In the epic tale of Journey to the West, Monkey is born from a weathered stone egg. Considering Monkey has no family or tradition to motivate him, the fuel for his ambition is much more mysterious. His motivation is important from a general literary perspective, but also within the context of his character being a metaphor. Monkey’s birth, traits, and trials indicate that he serves as a representation of humanity. Thus, it is especially important to analyze what drives Monkey to do what he does, ultimately achieving Buddha status despite a mysterious and humble origin.
In both the Quran and the book of Genesis, the first human is made from clay and dust of the earth. Instead of being molded, Monkey hatches from stone, but earth is still vital to his origin, which highlights an undeniable link between Monkey and humanity. Other creation myths, especially those in Asia, explain that humans descended from gods, whether by divine birth, flesh, or transformation. The innate superiority of humans is a common theme, and Monkey immediately demonstrates superiority over the other animals by becoming King of the Flower-Fruit Mountain.
What makes Monkey most strikingly human is not his superiority, but the convoluted nature of his traits. There is both good and bad in him. He is brave, cunning, and talented, but also proud, playful, and a trouble-maker. These traits work in cohesion and against each other, resulting in moral discrepancy and social stigma. Those in Heaven look down on him as lowly and immature, and the Jade Emperor delegates him to be a stable groom when Monkey seeks divine appointment. Heaven tries to keep him subordinate, but Monkey ranks above the other primates and does not belong in the confinement of the mortal world. Belonging is certainly a challenge, but the rash way in which he tackles it unfortunately results in more trials and punishment.
For his crimes and disruption of Heaven, Monkey is imprisoned under a mountain for centuries. After this punishment, he is assigned to a divine mission, wracked with danger. The Bodhisattva advises him to announce their purpose, so that his journey with Tripitaka will not be so dangerous. Monkey has trouble following the rules, though, and engages in unnecessary fighting along their journey instead of simply heeding the Bodhisattva. He is physically on a road to the west, but he oftentimes stumbles from the dao. This propensity for suffering and sin is distinctly human. He is motivated to overcome these trials, but his motivation is not a primal need for survival.
Monkey is motivated by his desire for knowledge, self-betterment, and immortality. Since his miraculous but lonely birth, his thirst for knowledge is never satisfied. Monkey has a mix of different traits, but constantly strives to improve and perfect himself. Rather than his traits, he alters his powers and how he interacts with the world. His powers will help him on his quest for immortality, which he pursues in order to gain the ability to overcome whatever trials or obstacles are thrown his way. In addition to his birth, traits, and trials indicating that Monkey serves as a representation of humanity, his motivation also resonates strongly with human ambition. The quest for knowledge and some form of self-betterment is universal. Even immortality is a common motivation, whether life after death or even more simple earthly recognition and remembrance. Monkey’s character and epic journey represents human realities, and also serves as a monument for humanity’s enduring motivation and ability to reach for the stars.
Doki·Doki~2014 