Final answer:
In American Born Chinese, the Monkey King, Jin Wang, and Danny each struggle with issues of identity. Their journeys teach them the importance of embracing their authentic selves over societal expectations or stereotypes.
Step-by-step explanation:
The arcs of the Monkey King, Jin Wang, and Danny in American Born Chinese all revolve around the central theme of identity. Each character undergoes a journey that challenges their perceptions of who they are and how they fit into the world around them. The Monkey King is adamant about being seen as a deity and not just a monkey, Jin Wang struggles with his Chinese-American identity, and Danny deals with the embarrassment caused by his cousin Chin-Kee’s actions which are steeped in harmful stereotypes.
Their stories interweave to highlight the importance of embracing one's true self rather than conforming to societal expectations or stereotypes. By the end of the novel, each character learns that true strength comes from accepting and valuing their authentic selves, rather than trying to fit an image others have constructed for them.