Chapters 25-30 of “Your Paradise” by Yi Chong-jun Essay

The chapters from p. 371 to p. 441 have one thing in common – a properly identified philosophical context. The author pays certain attention to such concepts as a betrayal (public and interpersonal), freedom, love, trust, doubts, and the desire to find answers to different questions. Yi focuses on Cho’s intentions to figure out how and when he should leave the island. Instead of trusting his instincts and using his own experience, Cho starts gathering the opinions of such people as Sanguk and Elder Hwang. Though Cho believes his relations with these two people are the most successful on the island, he does not expect to get the answers he gets. Sanguk wants Cho to leave the island as soon as possible without finishing the Oma project as its end may bring unexpected and unpleasant results. Elder Hwang supports Sanguk and does not provide Cho with hope to be supported.

As a result of misunderstandings and inabilities to find a consensus, Sanguk escapes the island like it was done many times before Director Cho came to the island. Sanguk’s escape is a symbol of rebellion that is necessary for the island and destructive to the Cho and Haewon-Miyon couple. Besides, Elder Hwang introduces a new idea of why the development of the island fails each time. The point is that the islanders think they need freedom, but in fact, they need love. The love, offered by Cho, was wrongly understood, this is why he had to leave the island, quit the statue, and forget all his good intentions. The island does not change in the next seven years as “the Oma reclamation project remained unfinished” (Yi 418) and “the directors were always changing” (Yi 419) demonstrating their inabilities to promote improvements. Finally, Cho’s return to the island as an ordinary worker is defined by the reporter Yi Chongt’ae as a sign of his madness.

What makes Cho leave the island several days before the ceremony?

The answer to this question proves the awareness of these particular chapters and shows how the reader understands the author’s message. It is possible to mention Cho’s doubts about his departure and his desire to stay on the island. Still, it is very important to explain why Sanguk wants Cho to leave the island within a short time and dropping out the idea of finishing his Oma project as it may lead to the creation of another statue that can influence the islanders negatively.

Why and when does Cho return to the island?

This question helps the reader to analyze Cho’s actions and thoughts about his role on the island, his possibilities, and his true intentions. It is not enough to give some dry facts. It seems to be interesting to evaluate what makes him change his mind and neglect all precautions given by Sanguk and Elder Hwang.

What is Haewon’s reaction to Sanguk’s escape?

Answering this question, the reader should demonstrate his/her awareness of the chapters and the background of the events described there. Haewon cannot understand why Sanguk decides to leave the island the chosen way before his wedding; this is why he starts offering his suggestions and visions. It is very important to give explanations for his thoughts and actions and describe how he comes with the event.

Works Cited

Yi, Ch’ŏngjum. Your Paradise. København & Los Angeles, CA: Green Integer, 2004. Print.