Power

Throughout the novel, many characters comment on the corrupting nature of power. The Japanese take control at the beginning of the novel, and while the Japanese are cruel and violent, Hansu reminds Sunja that the Koreans would be just as cruel if the roles were reversed. Indeed, when Korea is left to autonomously govern itself after the war, cruelty and violence continue to reign. While the Japanese are portrayed throughout the novel as unjust and racist towards Koreans, the novel also comments that Koreans may behave the same way if the roles were reversed.

Political power is not the only kind to corrupt, either. The power brought through wealth also has a corrupting influence on characters in the novel. Hansu is prime example. While he treats the Baeks well, he is also a megalomaniac, requiring Sunja and Noa follow the plans he lays out exactly. He...