Monkey By Ira Glass: Novel Analysis

“The story is a machine for empathy. In contrast to logic or reason, a story is about emotion that is staged over a sequence of dramatic moments, so you can empathize with the characters without really thinking about it too much. It is a really powerful tool for imagining yourself in other people's situations.” This quote from author Ira Glass perfectly encapsulates the experience many readers enjoy, by getting lost in one's own imagination. This experience is invaluable, especially when creating visual depictions of stories for public consumption. From paintings to plays and movies, imagination is what carries the project to a new level of achievement. For example, the Harry Potter and Star Wars movie series would not have been nearly as successful …show more content…
The characters, especially the protagonists in both of these stories, have provided interesting and relatable characteristics that many audiences can see themselves in. As aforementioned, Monkey begins the novel as a small, but powerful ruler of a nation behind a waterfall. Early on in the novel certain characteristics of Monkey’s personality make an appearance. He is a very talented and determined character throughout the story. For example, he is the first to lead the monkeys through the waterfall.(Ch-eng-en, Waley 12) In another instance, Monkey proves his talent during his discipleship with the Patriarch. “...Although of course I am indebted to the Master for his instruction, I have also been working very hard day and night on my own, and now I can do them all.” (Ch-eng-en, Waley 27). Monkey is a hard-working disciple, shown by his willingness to spend extra time in training. However, while Monkey is a very talented individual he is also impulsive and a bit childish. He shows this especially in his choice to pee on the Buddha.(Ch-eng-en, Waley 75) Given all of these character traits, I think audiences would respond well to him. Many different types of people can find his story compelling whether you like Monkey as a character or not. Personally, I did not like Monkey as a character due to his childish nature. With that being said, his charm, sass and humor are some things I can objectively …show more content…
The magic is an enhancement to the storytelling in a way that it is an extension of the character, rather than a crutch the characters lean on. For example, in Monkey’s earliest battle against the Demon of Havoc, Monkey performs some awe-inspiring and shock value magic. “He plucked out a handful of hairs, bit them into small piece and then spat them out into the air, crying ‘Change!’ The fragments of hair changed into several hundred small monkeys, all pressing around in throng...The little monkeys he had now created were so nimble that no sword could touch them or spear would wound them.” This scene would be thrilling to see on screen, but it is also true to the character, making it a more respectable use of effects. The largeness of this magic shows more of Monkey’s flashy personality, it is not magic for magic’s sake. Another example of this is during the scene between Buddha and Monkey, before Monkey’s inevitable capture. The vastness of Buddha’s hand would be a cinematographic feat, but more importantly, it is an accurate symbol of Buddha’s far reaching influence as a deity and well-respected religious figure. Overall, the magic and special effect that could be in this film are both beautiful to depict, but special to analyze as character choices as