Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintainence: irony or symbolism?

Question

Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintainence:An inquiry into Val

What a DEEP book. It's moving if you ask me. It really gets you to question several things. The fact that it's a true account makes it that much better because the emotions are true. Some of the topics really got me to think about how it is in real life too. I love how he tells you what he's going to explain, and then he explains it, because it makes it so much easier to follow. I found the book quite entertaining and enlightening.

I'm still trying to figure out if there is any symbolism or irony in the account though. Any ideas? I'm thinking there has to be, but I just missed it

I think some irony may include something like the quote: "the real cycle youre working on, is yourself."

And how about the motorcycle as symbolism, symbolizing life

Answer 1

The buddha is in the engine of the motorcycle. That's the comparative thread throughout the book. The Journey of discovery on the road and in the soul.
That's the big symbolism being used in this story.

Answer 2

I really liked this book, and, humorously enough, I hated all of Ayn Rand's stuff...but, curiously, the two are often mentioned together (like the first answerer did here).

I liked the quote about the mountain...that it isn't the top that defines the mountain, it's the sides...and it's the travel that defines us, not the destination. Very apropos, don't you think??

Answer 3

symbolism and one of the best books i have ever read along with The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand