Pachinko by Min Jin Lee - Quiz
- 1. Pachinko by Min Jin Lee is an epic historical novel that spans multiple generations of a Korean family in the 20th century, focusing on themes of identity, resilience, and the complexities of diasporic life. The story begins in early 1900s Korea, where the life of a young woman named Sunja is forever changed when she becomes pregnant by a wealthy married man. Facing societal shame and the burden of her circumstances, she chooses to marry a poor but righteous minister, giving her a chance at a new life in Japan. As the narrative unfolds across decades, it explores the harsh realities faced by Koreans in Japan, including discrimination, cultural identity struggles, and the pursuit of belonging in a foreign land. The title, 'Pachinko', refers to a popular Japanese gambling game that serves as a metaphor for the randomness of fate and the tenacity with which the characters navigate their lives. Through rich character development and a beautifully woven narrative, Lee captures the essence of familial bonds, the sacrifices made for loved ones, and the enduring hope that persists even in the face of adversity. The novel is a profound examination of the immigrant experience, shedding light on the historical context of Korean-Japanese relations and the enduring impact of colonialism.
What is the primary setting of 'Pachinko'?
A) Taiwan and Japan
B) Japan and America
C) China and Korea
D) Korea and Japan
- 2. What historical event greatly impacts the characters' lives in the novel?
A) Japanese colonization of Korea
B) The Great Depression
C) The Industrial Revolution
D) World War I
- 3. What does Sunja's pregnancy signify in the story?
A) Death of her family
B) Financial stability
C) A turning point in her life
D) Social acceptance
- 4. Which character is a wealthy merchant involved in the gambling industry?
A) Miyako
B) Hansu
C) Yasuko
D) Isak
- 5. What does the character Isak do for a living?
A) He is a carpenter
B) He is a minister
C) He is a teacher
D) He is a doctor
- 6. What theme is prominent in 'Pachinko'?
A) Science and technology
B) Adventure and exploration
C) Identity and belonging
D) Love and romance
- 7. Where does Sunja end up living after her marriage?
A) Seoul
B) Busan
C) Tokyo
D) Osaka
- 8. What role does family play in 'Pachinko'?
A) Central to survival and identity
B) Minor and unimportant
C) A source of conflict only
D) Irrelevant to the plot
- 9. Which character is known as the matriarch of the family?
A) Noa
B) Yasuko
C) Mitsuo
D) Sunja
- 10. What is the narrative style of 'Pachinko'?
A) Fantasy tale
B) Historical biography
C) Multigenerational saga
D) First-person memoir
- 11. How does Sunja react to her challenges?
A) With despair
B) With indifference
C) With resilience
D) With anger
- 12. What does the title 'Pachinko' refer to?
A) A historical event
B) A style of music
C) A gambling game
D) A type of food
- 13. What leads to the tensions in inter-Korean relations depicted in 'Pachinko'?
A) Discrimination against Koreans in Japan
B) Cultural misunderstandings
C) Trade disputes
D) Political alliances
- 14. Who struggles with identity issues throughout the story?
A) Mitsuo
B) Noa
C) Yasuko
D) Hansu
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