We've noted that many of the men's names in Pachinko are versions of Biblical names: Samoel/Samuel; Yoseb/Joseph; Isak/Isaac; Noa/Noah; Mozasu/Moses. Based on what you've read so far, what similarities (or differences) between one of these characters and his Biblical namesake do you see? Why do you think Lee chose these names for these men?
From the interview we watched in class, I learned how much Lee was interested in the Bible. Every day before she would write, she would read a chapter of it. So, it makes sense that Biblical references like names would appear in Pachinko. To me, Isak and Yoseb both seem like they could be inspired by disciples since "Joseph" was the name of one of them. Both of the brothers are depicted as extremely moral and conscious decision-makers.
Both characters display great resiliency as well. For Isak, this was in how he was able to survive the prison for so long and make it home to see his wife, brother, and sons before he died. For Yoseb, this was shown through how he dealt with the bombing injuries inflicted upon him. While both characters are flawed, neither gave up or lost hope.
In Lee's life, she had to go through similar challenges and overcame them (her sickness in her early 20s). I wonder also if she chose these names for the characters to connect different cultures together. For example, more Catholic or Christian cultures are connected with more eastern cultures by giving the characters these names. I think that since religion seems to be such a large part of Lee's life, the names could be as simple as her wanting to include her personal story in her work.
Hi John, I like how you brought this question back to what we have learned about the author's personal and religious life, those are some very interesting connections. I agree that Yoseb and Isak are very thoughtful and righteous people, much like their namesakes. I wrote about Yoseb and how he experiences similar loss to Joseph, but rises above and does what he can to support his family.
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