OneBookOneRiverHill discussion

What can be learned from the Monkey King in American Born Chinese?

I grew up with the story of the Monkey King, so I was pleasantly surprised when I saw the character in this book. I really enjoyed seeing a different perspective of him as told by Gene Yang, and could distinguish his prominent characteristics. The Monkey King is arrogant, but learns and becomes humble, as Yang does.

He's kind of like that one side of everyone that wants to fit in but doesn't want to yield anything at all. When I see him, I see that part of me that I know needs to be humbled but is still vital to my existence. Also, the monkey king is absolutely hilarious-his parts are the best in the book.