Monday, September 14, 2009

Journal #9 - Cultural Roots/Heritage/Identity Story

The book I'm reading is "When My Name was Keoko".

My novel is related to culural roots because the Koreans have their own way of life and so do the Japanese. The Japanese invade Korea, make the Koreans change their names, and teach them a whole different way of life. They have to count in japanese, write in japanese, and they can't even fly the korean flag.
EXAMPLE: "The government order spoke of wishing to make our land more beautiful, with thousands of cherry trees. But it wasn't just a wish for beauty. The cherry tree was a national symbol of Japan.
And the final part of the order was that all rose of Sharon trees had to be uprooted and burned." (The Sharon tree was the national tree of korea.)

My novel is related to cultural heritage because it shows how proud Sun-hee and Tae-yul of their background, and their parents as well. They are willing to do anything to get their country back and to help their family.
EXAMPLE: In order to protect his uncle, Tae-yul enlists in the Japanese army.

My novel is related to cultural identity because ever since they have changed their names it seems like they've lost their korean identity. But it doesnt change who they really are. They stay true to themselves and their family.
EXAMPLE: "Bow", he whispers. "Bow to the Korean flag."
"Never forget," he says.

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