To start, Sunja's relationship with Hansu was very toxic. Hansu is a more manipulative partner who is not particularly kind or respectful towards Sunja. Isak was very different from Hansu as he is described as being kind and respectful towards Sunja. Also, it is noted that Isak wishes to follow a more traditional Japanese path towards marriage. This means not interacting much with Sunja before their wedding. I think that this adds to Isak's character. In this time period, a man who wants a traditional path towards marriage was viewed as more respectable and thoughtful. Also, the fact that Isak wants to support Sunja while pregnant with another man's child shows how kind Isak is. It is pretty crazy that the author had all three of these characters not only meet again, but live in the same place. I wonder if there will be tension between Hansu and Isak since Hansu was the earlier lover. Also, how will Sunja approach living with her lover and her former lover? How will Hansu react to seeing his child?
I am a Catholic, but I haven't gone to Church in many years. I wouldn't be able to tell you about anyone in the Bible! However, after some research, I notice many similarities between Isak in Pachinko and Isaac in the Bible. I chose to examine Isak's similarities to Isaac because I admire Isak for his refusal to conform to societal expectations. In the Old Testament of the Bible, Isaac is the only son of Abraham. Abraham nearly sacrificed his only son due to God's command. In Lee's Pachinko , Isak is not sacrificed against his will, but sacrifices himself for what he believes is right. He sacrifices his honor by marrying Sunja, a woman pregnant outside of wedlock. He also sacrifices himself for his religion when he chooses not to recant his Christian religion in favor of the dominant Shinto religion.
Hey James. I would agree with your claims about Hansu. Hansu claimed to have cared for Sunja, but in the way that he acts, it does not seem like he is really seeking a relationship with her. It is more like he is manipulating her in order for him to use her to get what he wants. I didn't catch that Isak wanted to be more traditional in his marriage. That is a very interesting observation and definitely adds to the kind of character he seems to be.
ReplyDeleteHey James, we have similar thoughts on Isak and Hansu. I think you're on to something with your final thoughts. Especially since Sunja is carrying his child, I think we are not quite done with Hansu being a figure in her life. It's interesting to think whether there will be tension between Hansu and Isak. I can't see Isak being one to start drama so I think if anything does occur, it will be led by Hansu.
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