It might be nothing. But spite held a ghost close to the living. It was best, though, not to talk of this spirit.
-- Narrator (chapter 1)

Importance: Jin's mother's story about the kisaeng dictates how she sees the world and herself. For as long as she can remember, Jin has believed that she has been cursed by the kisaeng. As a result, she lives in fear of the spirit. She tries to tailor her behavior accordingly so as not to offend the kisaeng and suffer the repercussions. The kisaeng story is therefore a representation of Jin's lifelong and plaguing guilt and shame.

Still, I was told I had to be wrong. Until I was a parent, I didn't love yet. It was the point of a life, what I was put on earth to do.
-- Narrator (chapter 1)

Importance: Jin's disinterest in starting a family and becoming a mother challenges her understanding of herself. Jin wants to please...