Journey to the West

Author: Wu Cheng'en
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-05-01
Features: One of the Four Great Classical Novels of China. Among the Four Great Novels, The Journey to the West, abbreviated as Journey to the West, is the most popular among children and young adults. It is a magnificent work of first-class ideological and artistic quality, and also a representative of the important genre of fantasy novels in Ming Dynasty long novels. Its audience is diverse, suitable for all ages, and holds a prominent position in the works of fantasy novels in classical Chinese literature, comparable to Romance of the Three Kingdoms. The entire book has a humorous tone, filled with the artistic characteristics of wit and satire, depicting a vivid and interesting fantasy world full of strong romanticism. Its plot reflects the two major themes of fantasy novels: seeking and pursuing, and slaying demons and subduing monsters. Journey to the West skillfully combines these two elements. It conveys the message that one should seek, pursue, and achieve a noble ideal and goal in life. To accomplish a great cause, one will inevitably encounter various difficulties and setbacks, either big or small. Therefore, one should actively and tenaciously overcome these difficulties and smooth out these setbacks.