As I was reading Pachinko, I was struck by the differences between Osaka and Busan, specifically Yeongdo, the segment where Sunja grows up. Yeongdo struck me as having a very small-town vibe, as it seems like everyone knows all of the other residents. Sunja describes some of the scenery, especially the rocky beaches. It also seems like Sunja never really ventures far from home, as most of her life takes place in the areas immediately surrounding her house, including the beach, forest, and marketplace. This tranquil scene is complicated by the presence of the Japanese, who are a source of conflict in Busan.
Lee's description of Osaka seemed like a sharp juxtaposition to the small, quiet village featured in the first part of the novel. The city seemed much more industrious and it felt like a number of the characters introduced thus far work in factories. Additionally, the author describes this area that seemed almost like a slum, where most of the Korean people live. Here, crime is rampant and the living conditions are dreadful, with 12 people living in a room with two beds.
While I was comparing the two locations, I was trying to think of American equivalents. The best I could think of was Detroit vs. a small town in the Midwest. Despite the differences, the divide and conflict amongst the Japanese and Koreans is prevalent in both locations. It will be interesting to see how Lee continues to depict Osaka or see what kind of language is used to describe new areas.
I hadn't thought of finding the equivalents of Osaka and Busan in our own country, but comparing American cities and small-towns to parallels in the novel is a great way to better understand the circumstances.
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