Character Based
Who were Hoonie and Yanjin?
Sunja's parents
What is tuberculosis?
What is imperialism?
The theme of Japan putting Korea into poverty that continues through the novel
What is immigration?
This is what the travel from Korea to Japan is referred to as
What year was 1910?
The year when Japan annexes Korea, forcing Korea under Japanese rule
Who is Koh Hansu?
The man who romances Sunja
How did Sunja's mom react to her pregnancy?
She was disappointed and scared for Sunja
What is White Rice?
The symbolism of wealth that is present in Sunja and Isak's wedding dinner
What is Yeongdo, Busan, Korea?
The poor, seaside, fishing town Sunja is from
What is Shinto & Buddhism?
The religion that is prominent in Japan
Who is Noa?
The biblical character Sunja and Isak name their first son after
The dangerous group that Hansu is a part of
What is the Yakuza?
What is the shame of displacement in Pachinko?
the feeling of loss of identity experienced by Koreans living in Japan who are treated as outsiders and looked down upon
What is Osaka, Japan?
The city where Hansu's wife and children live
What is Colonialism and Marginalization?
The systematic discrimination and marginalization experienced by Koreans in Japan
Who is Kyunghee?
The woman from wealthy familial heritage who is married to Yoseb
What are second-class citizens?
People who are not given the same privileges as others due to things like race and nationality.
What is survival and resilience?
Sunja's immense sacrifices and relentless work to keep her family alive amidst poverty and displacement is representative of this.
Where is Ikaino, Osaka?
The poor Korean ghettos that Sunja & Isak are live in
How could Isak's religious views pose an external conflict to the family?
Since Christianity is not widely practiced in this time period its the minority, and the Japanese also do not approve of it
How is Isak a representation of privilege in Pachinko?
He comes from a wealthy family giving him the ability to work as a minister.
How could Sunja pawning the golden watch cause issues with the family?
Since family is hierarchical and men have more power, Sunja solving the issue of money could make Yoseb feel incompetent
The book's first line reads: "History has failed us, but no matter." Why did Min Jin Lee chose to begin the book this way?
To highlight the resilience of normal people whose lives were not taken into consideration by official historical narratives.
How does Sunja think living in Korea and Japan compare?
Sunja is book one thinks life in Japan is easier since she no longer works at the boarding house.
What illness does Isak suffer from and how does it impact his view on life?
Tuberculosis - he focuses on making a meaningful impact rather than personal gain, acting as a humble, idealistic pastor.