Journey to the West was one of the representative works of Chinese classical novels. The author was Wu Chengen, a novelist of the Ming Dynasty. The novel tells the story of Sun Wukong, Zhu Bajie, Monk Sand, and Tang Sanzang, who went to the Western Heaven to obtain the scriptures after going through 81 difficulties. The following are the reading notes of Journey to the West: 1 Story background Journey to the West told the story of Sun Wukong and others who went to the Western Heaven to obtain scriptures during the Tang Dynasty. The story takes place in the Tang Dynasty. It tells the story of the many dangers and challenges that Sun Wukong and the others encountered on their way to the scriptures, as well as their struggles with various demons and immortals. 2 Character Introduction [Sun Wukong: A monkey with supernatural powers. It has the abilities of 72 Transformations and Somersault Cloud.] [Zhu Bajie: Sun Wukong's senior brother is a lazy pig demon who loves to eat. He was saved by Sun Wukong and Monk Sand.] [Sand Monk: Sun Wukong's junior brother is a Sand Monk from the Flowing Sand River.] Tang Sanzang: A benevolent monk went through 81 difficulties in order to obtain the true scriptures. 3 Plot Sun Wukong and the others went to the Western Heaven to obtain scriptures after 81 difficulties. They encountered many dangers and challenges on the way, including the flaming mountain, the white bone demon, the spider demon, and the monster. Their struggles with various immortals and demons also demonstrated the benevolence and firm beliefs of Tang Sanzang and the others. 4 Thematic Thoughts The theme of Journey to the West was justice and evil, courage and wisdom, faith and fate. The novel emphasized the power of justice and courage, as well as the importance of faith and destiny through the story of Sun Wukong and others 'journey to learn from the scriptures. 5. Literature Value Journey to the West was one of the classic works of Chinese classical novels and was known as one of the "Four Great Masterpieces". It depicted the social style and people's lives in the Tang Dynasty, showing the richness and color of ancient Chinese culture.