The Concepts of “Corpse Demon” and “Lady White Bone” — On How the Imagery of “Skeleton” Enters the Context of the Quanzhen Taoism in “Journey to the West”
Abstract
The imagery of “skeleton” within the context of Quanzhen Taoism carries Taoist connotations on one hand and, on the other hand, enters the novel text accompanied by complex religious thought, integrating elements of Buddhism. In “Journey to the West,” “skeleton” transforms into “corpse demon” and “Lady White Bone,” symbolizing secular desires as perceived by Quanzhen Taoism, concretely manifesting as lust related to female figures or gender relationships, thus embodying a negation of such desires. Simultaneously, the abstract implications represented by the “skeleton” become integrated into the plot through the contemplation of reality and illusion, transitioning between the understanding of the essence of life and the dichotomy of truth and falsehood. This juxtaposition of truth and falsehood essentially reflects the illusionary unfolding of the essence of human existence.
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