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"Journey to the West", as a treasure of classical Chinese literature, is not only a mythological novel loved by all ages, but also contains profound cultural connotations and philosophical thoughts. In this issue, we interpret this classic in an all-round way, exploring its artistic charm, cultural connotation and deep meaning.
Artistic charm: a blend of myth and reality
"Journey to the West" is based on the legendary journey of four Tang monks and apprentices to learn scriptures in the west, skillfully integrating folklore, Buddhist teachings, Taoist concepts and Confucian ethics to create a bizarre mythological world. The characters in the novel have distinct personalities, such as Sun Wukong's wit and bravery, Zhu Bajie's witty and lazy, Sha Seng's loyalty and stability, and Tang Seng's compassion, these characters are vivid and three-dimensional, and deeply rooted in the hearts of the people. The author Wu Chengen uses exaggeration, humor, irony and other techniques to make the storyline both tense and exciting, but also lighthearted, showing superb artistic expression.
Exploring Human Nature: A Complex and Multifaceted Mirror Image
"Journey to the West" profoundly reveals the complexity and diversity of human nature.
Monkey King: Growth and Self-TranscendenceSun Wukong is the most legendary character in "Journey to the West", he jumps out of the stone, is born with divine powers, learns seventy-two changes, and makes havoc in the heavenly palace, showing a fearless spirit of resistance and a desire for freedom. However, the 500 years of captivity under the Five Elements Mountain, and the later process of protecting Tang Seng on his westward journey to learn scriptures, was his path of growth from extreme self-centeredness to learning responsibility and sacrifice. The story of the Monkey King inspires people to realize that true strength is not only external strength, but also inner maturity and the pursuit of higher ideals.
Zhu Bajie: A True Portrayal of Desire and Human Nature The image of Zhu Bajie is full of life, his greed, laziness, lust, and withdrawal at critical moments, all of which make people feel intimate and real. Zhu Bajie represents the insurmountable instincts and desires in human nature, and his ambivalence and behavioral choices reflect the hesitation and struggle of ordinary people in the face of temptation. Despite this, Zhu Bajie will still show his brave and loyal side at critical moments, showing that it is possible for everyone to discover their potential in challenges and achieve self-redemption.
Sha Seng: Greatness in the Ordinary Although the role of Sha Seng is not as eye-catching as Sun Wukong and Zhu Bajie, his silent dedication and unwavering loyalty constitute the indispensable cornerstone of the four-person team of master and apprentice. Sha Seng's diligence, steadiness and few words reflect the need for such a silent dedication and down-to-earth spirit behind any success. He is a balancing force in the team, reminding us that even in a position where there is no shine, there is an irreplaceable role to play and make a difference.
Tang Seng: The spiritual teacher and soul lead the Tang Seng, as the core of the four masters and apprentices, and its image symbolizes the firmness of faith and compassion for life. In the face of many difficulties and temptations, Tang Seng has always maintained a pure heart, and his persistence and compassion are not only the embodiment of Buddhist teachings, but also the praise of the noble qualities of human nature. The role of Tang Seng reminds us that in the process of pursuing goals, maintaining inner kindness and purity is the key to reaching the other side of the spirit.
The sublimation of moral values
Through the difficult journey of ninety-nine eighty-one difficulties, the novel conveys the process of sublimation of a moral concept. The four masters and apprentices went through various trials, not only to obtain the true scriptures, but also to constantly overcome the inner obstacles in their cultivation and achieve spiritual purification and improvement. This process emphasizes the importance of moral cultivation, that is, in the face of external temptations and inner troubles, we should adhere to justice, have the courage to take responsibility, and finally achieve the state of self-transcendence.
Integration and critique of religious culture
"Journey to the West" shows a unique spirit of integration and criticism at the religious level. Although it is based on the theme of learning scriptures from Buddhism, it has extensively absorbed elements of Taoism, Confucianism and even folk beliefs, forming a multicultural convergence. At the same time, the work also indirectly criticizes certain religious phenomena in the society at that time through irony and humor, reflecting the author's dissatisfaction with the secularization and formalism of religion.
Social Criticism and Ideal Sustenance
Although Journey to the West is generally considered inappropriate to be over-interpreted as a direct social criticism, its rich metaphors and symbols undoubtedly reflect the author's observations and reflections on the real world. By constructing a fantasy world full of demons and monsters, Wu Chengen implicitly criticized the dark side of feudal society, such as the corruption of power and the unruly people's hearts. At the same time, the journey of learning from the scriptures in the work is also the pursuit of an ideal society and the yearning for spiritual freedom, which embodies the people's desire for a just and harmonious society.