Discussion Forums about Books and Reading | Master-Servant Relationship - Page 3
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Yes! I agree with this completely. The author was quite masterful in describing their relationship. The servants had no choice but to bow down and take whatever as they were to be seen and not to be heard no matter what. It was a moving display of the inhuman way they were treated during those times.cristinaro wrote: ↑01 Jan 2021, 06:08 The depiction of the master-servant relationship is one of the best aspects of the novel. For example, Lady Sougyon talks to her maid even if she realizes that she will get no answer because the maid is afraid "of making the wrong reply." (loc.28) Embon, Lady Sougyon's son, throws a tantrum and kicks an old palanquin carrier without the latter reacting in any way. Can you think of other examples? Do you consider the author did a great job of portraying the master-servant relationship? Would the description have been more impactful if the writer had included the servants' perspective too?
He added a whole new experience to the dynamic of the book. The masters regarded he servants as less than humans and not worthy of notice. One could assault a servant without any backlash because in their eyes a servant was less than a man.Dee_Robert wrote: ↑02 Jan 2021, 05:22 It would definitely be more relatable with certain audiences. Just adding that perspective alone would open a whole new audience to the book and general message in the book. He portrayed the domineering and sometimes relatively understanding nature of the master in this kind of relationship. Maybe the author would have done a better job for the servant though,. but overall the author did a great job.
It would certainly have been quite the experience the view the story from the perspective of the servants as I am very curious about their thoughts and emotions. I wonder if they themselves thought about rebelling against their masters and being free.cd20 wrote: ↑02 Jan 2021, 19:14 I think having the servants thoughts and opinions would have definitely enhanced the story. It would have added more dimensions and possibly some humor, especially in the case with Embon kicking the servant! Although, seeing Embon's perspective in this case too, instead of Mr. Seoh's would have been enlightening too.
Yes, I feel that the relationship displayed in this case varies depending on the household the servants are in. In Lady Sougyon's house, the servants were more disciplined, colder so to speak whereas in the Seoh's house the servants were freer and had more life to them.sssns wrote: ↑14 Jan 2021, 09:11Location 894. Pages 75-76In the kitchen, the maid was preparing abundant food with her ears tuned to the delivery room. If it were a boy, her preparation of a feast would be commended; if not, she would be chided for the waste. She loved to bet and had wagered on a boy. If she won, she would buy herself a dress. Mr. Seoh had forbidden betting or gambling in his household for anyone on any occasion, but she must have some fun. Besides, the dress she’d seen at the market the previous week had really captured her mind and soul. She had started saving money by shaving off a little bit each month from her wage, the rest of which she had sent to her mother in her farm village.
I think the Seoh household has an interesting master-servant relationship. The maid from this scene is preparing food not only because it is her duty. The feast is a wager. It shows how attached and involved she is to the affairs of the family. It also gives the perspective of a servant to an important family event.
On a side note, it makes me wonder if the master-servant relationship differs depending on the social status. Lady Sougyon is royalty while the Seoh’s are not.
At this point, Embon was just a spoiled little brat. I would have preferred seeing the servants perspective, knowing fully well that Embon's mother is quite permissive.cd20 wrote: ↑02 Jan 2021, 19:14 I think having the servants thoughts and opinions would have definitely enhanced the story. It would have added more dimensions and possibly some humor, especially in the case with Embon kicking the servant! Although, seeing Embon's perspective in this case too, instead of Mr. Seoh's would have been enlightening too.
That was my thought as well!! I think the story would have been much more interesting to have had their perspective!!Joy Phill wrote: ↑09 Feb 2021, 10:34At this point, Embon was just a spoiled little brat. I would have preferred seeing the servants perspective, knowing fully well that Embon's mother is quite permissive.cd20 wrote: ↑02 Jan 2021, 19:14 I think having the servants thoughts and opinions would have definitely enhanced the story. It would have added more dimensions and possibly some humor, especially in the case with Embon kicking the servant! Although, seeing Embon's perspective in this case too, instead of Mr. Seoh's would have been enlightening too.