Characters
Who is the protagonist of the story?
Kyŏnghŭi
Where did Kyŏnghŭi receive her education abroad?
Japan
How old is Kyŏnghŭi when her father says she’s “no longer young”?
19
What domestic task is Kyŏnghŭi doing when her mother calls her to greet the in-law lady?
Sewing at a sewing machine (working on her brother’s summer shirt).
Who are the two parents worried about Kyŏnghŭi’s future?
Mr. Yi and Mrs. Yi
What skill besides academics does Kyŏnghŭi clearly possess because of her education?
Sewing / technical skills (machine sewing, design)
What is the main topic Kyŏnghŭi is “sick and tired” of hearing about repeatedly?
Marriage
What domestic task is Kyŏnghŭi’s sister-in-law doing during that same scene?
Mending a sock
Which group is repeatedly criticized throughout the story?
Educated women / female students
How does Kyŏnghŭi’s education change how others see her future?
It shifts expectations from marriage to independence
What family (by name) is trying to arrange the marriage proposal discussed by Kyŏnghŭi’s parents?
Judge Kim's family
What is Siwŏl doing while listening to Kyŏnghŭi’s stories early on?
Starching fresh laundry
Why is Siwŏl important beyond being a minor character?
She shows class differences and cooperation between women.
What does education give Kyŏnghŭi that marriage does not?
Self-Awareness and control of her life
True/False: Kyŏnghŭi’s parents have already let several “good proposals” slip by
True
What food preparation task is Kyŏnghŭi doing when Sunam’s mother is watching her?
Chopping kimchi
Which character best shows that marriage does not guarantee happiness?
Sunam's mother
How does Kyŏnghŭi’s education affect her relationship with tradition?
It makes her question norms she is still forced to live within.
Why does Mr. Yi panic about Kyŏnghŭi refusing marriage?
He fears public scandal and people “getting wind of it.”
Why does the story have Kyŏnghŭi volunteer to take either the fire or the stirring—rather than just “helping” vaguely?
It shows she understands the labor and treats it seriously, not as performative.