Human Acts

How does Kang explore trauma and memory through the structure of Human Acts?

Analyze the role of the state in Human Acts. While Kang doesn’t make any attempt to characterize the political leaders of the time, what does her portrayal of motifs like the photograph of Chun Doo-hwan and the presence of soldiers in the city say about the Korean government at the time? Furthermore, how do these motifs conflict with the citizens’ sense of nationality and belonging?

Analyze the portrayal of the Gwangju Uprising in Human Acts. How does Kang incorporate historical details to create a personal narrative? What does she leave out, and why?