The Meaning of the Title

[GoodLuck ES]

I agree with the three definitions you gave. They represent the lose of things that should have been. "The gradual disappearance of traditional Korean way of life", the lose of the voices of servants and women, and the lose of the lives of the resistance heroes who fought for independence.

[Kennedy NC]

I think that the vanished certainly represents resistance heroes who sacrificed their lives and never gave up the fight.

[ObianujuJane]

The first two goes for me because when a country us ruled in an autocratic manner, it tends to instill dominance over culture and beliefs just to gain control.
It is also sad to see that the fight for marginalized women in society is a war as old as man itself brought to the limelight by this book.

[Dzejn_Crvena]

For a historical novel, the book depicts more of the gradual disappearance of the traditional Korean culture under the control of the Japanese as told in the perspective of each character living in that era. Like its neighboring countries, Korea had fallen victim to the abuse of the Japanese.

Since many readers feel disconnected from most characters, I can tell that the story is about Korea as a whole.

[jaym_tan]

I think it is supposed to mean that Korea's culture at that time was on the verge of vanishing once the Japanese started dominating their society. The contents of book describes this a lot.

[Sres0]

This is such an interesting idea! I hadn't thought about the meaning behind the title, but it sure makes sense now that you mention it.

I think it's a broad metaphor, covering all the things that Koreans had to leave behind to survive. The vanishing of a culture, of classes, of their honor and dignity.

Great question!

[Ochieng Omuodo]

I had only considered the title to mean the disappearing way of life. The two other points you raise are very good observations, particularly on gender.

[Lunupine]

I would say all three of them. I would though place more in the 2 one then the other two.

[Tangerinehippie1]

I think it’s super creative and super logical at the same time. Therefore, it’s the ultimate title for such a creative story.

[markodim721]

I think that the proposal to clarify the title of the book under number 1 is the most comprehensive one.

[Francis Aderogbin]

In my opinion, I think it means the disappearance of Korean culture in the presence of Japanese dominance.

[meike schroeder]

I think that the title con form the disappearance of a culture. What is left of the original Korean culture is a mix with Japanese. Entire bloodlines vanished during the occupation.

[Suzer6440 xyz]

I think number one is apparent,, The economic challenges or ignored and it has been recognized that Korea is one of the poorest countries of the world. The values of Korea has seem to go away and the culture and rituals as well as history has come to an end

[k_madhu_jha]

I agree with this. The vanished is obviously about the vanished culture and history of Korea.

[Humera955]

I think "The Vanished" might refer to 1st , as it seems more relevant.