Li Zhuowu criticized this Journey to the West

Author: Wu Cheng'en (Ming Dynasty)
Publisher:
Publishing Date: June 1, 2006
Features: The Journey to the West is composed of parts such as the birth of the Monkey King, the Great 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 vertical actions of the pilgrimage connect the various stories, setting up numerous conflicts and climaxes in each episode (the Eighty-One Tribulations), alternating between thrilling and light-hearted moments. Through the process of one tribulation after another, the book intricately portrays the conflicts between the disciples and demons, the disciples and the natural environment, as well as the conflicts between Tang Monk and Sun Wukong, and Pigsy and Sun Wukong. The reading experience is magical and captivating. This book was comprehensively annotated by Ye Zhou of the Ming Dynasty, with Li Zhuozi. Although Li Zhuozi's annotation theory is not as comprehensive and systematic as Jin Shengtan's, he inherited Li Zhuozi and paved the way for Jin Shengtan, offering unique insights into the fantastical nature of The Journey to the West. He was far superior to Jin Shengtan, Mao Zonggang, and Zhang Zhubo, who denied and criticized the artistic achievements of The Journey to the West. The establishment of the status of classical masterpieces in the history of Chinese literature is, of course, primarily due to the unique charm of these masterpieces themselves. However, it is also greatly related to the efforts of a large number of insightful literary critics who rigorously analyzed and commented on these novels after their publication. Names like Li Zhuozi, Jin Shengtan, Mao Zonggang, and the anonymous Shi Yanzhai 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 enabled more readers to deeply understand the essence and charm of these classical masterpieces through their critiques.
"For those who read The Journey to the West without understanding the author's intention, their interpretations will inevitably be trivial. I have pointed out each point in detail, so as not to let the author's meaning be overlooked. For example, each episode contains infinite subtleties. If one grasps its essence, it surpasses reading through a vast collection of Buddhist scriptures. The text mentions, 'The Legend of Deliverance from Afflictions,' implying that reading this book can deliver one from suffering. If after reading The Journey to the West, one's afflictions remain unresolved, does that not mean the book has been wasted? What does 'deliverance from afflictions' mean? It simply means being able to be liberated."
Annotations on The Journey to the West attributed to Li Zhuozi, such as the above, are concise yet profound, leaving much unsaid yet striking at the core, provoking deep reflection. The Journey to the West is composed of parts such as the birth of the Monkey King, the Great 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 vertical actions of the pilgrimage connect the various stories, setting up numerous conflicts and climaxes in each episode (the Eighty-One Tribulations), alternating between thrilling and light-hearted moments. Through the process of one tribulation after another, the book intricately portrays the conflicts between the disciples and demons, the disciples and the natural environment, as well as the conflicts between Tang Monk and Sun Wukong, and Pigsy and Sun Wukong. The reading experience is magical and captivating. This book was comprehensively annotated by Ye Zhou of the Ming Dynasty, with Li Zhuozi. Although Li Zhuozi's annotation theory is not as comprehensive and systematic as Jin Shengtan's, he inherited Li Zhuozi and paved the way for Jin Shengtan, offering unique insights into the fantastical nature of The Journey to the West. He was far superior to Jin Shengtan, Mao Zonggang, and Zhang Zhubo, who denied and criticized the artistic achievements of The Journey to the West.
"For those who read The Journey to the West without understanding the author's intention, their interpretations will inevitably be trivial. I have pointed out each point in detail, so as not to let the author's meaning be overlooked. For example, each episode contains infinite subtleties. If one grasps its essence, it surpasses reading through a vast collection of Buddhist scriptures. The text mentions, 'The Legend of Deliverance from Afflictions,' implying that reading this book can deliver one from suffering. If after reading The Journey to the West, one's afflictions remain unresolved, does that not mean the book has been wasted? What does 'deliverance from afflictions' mean? It simply means being able to be liberated."
Annotations on The Journey to the West attributed to Li Zhuozi, such as the above, are concise yet profound, leaving much unsaid yet striking at the core, provoking deep reflection.