How much does society come into play in the book?

[Maddie Atkinson]

Society has a large impact on the social norms and values that we hold towards other people, especially those of different classes. How much do you think that comes into play in this book?

[Ahbed Nadir]

I would say that society has a lot of effect in this book. Embon's elders viewed him as a failure, an underachiever which in turn influenced other members of the society to see him the same way as someone with little value. I would say society comes into play quite a lot.

[angelmuktar]

I think that society does play a big role in the novel. We see how the elders are the ones who call the shots and how everyone under them acts and should act.

[María Andrea Fernández Sepúlveda]

I think society is the core of the novel. All the characters' actions are society-driven. Take Embon's marriage, for example. Or even his decision to fight for independence is motivated for the desire of a free society. If something, I think this book is more society, than character driven. And I find it fascinating.

[Swirliegirlie]

Society played a major factor in this novel and made it very interesting to read. The social norms of Korea at the time is so different than the way we live life in America now. It was nice to have a detailed explanation of the narrators thought process throughout the story. It gave me so much insight into the culture at the time.

[angelanikkicea]

The society's standards during that time really played a huge with the characters' actions. I remember Lady Sougyon wanting to get divorce to her husband, but her brother strongly forbid her to do so because it would bring shame to their family's name and the future generation.

[AvidBibliophile]

Nursemaids, palaces, courtyards, influential friends, and jeweled tiaras adorned those with access to gilded cushions and prestigious schools, but even wealth and class couldn’t prevent loveless marriages or estranged husbands. Arranged unions were fully expected for certain social classes, and that expectation was the social norm in every way.

[Eunice Geres]

It's very interesting how much society played such a huge part in this book. The social norms often plays a certain role on how the characters act the way they did. It's very interesting to read about this since we live in a world where the society always dictate what we should do.

[Goodness C N]

Society has a huge role to play. For example, everything about this book is driven by societal conditions. From the marriage of Embon and others, the value placed on marriage and how it should be is also affected by society. So, yeah.

[Justine Ocsebio]

The society in the book played a huge part. All the characters actions and motivations are based on the society they’re living in at the time. This is the time of arranged marriages, traditional gender norms, and, on top of it all, this is the time of where there is a brewing revolution.

[Sithmi]

Society plays a vital role in the book. The cultures and history of Korea could be learnt from this book.

[Guda Lydia]

Society always dictates the good and even the bad rules. We do things based on what we believe or have been taught or have learnt from the various day to day interactions. For example, in Korea it was arranged marriages and class based on wealth. Today it is what you example dress in will determine how serious or a dependable person you are.

[AvidBibliophile]

During the Japanese occupation of Korea, foreign aggression and a widespread food scarcity meant feeling consistently scared, hungry, and poor (but that was only true for some social classes). Ominous birth signs could accompany any newborn, and male infants were obviously much preferred. Resistance fighters and revolutionaries stood up for what they believed in, while gender segregation and ancestral patterns of behavior influenced even the most progressive mindsets. I enjoyed seeing how Embon and his school friends reacted to various social pressures and scenarios.

[Katherine Smith]

Society plays a role in all stories whether it is subtle or more obvious to the readers. I am always fascinated by different cultures especially when it is one of the plot lines in a book such as this one. Asian society is a collectivistic society where honor is shown towards elders in the community and decisions are made based on how they will affect the family not just the individual. In the above example of the elders and their treatment of Embon, it shows the classic view that those who are older always know best and going against the norms of society is discouraged. It is also not surprising to me how societies modernize, but culture stays the same which is shown by parents favoring boys over girls.

[lavkathleen]

Society has a large impact on the social norms and values that we hold towards other people, especially those of different classes. How much do you think that comes into play in this book?

That's... a lot to unpack. In this book, we see how different early 20th century Korea was, compared to where the world is today. Characters are of different genders and classes, which affected their view of the world. From being individuals to being parents and spouses, the decisions they make are affected by these aspects, which in turn affects the people around them. We know of the toxic effects of their social norms, but it was a little surprising to know that even those who are oppressed dig themselves deeper into a grave (I'm talking about Embon's father). It's basically the core of the story (any story, really).