Character Analysis of Journey to the West: Examining the Five Major Characters and Their Significance
Overview
This essay analyzes the five major characters from the Ming dynasty novel Journey to the West, examining their individual traits, roles, and significance within the narrative. Through character analysis, the author explores how each character—Xuanzang, Sun Wukong, Zhu Bajie, Sha Wujing, and the White Dragon Horse—contributes to the pilgrimage narrative and reflects themes rooted in Chinese folk religion, mythology, and Buddhist philosophy.
What this essay covers
- Introduction to Journey to the West and its literary context
- Character analysis of Xuanzang and his disciplinary virtues
- Analysis of Sun Wukong as trickster hero with conflicting personalities
- Examination of Zhu Bajie's transformation and combat abilities
- Discussion of Sha Wujing's loyalty and obedience
- Role of White Dragon Horse in the narrative
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An Afternoon with Some Real Characters
Journey to the West is a legendary Chinese novel published during the Ming dynasty in the 16th century. In brief, the novel narrates the legendary pilgrimage of Xuanzang, a monk who travelled to the Western Regions of Central Asia and India to obtain Buddhist sacred texts. Later, they returned after undergoing plenty of trials and suffering. Journey to the West is deeply rooted in Chinese folk religion, mythology, and Buddhist philosophy. The thrilling novel has five major characters, including Xuanzang, Sun Wukong, Zhu Bajie, Sha Wujing, and White Dragon Horse. Their lives, triumphs, successes, and weaknesses are discussed in the subsequent paragraphs.
Xuanzang
Xuanzang, the Buddhist monk, is also labelled Tang Sanzang in the novel. Xuanzang had renounced his family to become a monk from childhood. That level of discipline and commitment is a desirable quality that readers can emulate from Xuanzang. In the story, Xuanzang sets off for the Dahilla Kingdom to retrieve the original Buddhist scriptures for China (Wu & Anthony, 39). Being defenseless, he finds protection from powerful disciples who help and protect him throughout the journey. Once the journey is complete, the disciples’ sin shall be forgiven. If I were to spend time with Xuanzang, I would ask him to take me through the path of self-discipline as himself to achieve the success I desire.
Sun Wukong (Monkey King)
Sun Wukong loosely translates into 'Awakened to Emptiness', a name given to his teacher's character. He is known as Monkey King.