Frankly in Love

Part of Frank’s coming-of-age journey is learning to fully embrace his identity as a Korean American. How and why does Frank’s attitude toward his Korean heritage change over the course of the novel? Consider these points as you formulate a response.

• At the beginning of the novel, how would you describe the community that Frank most wants to belong to? What events cause a shift in his understanding of what it means to belong?
• At the beginning of the novel, how does Frank feel about the insularity of his Korean community? What plot events show him that being a part of a tight-knit community has a positive side?
• At the beginning of the novel, how does Frank feel about his parents’ insistence that he date a Korean girl? How do his relationships with Brit and Joy influence his feelings about dating within the Korean community?
• At the beginning of the novel, what does Frank think it means to be Korean American? What plot events help him to broaden his definition?

Teaching Suggestion: It may be helpful to introduce this prompt by briefly reviewing the characteristics of bildungsroman or coming-of-age stories. Exploring the four aspects of Frank’s perceptions and considering how plot events drive his growth will help student focus specifically on Frank’s maturing understanding of his heritage and community.