The Journey to the West: Volume I

Use these essay questions as writing and critical thinking exercises for all levels of writers, and to build their literary analysis skills by requiring textual references throughout the essay.

Differentiation Suggestion: For English learners or struggling writers, strategies that work well include graphic organizers, sentence frames or starters, group work, or oral responses.

Scaffolded Essay Questions

Student Prompt: Write a short (1-3 paragraph) response using one of the bulleted outlines below. Cite details from the text over the course of your response that serve as examples and support.

1. The Journey to the West is an example of a picaresque novel.

• What elements of the novel make it picaresque? (topic sentence)
• Briefly define picaresque.
• Give examples drawn from throughout the novel that support each element of the definition of a picaresque novel.
• In your concluding sentence or sentences, comment on how the use of the picaresque relates to one or more of the novel’s thematic concerns with Good Versus Evil and the Power of Redemption, The Juxtaposition of Pride and Humility, and The Need for Order and Law Amidst Chaos.

2. Sun Wukong’s character contains the duality of yin and yang.

• How does the characterization of Sun Wukong reflect both the principles of yin and the principles of yang? (topic sentence)
• Give at least three examples drawn from throughout the novel that support your interpretation of Sun Wukong’s dual nature.
• In your concluding sentence or sentences, comment on how Sun Wukong’s duality supports one or more of the novel’s thematic concerns with Good Versus Evil and the Power of Redemption, The Juxtaposition of Pride and Humility, and The Need for Order and Law Amidst Chaos.

3. Some of the central characters in this novel are referred to by different names at different points in the narrative. Choose one such character as the basis for your response.

• What do the character’s changing names convey about the character’s spiritual journey? (topic sentence)
• Trace the evolution of the character’s names and make a clear claim about what each new name indicates about the character’s spiritual journey.
• Give an example from the text to support each interpretation of a name change.
• In your concluding sentence or sentences, show how the name changes support the text’s larger meaning.

Full Essay Assignments

Student Prompt: Write a structured and well-developed essay. Include a thesis statement, at least three main points supported by textual details, and a conclusion.

1. Sun Wukong is the embodiment of a Buddhist principle called “monkey-mind.” Do some research on this concept and then consider how the Monkey King functions as an allegory for this aspect of the human condition. How do characterization and plot events establish this allegorical relationship? How do plot events and the reactions of other characters convey messages about this aspect of human existence?

Write an essay in which you analyze Sun Wukong as the embodiment of monkey-mind. Comment on how this allegory supports one or more of the novel’s thematic concerns with Good Versus Evil and the Power of Redemption, The Juxtaposition of Pride and Humility, and The Need for Order and Law Amidst Chaos. Support your assertions with evidence drawn from throughout the novel. Cite any quoted material and any evidence drawn from outside sources.

2. The Monkey King is a beloved character in The Journey to the West and has become the hero of many works inspired by the novel, but is he the novel’s protagonist or is Tripitaka the protagonist? What makes Sun Wukong more memorable and relatable than Tripitaka for so many readers? What qualities does Tripitaka have that make him a suitable Buddhist hero? Why is it technically correct to say that Journey to the West is really Tripitaka’s story, not the Monkey King’s?

Write an essay in which you analyze Tripitaka as the central character of Journey to the West and comment on how his nature as a Buddhist hero can make him less relatable than subordinate characters like Sun Wukong. Support your assertions with evidence drawn from throughout the novel. Cite any quoted material and any evidence drawn from outside sources.

3. Some critics see Journey to the West as a satire of elements of Chinese society. Where do you see elements of satire—such as ridicule, humor, and wit—in this novel? How would you characterize the tone and intent of the satire—is it meant to be a sharp criticism or more of a gentle ribbing? What do the satirical elements of the novel convey about Chinese society and bureaucracy?

Write an essay in which you analyze The Journey to the West as satire. Connect your analysis to the novel’s thematic concerns with The Juxtaposition of Pride and Humility and The Need for Order and Law Amidst Chaos. Support your assertions with both quoted and paraphrased evidence drawn from throughout the novel, making sure to cite any quoted material.