Flowers of Fire Reading

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  • May 18, 2011 at 3:36 pm #4691
    Rob_Hugo@PortNW
    Keymaster

    My first impression or Yi Inguk in the reading, "Flowers by Fire," was that he was an arrogant man. The reason I felt this was because Yi is a proud man who often times looks back to the records he has set and uses these accomplishments as an avenue in which to place himself higher than the rest of his people. He is proud of the fact that despite everything his people (Koreans) have endured, he has overcome it and remained "on top." The reading even mentions that Yi would only service people whom he believed were able to afford his doctor services. He did not once help someone out of compassion, only out of convinience and benefit to himself. He also took much pride in knowing that he was able to use his talent and skills to adjust to the Japanese "invasion" and eventually that of the Russians.

    But towards the end of the reading, I began to feel sorry for him. I realized that many people believe in the "survival of the fittest" mentality and will turn their backs on people in order to be successful. After realizing Yi's intentions, I could not help but feel sorry for him. The reading allowed me to capture the choas and confusion of the people during this time of "servitude" for the Korean people. I understoood his weaknesses and fear. But is living a life of hipocrasy and lies really a way to live? Not for me!

    May 18, 2011 at 3:36 pm #27315
    Anonymous
    Guest

    Upon reading "Kapitan Lee", I initially viewed Yi as one who collaborated with the occupiers like the Japanese, all for the benefit to himself. Nevertheless, as I read on about his experiences with the Russians, I began to see how he would do things for his occupiers merely out of his human need survival. This was especially the case when he operated during the Russian occupation...he had to sign the waiver that he would face a firing squad execution if his operation failed. Definitely a sign of fear in Yi's motives!! The "Kapitan Lee" reading could be used in the classroom by having students put themselves into the shoes of someone who cooperated(or collaborated) with occupiers. Historical readings, photos, and videos often depict collaborators, like those in German-occupied France, in a negative light. Even the "Kapitan Lee" reading showed Yi in a negative light as he was beaten for his previous collaboration with the Japanese, yet the "Kapitan Lee" reading does put a human face and name upon someone whose name and face would be forever associated collaboration with an enemy occupier.

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