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.
It is clear to me that gender plays a large role in Pachinko. Sunja has many social pressures that consume her life. Most of these social pressures are a result of her being female. For example, when she gets pregnant while being single, she is pressured to leave her life in Korea behind to find a man to marry and provide for her so that she is not judged by society. This demonstrates that society is not supporting women to live independent lives and/or pursue an education. The only expectations for women include being good mothers and good wives. Another example of gender roles playing a big role in Pachinko is women as part of the workforce. In Japan, it becomes apparent that women aren't encouraged to work. In fact, Yoseb takes it as a hit to his ego as a man when Sunja and Kyunghee tell him they wish to work. He is insulted because in Japan, a man is supposed to provide for women.
I noticed that similarity as well, James. Isaac and Isak have a lot in common, namely the fact that people willing to sacrifice (or be sacrificed) to God and the greater good. Isaac in the Bible also migrates a lot- something that Isak in the novel does, as well. The biblical names all have a lot of depth and meaning to them, and it is interesting to see if the novel will have any larger themes that touch on this trend.
ReplyDeleteHi James! I don't know much about the bible or any of the characters in it so this really helped me understand their similarities more. Both Isaks seem to be very selfless men who are willing to give up anything for others. I think Lee incorporated this parallel to the Bible to give readers more insight into who she wants these characters to be.
ReplyDeleteI agree that both Isak and Isaac represent a person—either by their own will or the will of another—who is sacrificed for the greater good. That greater good being deference to Christianity, Shinto religion, or simply a greater sense of morality. But in either, it is something greater than the individual himself.
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