural context of the Ming dynasty