Vocab
Dismissive
feeling or showing that something is unworthy of consideration.
What does the Japanese occupation force Keoko’s family to hide or change about themselves?
They must hide their Korean identity, including their Korean names, language, and traditions.
Why do Sun-hee and Tae-yul have to adopt Japanese names?
Because the Japanese government forced Koreans to use Japanese names to erase their culture.
How would you describe Sun-hee’s personality at the beginning of the novel?
She is quiet, thoughtful, observant, and eager to learn.
During what time period does the Japanese occupation of Korea occur in the novel?
During Japan’s occupation of Korea from 1910–1945.
Brooch
an ornament fastened to clothing with a hinged pin and catch.
How does the theme of identity appear in Sun-hee and Tae-yul’s different experiences?
Sun-hee struggles with losing her name and voice, while Tae-yul feels pressure to prove himself; both show different ways identity is shaped by oppression.
What secret activity is Uncle involved in that puts the family at risk?
He’s secretly writing and printing anti-Japanese newspapers.
Who was Jung-shin? Why did she stop talking to Sun-hee?
Jung-shin was Sun-hee's friend, and she stopped talking to her because they found out Jung-shin's dad was a Chin-il-pan, and she was ashamed.
Why did Japan force Koreans to change their names and language during the occupation?
Because Japan wanted to eliminate Korean culture and make Koreans fully Japanese.
Disdain
the feeling that someone or something is unworthy of one's consideration or respect; contempt.
Why is courage an important theme in the story, and which character best represents it?
Courage is shown through resisting the occupation; Uncle is a strong example because he secretly prints rebel newspapers. (could answer w/ any character with a good explanation )
How does Tae-yul end up joining the Japanese military, and why does he make that choice?
How is Uncle different from Sun-hee and Tae-yul’s parents in the way he responds to Japanese occupation?
Uncle takes bold risks and refuses to stay silent, while the parents try to stay safe and protect the children.
What is propaganda?
+150 points for: What role did propaganda play in controlling Korean citizens during Japanese rule?
Propaganda is information that is designed to make people believe something, usually by only showing one side of the story and trying to control how people think or feel.
Propaganda spread lies, pressured citizens to obey, and made Japan look powerful to control people’s beliefs.
Welt
Why does the imperial government try to extinguish Korean culture? Why do they see it as dangerous?
The Japanese empire wanted total control over Korea. To do that, they believed Koreans needed to stop thinking of themselves as Korean at all, and completely obey the Japanese
How does the discovery of the hidden Korean flag affect Sun-hee, and why is it such a dangerous object to keep?
The flag makes Sun-hee feel proud of her Korean identity, but it’s extremely dangerous because owning a Korean flag was illegal. If the police found it, the family could be punished or arrested.
Give at least 1 good supporting reason for the way Sun-hee's parents acted vs her uncle
1. her parent's didn't outwardly disobey because they had to protect their family and didn't want to get hurt
2. uncle didn't want to conform to the Japanese's rules because he loved his country and it was unfair
Explain why Korean students were pressured or forced to join the Japanese military.
Japan needed soldiers and laborers for the war and forced or pressured Korean boys and men to join.
Trowel
a small handheld tool with a flat, pointed blade, used to apply and spread mortar or plaster.
Explain how the theme of resistance is shown both quietly and openly through the characters' actions.
Resistance appears quietly (like Sun-hee listening and observing) and openly (Uncle spreading newspapers, Tae-yul refusing to betray others).
Give five rules the Japanese implemented that expanded their power in Korea
- No speaking Korean
- Rose of Shannon trees banned
- Cherry Blossoms grown everywhere
- Everybody has to adopt Japanese names
- Korean flag can't be hung
How do Sun-hee and Tae-yul change by the end of the novel, and what events shape those changes?
Sun-hee becomes more confident and aware of injustice; Tae-yul becomes mature and self-sacrificing. The war and occupation shape their growth.
How did the end of World War II impact Korea politically and socially, based on the novel’s depiction?
Korea is freed from Japan, families regain their identity, but the country faces confusion and political tension after liberation.