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Book 1, Chapter 6
Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in Pachinko, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Survival and Family
Imperialism, Resistance, and Compromise
Identity, Blood, and Contamination
Love, Motherhood, and Women’s Choices
Summary
Analysis
At the boardinghouse, Baek Isak’s health has improved dramatically. The village pharmacist clears him to travel to Osaka in a few weeks. When Yangjin accompanies the still weakened pastor in a walk along the beach, she confides in him that Sunja is pregnant. She explains that it would already have been difficult for Sunja to marry, but now it will be impossible, and her child cannot be registered under the family name. Isak is not shocked, and he asks if it would be okay for him to speak to Sunja. Although Yangjin and her family are not Christians, Yangjin agrees that it might help.
Yangjin instinctively trusts in the young pastor even though they don’t share a common belief system. She finally confides her gnawing concerns for Sunja, whose father’s disabilities already make her a difficult marriage prospect, and whose pregnancy out of wedlock virtually prevents any chance at marriage. Isak is concerned for Sunja, believes the best about her, and wants to help—all traits highlighting his gentle, compassionate nature. His concern for both women’s feelings and welfare stands in stark contrast to Hansu’s unfeeling personality.
Themes
