Symbolism, Imagery, Allegory
Setting
The Orphan Master's Son focuses on Kim Jong Il's North Korea, a place equal to the finest sci-fi dystopias. It's a society that promotes a Stalinist interpretation of communism, an interpretation t...
What's Up With the Title?
The Orphan Master's Son is Jun Do, an orphan who creates a family story starring the cruel head of his orphanage, Long Tomorrows, and the beautiful singer whose picture is pinned on the wall. Jun D...
What's Up With the Ending?
What does it mean that the state gets the last word on Impostor Ga/Jun Do's death? Does it matter? After all, we already know the truth and can call the state out as a liar. Is it depressing? After...
Tough-o-Meter
Aside from the switch-up in the narrative at the opening of Part Two, Johnson's writing is not all that hard to understand. He's often darkly humorous, and the storyline is compelling. We're giving...