Monkeys journey of self knowledge was also beneficial

Monkey’s journey of self knowledge was also beneficial to his life; in
fulfilling the desire of wanting more for himself, he grew not only in knowledge but in
character as well. His desire to learn was one that was very admirable however was also a
desire filled with greed. His ambition is evident from the beginning of the story, being
adventurous enough to jump “pierce the curtain”(Monkey 12) of the unknown and return
to safety with not only a royal title but the new found curiosity of a world unknown.
This desire propelled him forward to obtain his goals and further pursue what he did not
understand. This can be seen constantly through his journey. In the very beginning of his
quest, he leaves his throne on the Mountain of Flowers and Fruit, to study the ways of
and customs of humans, and find the perfect teacher to give him the tools to understand
and conquer death through immortality (Monkey 15). However his problem with
respecting authority remain a constant problem that hinders him from his destiny. His
arrogance makes him ungrateful to those who help him along his journey. For instance he
argues with his master about what he will learn and then is expelled from learning with
that master because of his cocky demeanor (Monkey 27), and tells the Dragon King that

the weapons he has to offer are too light and just wont do. He is unappreciative nature
blinds him from being humble and in turn he believes that just because he has conquered
a group of monkeys and is a master at only one realm of knowledge that he is deserving
of all things great. However what Monkey’s sense of entitlement blinds him from
understanding is that in order to get to a higher level in life and be successful at keeping
that rank, one must be humble and pay their dues. This constant struggle to understand
that there is so much more to be learned can be seen n chapter 4 when Monkey learns
that his position tending the stables of heaven holds no rank (Monkey 45). Instead of
working hard to gain a position of power, he leaves believing that he should
automatically have it. When asked why he left heaven he gives a prideful response saying
, ”The Jade Emperor has no regard for talent. (Monkey 47)” He proves this to be true in
saying when he learns of the lack of depth in his title by saying, “Don’t they know on the
Mountain of Flowers and Fruit, I was a king and a Patriarch?! (Monkey 46)” His
continuous sense of entitlement prides him to not only feel as though he deserves things
that he has not gained accordingly but even better than what he desired in the first place.