Name:______________________________________________ Date:___________ Period:________

Symbolism & Allegory in American Born Chinese

Section 1: The Monkey King

1. The story of the Monkey King is often described by literary critics as “An Allegory for Transformation.” Take a few moments to closely review the Monkey King’s chapters. Provide a detailed explanation of how the Monkey King’s story could be read as “An Allegory for Transformation.” Be very thorough here. Many aspects of the Monkey King’s story should be brought into your analysis.

2. The Monkey King can also be viewed as a more literal symbol for transformation. In what ways does the Monkey King literally transform?

An analysis of the Monkey King would not be complete without an analysis of his world and the people who live there. At first glance, it seems far different from the world that Danny and Jin live in, but there are some distinct similarities. Take a moment to review the panels included on this page to jog your memory.

3a. Look closely at how the gods, goddesses, and demons speak and act. Is this the behavior you would expect from such characters? Why or why not?

3b. Who do the gods, goddesses, and demons actually seem to be acting like?

3c. Now that you know that the Monkey King’s story is allegorical, who or what do you think the gods, goddesses, and demons are supposed to represent?

3d. Why do you think Gene Luen Yang chose gods, goddesses, and demons for this part of his graphic novel? What do you think he was trying to teach readers or perhaps trying to teach either Jin or Danny?

3e. Think about Yang’s use of double entendre. Who are the only characters in the book to use this figure of speech? What message do you think Yang might by trying to send by paralleling these seemingly very different characters?

Section 2: Wong Lai-Tsao

1. Examine the character of Wong Lai-Tsao. In what ways does he resemble the archetypal Christ figure? Please be specific and detailed using evidence from the text.

2. Explain the symbolic significance of the pile of rock that the Monkey King is trapped under.

3. How has the Monkey King transformed after freeing himself from the rock and saving Wong Lai-Tsao? Think back to the beginning of the graphic novel as you formulate your response.

4. Examine and analyze the symbolic significance of the final panel of chapter 7 (Yang 160). Be sure to include an analysis of the allusions present on the page.

Section 3: Cousin Chin-kee

1. Take a moment to review the chapters with Chin-kee. Pay close attention to the evolution of his character. How does Chin-kee change as the chapters progress?

2. Take another moment to review the chapters with Chin-kee, but this time pay close attention to Danny’s facial expressions when he is around Chin-kee, talking about Chin-kee, or thinking about Chin-kee. What do you notice?

3. We have already discussed how Chin-kee is an amalgam (mix) of all major Asian stereotypes, but his symbolism actually extends beyond this interpretation. Literary critics also argue that Chin-kee is representative of FEAR. Based on the story thus far, what do you think this means?

4. Which character is most afraid of Chin-kee? Why? What fear does Chin-kee constantly force this character to confront?

Section4: Jin Wang & Wei-Chen Sun

1. Jin Wang and Wei-Chen represent two distinct types of Chinese people living in America. What do they each represent?

2. Analyze and explain the symbolic significance of the transformer toy and its link to Jin’s character.

3. Jin and Wei-Chen also symbolize the “cycle of racism.” Take a moment to consider what this means and how the relationship between these two characters relates. Explain your findings and thoughts below.