Introduction
The initial portrayal of Kyung-sook as a hurt mother who is separated from her first son, Seuk-ho, owing to events beyond her control, serves as the foundation for how her personality develops during “Third Meeting.” Her second husband’s disapproval of her giving Seuk-ho financial support, whom he does not view as his responsibility, underlines their troubled relationship (Choi 97). This friction sets the stage for the growth of Kyung-sook’s character, which transpires underneath the challenges posed by society and emotional turmoil.
Kyung-sook’s Evolving Role as a Mother
Although her time at home is challenging, Kyung-sook is adamant about providing for her children. It becomes especially evident in this scene: “back at her old trade, she worked doggedly,” highlighting how adamant Kyung-sook became about supporting her children (Choi 98). This resolve shows how she has grown, as she gets over her remorse and accepts responsibility for her acts. She decides to go back to her previous trade, despite the possibility that it could worsen her relationship with her second husband, showing her unshakeable dedication to her son and her development.
The Strength of the Parent-Child Bond
The fundamental theme of the narrative is the parent-child relationship between Kyung-sook and Seuk-ho, which influences Kyung-sook’s decisions and actions. After the passing of Seuk-ho’s father, Kyung-sook takes him away, which initially strains their relationship (Choi 96). However, as the story progresses, not only does this separation cause Kyung-sook to feel empty in her heart, but it also makes her feel guilty and responsible for her son’s well-being.
Despite their continued physical separation, their connection improves as Seuk-ho grows. Despite her second husband’s opposition, Kyung-sook funds Seuk-ho’s schooling, showing her love and loyalty to her son (Choi 99). Her dedication to Seuk-ho’s future emphasizes the strength of their relationship even more because she is prepared to face difficulties and obstacles to provide him with a better life.
After graduating from high school, Seuk-ho visits Kyung-sook. She is overcome with sadness when she sees him as a grown man who resembles his father to such a point that she “dearly wanted to cry, but the words would come out” (Choi 101). The potential of Kyung-sook and Seuk-ho’s reunion and healing marks this encounter as a turning point in their relationship. When Seuk-ho entrusts Kyung-sook with the care of his child before enlisting in the military, the newly rekindled bond between mother and son is further strengthened. This change in their relationship serves as an example of the complexity and resiliency of the parent-child relationship as it changes over time and accommodates new situations.
Kyung-sook is an intricately designed character whose experiences and responses to the world around her reflect her tenacity and love for her children. The already discussed period of the mother’s separation from her son is a source of significant emotional disturbance that she has to overcome. Her first husband’s passing directly caused this separation, placing her in a precarious position as a single mother in a traditional society (Choi 96). When she finally encounters Seuk-ho after years apart, it is an additional illustration of this difficulty: “She saw in him the image of her late husband, and felt as though her heart would burst from the flood of memories and emotions” (Choi 101). The intense feelings Kyung-sook gets upon their reunion remind her of how challenging it has been to reconcile her past and present.
Struggles Against Cultural and Marital Expectations
Another difficulty Kyung-sook faces is navigating cultural expectations and the limitations of traditional gender roles. Because she lives in a society where men predominate, she is supposed to put her new family’s needs and her husband’s desires above her relationship with Seuk-ho. She is forced to make a difficult choice that pits her dedication to her kid against her obligations as a wife when her second husband objects to her sending money to finance Seuk-ho’s education (Choi 99).
Despite these social pressures, Kyung-sook exhibits courage and fortitude by going against the grain and standing by her son. It is especially evident in these lines: “Kyung-sook made up her mind. She would go back to her former trade if her husband wouldn’t let her give money to Seuk-ho” (Choi 98). This passage exemplifies Kyung-sook’s resolve to defy social norms and preserve her bond with her child, even if it means defying her spouse.
How the character responds to the surrounding environment reveals a steadfast character and a permeating sense of guilt. Kyung-sook frequently responds to social norms with a sense of rebellion and tenacity. For instance, she takes matters into her own hands and returns to her former trade to make money for her son’s education when her second husband objects to her financially supporting Seuk-ho (Choi 98). Her choice indicates her willingness to defy social conventions and prioritize the needs of her kids over the obligations that come with being a wife in a traditional society.
Reconciliation, Identity, and Generational Shifts
Kyung-sook’s yearning for rapprochement and healing also affects how she responds to the world. Although she feels regret and guilt after leaving Seuk-ho, she resists letting these sentiments control her. As an alternative, she uses her suffering to take steps that will help her son, like sending him money for his studies and getting in touch with him again at their third encounter (Choi 101). Her strength of character and commitment to making atonement for the past are evident in her capacity to face and surmount her emotional difficulties.
The story explores the themes of identity and established expectations throughout the lives of Kyung-sook and Seuk-ho. On the one hand, Kyung-sook finds it difficult to comprehend who she is: “for a moment, she was confused by it all. She could not properly gauge the depth of the changes occurring inside her” (Choi 101).
On the other hand, Seuk-ho represents the new generation, which is more willing to reject conventional standards. At a pivotal moment, he writes: “Mother, please accept my child. It’s been a year since my marriage. While we struggle toward a stable living, please raise this child like a mother” (Choi 102).
This phrase reflects Seuk-ho’s determination to defy convention by giving his child to Kyung-sook while he concentrates on creating a secure living. Despite their differences, both individuals are burdened by emotional baggage from their past. Seuk-ho’s goal to ensure a safe future for his child is mirrored in Kyung-sook’s guilt and desire to make amends for her prior behavior. Their individual experiences emphasize the complexities of identity in a traditional community.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the novel “Third Meeting” by Mi-na Choi is a powerful examination of the difficulties in defining one’s identity, the dynamics of the parent-child bond, and the limitations of conventional society. The narrative dives into the issues people encounter as they negotiate the difficulties of reconciling their previous transgressions, societal expectations, and their desire to build their path through the eyes of Kyung-sook’s character. The narrative shows the tenacity and power of the human spirit as Kyung-sook faces her shame, defies social expectations, and strives for healing and reconciliation with her son. Ultimately, “Third Meeting” is a potent reminder of the significance of understanding, forgiveness, and the enduring relationship between parents and their children.
Work Cited
Choi, Mi-na. “Third Meeting.” Another Kind of Paradise: Short Stories from the New Asia-Pacific, edited by Trevor Carolan, Cheng & Tsui Company, 2010, pp. 95-104.