Final answer:
No character in 'Journey to the West' seeks a gold cicada; instead, the characters, including the Monk Xuanzang, pursue Buddhist scriptures. The concept of seeking gold is prominent in other historic contexts, like the American gold rush, but it is not the focus of this classic Chinese novel.
Step-by-step explanation:
The character who sought a gold cicada in Journey to the West doesn't actually exist in the narrative. The question seems to be a mix-up or confusion with the actual content of the story. In Journey to the West, Xuanzang, a Buddhist monk, is accompanied by four disciples, including the Monkey King, as they search for Buddhist scriptures. Gold cicadas are not part of their quest. The novel is full of fantasy and adventure, but the main focus is the pursuit of enlightenment and the sacred texts, not a literal search for gold or treasures like gold cicadas.
The allure of gold and riches has indeed been a powerful motivator throughout history, as seen in different contexts such as the American West during the gold rush or the European explorers like Columbus who sought precious resources in the New World. However, these historical instances of searching for gold are unrelated to the narrative of Journey to the West, which is a classic of Chinese literature and a fictional account that allegorizes the pursuit of spiritual wealth.