Re: The Meaning of the Title
Posted: 20 Jan 2021, 08:41
I believe three also explains the title. I mean, those guys, inasmuch as they were documented, they died. They never got to live the life they wanted
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I believe three also explains the title. I mean, those guys, inasmuch as they were documented, they died. They never got to live the life they wanted
In a sense yes, but I believe the author is specifically referring to the the upper class because many know of the poor Koreans that lived at that time, but little is known of the upper class or the yangban as a subgroup within that class.lavkathleen wrote: ↑17 Jan 2021, 02:25Book Lover Jack wrote: ↑10 Jan 2021, 16:02 I believe the author wrote the book to remind us of the forgotten Korean Upper class (yangban). In this book's case, the elite young men in society that died for their country. Generally, however, I believe its the forgotten Korean upper class whose story has vanished from history along with its heroes
It's not just the upper class, though, but the Korean culture as a whole. Whether a person is from the upper or lower class, they each had a reason to leave their traditions behind. I believe it's not only the yangbans who made a sacrifice, although the story focuses on them.
It was some members of the resistance, including Embon's friends, but not Mr. Koo. He's very much alive. But yes, it was quite the shock. Unfortunately, it's the truth about activism. They're literally offering and sacrificing their lives.
True. They're supposed to be in Korea, living their best lives. Instead, they had to move to China to fight for their freedom. A lot of them sacrificed their lives but... who knows if they received the recognition that they're worthy of?
Same. I had a hard time comprehending the meaning behind the title—I almost complained about it in my review! That was until I saw this topic. I actually think all those three points fit. A lot of important things sadly vanished in the story.Dman_1996 wrote: ↑26 Jan 2021, 01:25 At first, I did not understand what the topic could have referred to when I read the synopsis for this book. I remember reading in one of the chapters about the effect the March 1 uprise did on Koreans rights and their rights. So, I think "The Vanished" is about the disappearance of Korean culture, due to the Japanese government.
Aah, I needed this reminder. The Americans and Europeans were starting to dominate a huge part of the world at the time. Even the Japanese were an instrument to this, as they were also spreading their ideals. I feel like, in a way, people were thinking that the Japanese were untouchable and the next thing higher than that is the West. Suddenly, Korean traditions are nothing.sssns wrote: ↑26 Jan 2021, 00:54 I think it is the disappearance of the traditional Korean way of life. But it was not only because of the Japanese occupation. It was also the time of the industrial revolution. The social system was changing from feudalism to industrialism. There was exposure to modern and western influences. In the story, there were references to the preference for western education, food, clothing, cars, etc.
I don't think that's accurate. We had people from different levels of society in the story. We had Lady Sougyon, who was a daughter of a prince—a royalty. We had Mr. Seoh, who was a yangban. And although we didn't see the story from their perspective, we also had the servants. There's also the kings and queens, the sons of merchants, and the ones who joined the rebellion. We all had a piece of their stories.Book Lover Jack wrote: ↑21 Jan 2021, 16:01In a sense yes, but I believe the author is specifically referring to the the upper class because many know of the poor Koreans that lived at that time, but little is known of the upper class or the yangban as a subgroup within that class.lavkathleen wrote: ↑17 Jan 2021, 02:25 It's not just the upper class, though, but the Korean culture as a whole. Whether a person is from the upper or lower class, they each had a reason to leave their traditions behind. I believe it's not only the yangbans who made a sacrifice, although the story focuses on them.
May I ask why not number 2? As you've said, the "small" voices are rarely recognized. You're talking about the people who fought for the country's freedom, and although we didn't read about the servants who decided to join the independence movement, I think the title refers to them, too. The story didn't only tell us about the oppression caused by the foreigners, but also by the Koreans themselves against their own countrymen.Arite Seki wrote: ↑18 Jan 2021, 17:18 I think the title relates best with 1 and 3. My first impression was that it was in reference to the heroes who fought against the Japanese whose stories won't get to be told. Often in history only the major events and characters are remembered, but often the smaller voices who contributed and fought for freedom are remembered only in memory, if even at all
The title is indeed beautiful and I agree with you on all three references especially with the first reference. The Korean way of life under the Japanese dominance is vanishing. Among other things that could be lost when a colony is under occupation.cristinaro wrote: ↑07 Jan 2021, 05:40 Pejay Bradley's novel has a beautiful metaphorical title. For me, "The Vanished" might refer to the following:
1) the gradual disappearance of the traditional Korean way of life under Japanese occupation and dominance;
2) the marginalized (servants, women) whose voices cannot be heard in a society where aristocracy and men have all the influence;
3) resistance heroes who sacrificed their lives and never gave up their fight for independence.
Which of these three best works to explain the title? Do you have any other ideas?