in american born chinese Why does the novel start with the story of the monkey king?

The novel "American Born Chinese" by Gene Luen Yang begins with the story of the Monkey King for several reasons:

1. Introduction to Themes: The Monkey King's story introduces major themes of the novel such as identity, acceptance, and transformation. The Monkey King struggles with his identity as a monkey and desires to be recognized as a powerful deity. This mirrors the struggles of the other characters in the novel who grapple with their cultural identities.

2. Cultural Significance: The Monkey King is a significant figure in Chinese folklore. By starting the novel with his story, Yang is able to immediately establish the cultural background of the story and highlight the importance of Chinese culture and mythology in the narrative.

3. Narrative Structure: The Monkey King's story serves as a narrative framework for the rest of the novel. His journey parallels the journeys of the other main characters, Jin Wang and Chin-Kee. All three characters undergo personal transformations and must come to terms with their true identities.

4. Symbolism: The Monkey King's story is symbolic of the immigrant experience. His desire to fit in and be accepted in Heaven is similar to the experiences of immigrants who strive to be accepted in a new country. This sets the stage for the exploration of the immigrant experience, which is a central theme in the novel.

5. Foreshadowing: The Monkey King's story foreshadows the challenges that Jin Wang and Chin-Kee will face in their own stories. The Monkey King's struggle with acceptance and identity foreshadows the similar struggles that Jin and Chin-Kee will face.