Noah's English 11H Blog

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Lessons from Pachinko

The most important lesson I examined in Pachinko is what the characters believed they owe each other, and how it impacted how they treated others. Isak seemed to be driven by aiding others in need and standing behind those convictions. Isak married Sunja out of her need to be married due to pregnancy. Isak did not act necessarily out of love, but out of duty. Then, even when it meant years of suffering in prison, Isak stood behind his moral and ideological convictions because he saw the value of standing behind what you believe in. Hansu secretly cares for the family throughout most of the novel. It is hard to decipher how much of this care is driven by duty, guilt for not marrying/being able to marry Sunja, or selfish want to be part of the family without actually committing himself to the family. Nonetheless, I think it is hard to argue that none of Hansu's actions were out of duty to support his child. Hansu—to some extent—believed he had a duty to care for Noa, and that led hi...

Hansu's motives and help

One of the most significant recurring themes is Hansu quietly protecting Sunja and her family—particularly when Noa is concerned. I have been trying to figure out how genuine Hansu's motives are. When Sunja first got pregnant and Hansu offered to financially support them but not commit to marriage, it was easy to see him as the bad guy. That he never really cared but felt guilty or responsible so he would give them money. However, Hansu has been a constant force in their lives—just usually from a distance. He is dedicated to helping them without their knowledge of it. Nonetheless, his help is usually monetary. While this is something the family consistently struggles with, it feels like that is the only real way Hansu is able to connect with them. He isn't fully capable of a real relationship, but he still cares about Sunja and Noa. So, he helps in the way he knows—through money. This speaks to his character and what he thinks is important. Nonetheless, Hansu is a successful...

Yumi's description of being Korean

It seems as though Yumi is struggling with the complexities of identity and belonging. Especially when considering the difficult political, economic, and social relationship between Korea and Japan. Yumi's characterization of being Korean as a "horrible encumbrance" speaks to the deep-rooted discrimination and marginalization the Korean population in Japan faces—both from Japanese people, but also we seem to see some Koreans as feeling a level of inferiority or embarrassment as well. I wonder if that is because there is more economic opportunity, mobility, and stability in Japan or if it is a cultural disdain. For many Koreans in Japan, their identity is often seen as a liability rather than a source of pride. We see this when Sunja was initially embarrassed to sell Korean food at the market, her heritage was a source of embarrassment until she embraced it—then it became a source of pride. This is seemingly due in large part to the historical and political tensions betwe...

Isak vs. Issac

I was most interested in the biblical comparison between Isak from Pachinko and Isaac from the bible. In the bible, Abraham is willing and about to sacrifice Isaac because God asked him to. And depending on your biblical interpretation, that sacrifice was supposed to 1) go beyond Abraham's own wants (to have a family and children) in deference to a greater good and greater calling by God. And 2) teach Abraham about the importance of his relationship with Isaac as well as his relationship with God. Although it was through pretty gruesome means, the sacrifice, in the end, brought everyone closer together and taught Abraham about what was most important to him—his relationship with God. In Pachinko, Isak's sacrifice is different. Rather than being forced by someone else (Abraham), Isak makes the sacrifice of marrying Sunja and providing for a family that isn't biologically his of his own volition. Isak chooses to do it, not because God directly told him to do it, but because ...

Gender in Pachinko

The female characters' intellect is more subtle and transactions: for example, bargaining at the pawnshop and market. Society does not allow women to express and pursue their education and intellect explicitly, but Lee does a good job of making it clear that—even though society disagrees—these women are incredibly intelligent and capable. Nonetheless, they are still disadvantaged by society because of their gender—Sunja gets pregnant out of wedlock and is pressured to leave her home and family in Korea in order to 1) marry someone, so she doesn't get judged, and 2) have someone to provide for her. A lot of the social pressures she faces are based on the gender expectations society has for her. She is not supposed to be/encouraged to be smart or to pursue an education, instead her social expectations are that of a mother. In contrast, men are revered for their intellect, wealth, and power. Hansu is rich and powerful, so we see him attempt to use his influence to control those a...

Hansu vs. Isak

I think Hansu is one of the more confusing and complex characters we've come across. He is simultaneously charming, manipulative, and ruthless—he seems to care about Sunja to some extent, but also won't go deep into the relationship. He preys on Sunja's vulnerability and becomes her lover, ultimately leading to the birth of her son. Despite his willingness to provide for Sunja and their son financially, Hansu is not willing to commit emotionally and geographically to being a family. He uses his wealth and influence to control those around him, including Sunja and her family. While Hansu's intentions may have been genuine at first, his actions reveal his true character, and it is clear that he is not trustworthy and can't fully care for Sunja. In contrast, Isak is a kind and compassionate man who is guided by his faith but doesn't have the same financial sway and power that Hansu has. Isak is gentle and understanding, providing support and guidance to Sunja and h...