At this point in the novel, I much prefer Isak to Hansu. To be blunt, I just extremely dislike Hansu. From the beginning, I thought Hansu was creepy. While I understand that age gaps were more normalized when this book took place, I thought that his being 34 and Sunja being 17 was very weird. His behavior seemed to be one of a grooming nature and it made me, as a reader, uncomfortable. So, I wasn't too surprised when he ended up having a family, nor too upset when Sunja left him.
Isak, on the other hand, does appear to be a better man. Beginning with his first stay at the boardinghouse where he kindly accepted whatever Yangjin had to offer, and continuing through his decision to marry Sunja and help their family following her pregnancy, Isak has been kind and gracious. The main thing that stands out to me is how he treats Sunja with respect. A time that this was very apparent to me is when he and Sunja are intimate for the first time. In this scene, he doesn't rush her and he cares about her enjoying herself, too. I appreciate that Sunja has her relationship with Isak to teach her what a respecting relationship looks like. As a reader, I'm hoping Isak continues to treat Sunja well so that she knows what she deserves in a relationship and from a man.
Hi Audrey! I agree that Hansu's behavior towards Sunja is definitely uncomfortable and predatory. The age difference and power dynamics between them make the situation even more uncomfortable. Isak, on the other hand, comes across as a kind and respectful man who genuinely cares for Sunja. It will be interesting to see how the dynamics between these characters develop and change as the story progresses.
ReplyDeleteHey Audrey! I agree with your thoughts on Isak's kindness and compassion. So far, it doesn't seem like any other man consistently demonstrates those qualities. Even Yoseb gets angry and refuses to listen to the women in the household. I wonder if Isak's personality was considered abnormal behavior for a man at that time, or if it was the norm and it is Hansu and Yoseb who are abnormally predatory and stubborn, respectively.
ReplyDeleteHi Audrey! I totally agree with you. I never liked Hansu either and totally am rooting for Isak and Sunja's relationship to last. I really like the example you picked as well. That time in a women's life can be extremely vulnerable and scary and I think as a reader it proved to me that Isak really was a good man, considering his actions weren't affecting anyone else and it was done in the privacy of just them two. I think Sunja will learn a lot about what it feels like to be respected by a man after being with Isak.
ReplyDeleteHey, Audrey! I think that Hansu is not supposed to be likeable. (I dislike him, too.) I think part of the role his character plays in the story is as an example of someone who lives without guilt or empathy. He cares very little for the consequences of his actions, which hurts Sunja in the long run. Isak contrasts this, as he is almost inhumanely selfless. The point of this, I think, is to showcase two opposite sides of the same coin, especially in regards to the time period. Hansu is someone who gives up his Korean-ness and his connection to his people to find success and money. Isak is dedicated to helping Koreans and practicing a religion that is not popular with the colonizers, which says a lot about his character.
ReplyDeleteHey Audrey, I agree with you that it is important that Sunja met Isak so she can understand what is necessary for a healthy relationship. Sometimes, relationships can become so toxic that it makes both parties unhappy and their standards go down. Sunja and Isak exhibit a healthy, nurturing relationship, which is important for happiness.
ReplyDeleteHey Audrey! I am on the same page with you about both of these characters. I think, now reading into the next few chapters, I am interested to compare these characters with Yoseb as well. He seems like a caring husband as well, but he doesn't seem to view his wife as as much of an equal as Isak does. He seems to value being the patriarch of the family, and I am interested to see how this contrast develops.
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