A New Account of Journey to the West (1985) 西游新记
Author: Tong Enzheng
Publisher: Xinlei Publishing House
Format: Paperback
Genre: Comedy / Science Fiction
Date: 1985
Pages: 327 pages
Book Series: Wisdom Tree Science and Literature Series
ISBN: 9787536638693
Language: Chinese
Adaptation: Modern
Summary:
Journey to the West: A New Tale is a long, humorous science fiction novel depicting three Chinese mythological figures—Sun Wukong, Zhu Bajie, and Sha Wujing—going to the United States to study science. The work showcases the clash between Eastern and Western cultures through the conflicts and contradictions of the three protagonists, accustomed to a small-scale peasant economy, in the context of contemporary capitalist society and cutting-edge science. The novel introduces Western material civilization while also criticizing its social ills. The novel fictionalizes the story of Tang Sanzang's three disciples being sent by Buddha to the United States to investigate modern technology. Sun Wukong uses his supernatural powers and strategies to help the weak and fight the strong, and to thwart conspiracies; Zhu Bajie is tempted by the allure of the world and falls into a commercial trap, causing many laughs; Sha Wujing, on the other hand, is mature and steady, focusing on philosophical research and achieving success. Through a series of humorous adventures, such as "subduing the hijackers," "saving lives with hamburgers," and "reforming the lunar farm," the book satirizes and explores social ills. It concludes with the three monks achieving success and returning home in glory.
The book employs a traditional chapter-based structure. Depending on the version, the book consists of 33 chapters or 34 sections.
The work, with its "quasi-mythological" style and "realistic fantasy" approach, integrates serious social criticism themes into numerous humorous and witty plots, forming a unique humorous style.
Source: https://baike.baidu.com/item/%E8%A5%BF%E6%B8%B8%E6%96%B0%E8%AE%B0/59183108
