2024.7.15 Multiple Interpretations of Journey to the West

On July 14, 2024, the lecture and discussion “Multiple Interpretations of Journey to the West” concluded successfully at National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University.

The event featured Professor Ming-Chun Ku, Director of the Institute of Sociology at National Tsing Hua University. Through a sociological perspective, she guided participants in exploring different ways to interpret the classic novel.

Beginning with the question “Is Journey to the West a travelogue?”, Professor Ku discussed the pilgrimage of the monk Xuanzang before examining the novel’s themes, purpose, and possible reading perspectives. By reading selected passages aloud, she invited participants into the novel’s world and analyzed the significance of different scenes and characters. She also explored the hidden details and messages within the 19-year pilgrimage.

During the discussion, participants exchanged views on topics such as whether the novel satirized the society of its time, the roles of Buddhism and Taoism in the story, and the functions of each member of the pilgrimage group.

After the lecture, participants had a 90-minute lunch discussion, exchanging ideas about Journey to the West and other literary classics. The event encouraged interdisciplinary learning and introduced participants with science and engineering backgrounds to perspectives from the humanities and social sciences.