Li Zhuowu criticizes this Journey to the West (Volume 1 and 2)

Author: Wu Cheng'en (Ming) with commentary by Li Zhuo; edited by Chen Hong and Yang Bo
Publisher:
Publication Date: 2006-06-01
Features: The Journey to the West is composed of parts such as the birth of the Monkey King, his rebellion in Heaven, the birth of Tang Monk, the origin of the pilgrimage, and the journey to the West, with the latter serving as the main storyline. The narrative is connected vertically through the act of the pilgrimage, setting various conflicts in each story (the 81 trials), creating numerous climaxes that alternate between thrilling and lighthearted. Throughout the trials, the book intricately portrays the conflicts between the disciples and demons, between the disciples and the natural environment, as well as the clashes between Tang Monk and Sun Wukong, and between Zhu Bajie and Sun Wukong. It reads like a magical and captivating tale. This book was comprehensively commented on by Ye Zhu of the Ming Dynasty, who asked Li Zhuo to provide his insights. Although Li Zhuo's commentary lacks the comprehensiveness and systematic nature of Jin Shengtan's, he inherited from Li Zhuo and paved the way for Jin Shengtan, offering unique perspectives on the fantastical nature of The Journey to the West. He surpasses Jin Shengtan, Mao Zonggang, and Zhang Zhubo, who denied and criticized the artistic achievements of the work. The establishment of classical masterpieces in the history of Chinese literature is primarily due to their unique charm, but it is also greatly related to the efforts of a of insightful literary critics who rigorously analyzed and commented on these novels after their publication. Names like Li Zhuo, Jin Shengtan, Mao Zonggang, and the anonymous Zhi Yan Zhai are closely associated with The Journey to the West, Romance of the Three Kingdoms, Water Margin, and Dream of the Red Chamber in people's minds. They not only pioneered a new era in the history of classical Chinese novel criticism but also helped more readers delve deeper into the essence and charm of these classics. For example, "Readers of The Journey to the West who do not understand the author's intention will inevitably produce trivial discussions. I have pointed out each point, so as not to let the author's meaning be wasted. For instance, each chapter has infinite subtleties; if one grasps its essence, it surpasses reading through a vast collection of scriptures. The text mentions 'The Transmission of Liberation from,' suggesting that reading this book can liberate one from. If after reading The Journey to the West, one's remains unresolved, does that not betray the purpose of The Journey to the West? What does 'liberation from' mean? It simply means being able to be liberated." The critical writings on The Journey to the West attributed to Li Zhuo are concise and to the point, yet they directly address the core issues and provoke deep reflection. The Journey to the West is composed of parts such as the birth of the Monkey King, his rebellion in Heaven, the birth of Tang Monk, the origin of the pilgrimage, and the journey to the West, with the latter serving as the main storyline. The narrative is connected vertically through the act of the pilgrimage, setting various conflicts in each story (the 81 trials), creating numerous climaxes that alternate between thrilling and lighthearted. Throughout the trials, the book intricately portrays the conflicts between the disciples and demons, between the disciples and the natural environment, as well as the clashes between Tang Monk and Sun Wukong, and between Zhu Bajie and Sun Wukong. It reads like a magical and captivating tale. This book was comprehensively commented on by Ye Zhu of the Ming Dynasty, who asked Li Zhuo to provide his insights. Although Li Zhuo's commentary lacks the comprehensiveness and systematic nature of Jin Shengtan's, he inherited from Li Zhuo and paved the way for Jin Shengtan, offering unique perspectives on the fantastical nature of The Journey to the West. He surpasses Jin Shengtan, Mao Zonggang, and Zhang Zhubo, who denied and criticized the artistic achievements of the work. "Readers of The Journey to the West who do not understand the author's intention will inevitably produce trivial discussions. I have pointed out each point, so as not to let the author's meaning be wasted. For instance, each chapter has infinite subtleties; if one grasps its essence, it surpasses reading through a vast collection of scriptures. The text mentions 'The Transmission of Liberation from,' suggesting that reading this book can liberate one from. If after reading The Journey to the West, one's remains unresolved, does that not betray the purpose of The Journey to the West? What does 'liberation from' mean? It simply means being able to be liberated." The critical writings on The Journey to the West attributed to Li Zhuo are concise and to the point, yet they directly address the core issues and provoke deep reflection.