On Such a Full Sea - What Story are "We" Telling?

On page 243, the unnamed narrator notes that when telling Fan's (or anyone) story, details always run the risk of being changed slightly, as every storyteller can add their own little imprint to their version. With this in mind, I find it interesting that the narrator talks so extravagantly about 6's final work of art in such an elegant manner, but then also notes on page 295 that it would've been nice if Fan could see it. Which begs the question: Who is telling this story? Fan wasn't there to see 6's last piece, so who could have possibly known that she drew it out? Maybe it's an extra detail added in one of the many retellings of Fan's story? 

On Such a Full Sea - Murals and Stained Glass

As I was reading through the mural scenes, I couldn't help but feel reminded of the stained glass windows you'd typically see in churches. Typically, these stained glass pieces will feature a religious icon (maybe Jesus, Mary, some saints, disciples, etc.), in the context of what we know of their lives. A few depict hopeful scenes, like Jesus' return, or important icons rising up to heaven. As Mr. Kim had us read over the mural passage again, it was interesting to see how much they connected. The mural is pretty much a summation of these girls' lives, and even what some of their hopes and aspirations will be. Both are in a very elegant style, and it's this beauty that gives these pieces power. 

On Such A Full Sea - Map....? D:

On Such a Full Sea – Fan’s Sacrifice

Fan has been through quite a lot in these last few chapters, and it feels like she’s risked her life so much, to the point where she pretty much is (to some degree) giving up her freedom to help Quig’s family. She has single-handedly managed to save this troupe from near death with the acrobatic family of doom, saved them from a presumably slow and painful death by poison, and as of our most recent chapter read, given herself up to the Quig’s family friend, agreeing to work as a servant.

From early on, Loreen makes Fan aware that she’s going to be necessary for something. Loreen continues being really mean and just plain terrible to Fan, especially as she approaches her near-death experience. It isn’t until after Fan saves her that Loreen warms up to her. We never do really get an explicit sense of whether Loreen does like Fan or not, though. Could it be that Loreen just wanted to be cold so that Fan wouldn’t be emotionally perturbed?

Meanwhile, Quig has been the complete opposite of Loreen, always watching over Fan, nursing her back to health, telling her about his past, and so much more. There was definitely a strong connection that developed with these exchanges. Maybe that’s why Quig seems so off and out of character as Fan departs. He’s developed a strong connection with Fan, and yet, he knows that he;s going to have to abandon her if he wants to help his own. He can’t face Fan after all that’s happened, and it hurts even more as this is probably the last time they’ll ever see each other again.

I can’t help but wonder how Fan feels about all of this? The way the narrative is told, we get bits and pieces (cut off since we’re being introduced to the new family and all), but I’d really like to delve deep into Fan’s thoughts and hear her narrative.

On Such a Full Sea – B-Mor Needs More Motivation

I’ve talked about it a bit on other people’s English class blog posts, but B-Mor’s citizens really have to strive if they ever hope to escape their predestined lives of work. In these new chapters, we’re finally given more insight into other charter lives: from a very early age, children are essentially trained and prepared to be exceptional. As adults know that their performance on future exams will quite literally decide their careers and lives, they only want the best for their children. So after a rigorous schooling regimen for… pretty much all of their lives, they take these exams when they’re 18. Some (those who don’t do very well I think) get the opportunity to take it again, but that’s it. All that prep is either made or broken by these tests.

… And that’s just the charters! B-Mor doesn’t really have the luxury of preparedness. They are a working people, and most don’t prepare to leave these lives. On the off chance that someone might want to leave, though, they don’t get the preparedness (well, any really) that the charter kids do. The kids must study on their own, and take these exams when they’re 12 rather than when they’re 18 (I don’t really know what I want to do with my life, so how can they expect a 12 year old to?!). And, once they’ve taken this, they need to be in the top 2% of all charter scores to be considered for employment elsewhere. TOP. 2. OF. THE. WORLD. 

The amount of effort that would need to go into that would be just incredible on its own, but having to be the best of the best in a place that doesn’t even give you a chance to actively prepare? That’s intense! Too intense… With an environment like this, there isn’t really a push for B-Mor’s citizens to try different lifestyles and escape into the larger world. Working, working, working, it’s as if there’s nothing else that these people can do. There’s no reason to move on ahead if all that one can do is work. And those that do want to leave can only hope and study on their own to escape their monotonous lifestyles. 

On Such a Full Sea - Being More in B-Mor

B-Mor holds a very powerful meaning in Chang-Rae Lee's "On Such a Full Sea". Located in the area that was once Baltimore, the people of this area strive to give it their all. They work hard to get ahead in life, especially with what little their people have. In a world where everything has fallen, the people of B-Mor strive to be more, and work towards some ideal of prosperity. They work both as individuals and as one big team, working for the better of the community. We even see some like Ruby sacrifice themselves in order not to be a burden, wanting to help the rest get ahead.