Monkey: A Folk Novel of China

Wu Cheng'en, Transl. Arthur WaleyFiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1592

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Summary

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-7

Chapters 8-12

Chapters 13-18

Chapters 19-21

Chapters 22-24

Chapters 25-27

Chapters 28-30

Character Analysis

Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Important Quotes

Essay Topics

Tools

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Discussion Questions

Essay Topics

Kuan-Yin is the only major female character in Monkey. What is her significance in the text? Why might Wu Ch’êng-ên have made the choice for her to be the only major female character?

Of all the central characters in the text, Monkey receives the most in-depth backstory. Why is Monkey so important—even more than Tripitaka?

What similarities and differences does Monkey share with traditional folk stories of Western cultures?