Equality of Women

The equality of women is an important theme in A Step from Heaven that is introduced in the early chapters. Uhmma tells Young JU that everyone in America is wealthy and that she will have more opportunities if they move. After their arrival, Uncle Tim whispers to Young Ju that girls can be anything they want in America, acknowledging that is not always the case in Korea.

When Joon Ho is born, Young Ju is hit with jealousy that she is not the favored first son. Joon Ho is the future of the family because he is a boy. In second grade, she tells her class that her brother is dead and remarks how good it feels to be the favored child, to be the only one left to carry the Park name. Her father loves his son, and proudly proclaims that he can be president...