How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
I take small, careful steps, avoiding any glances at Uhmma or Joon. I stop when I see Apa's gold-toe socks. You, Apa shouts and hits the side of my head with his knuckles, will never question me. Arrows of pain shoot through my head, making me squint. Find a corner of the carpet. Concentrate. Float away. (23.74-76)
Finally Apa takes his anger out on Young Ju—not that we've been waiting for this moment exactly, but we kind of saw it coming. Note that the way Young Ju deals with her own pain versus the way she deals with her mother's pain is kind of different. Here she just tries to numb herself to the pain and mentally escape the scene.
Quote #8
Why does Apa do it? I ask again, louder. Uhmma slouches against the dresser. She puts down the lipstick. Uhmma says softly, There are some things you do not know about your Apa. I wait for her to continue. He is a very prideful man, Uhmma says. So he has to hit us, I say and turn my face away. Young Ju, you are too young to understand. Uhmma sighs deep from the source of her pain. He was so different when we first met, Uhmma says. He is still very upset over the death of your Halmoni. That is no excuse, I say. (26.58-64)
Is there ever an excuse for violent behavior? Here Uhmma's trying to explain (perhaps even justify) Apa's actions, but Young Ju just isn't having it. You've got to feel for Uhmma though—it has to be hard to see the man she fell in love with turn out so differently.
Quote #9
The rain of blows on my face, shoulders, and head forces my body to the ground. My hands slide into the shag carpet. I pretend I am drowning, letting the sea take me under. I close my eyes and the world cannot touch me. You are going to kill her! Uhmma shouts. Get away from me, woman, Apa growls. This is all your fault. Look at what kind of daughter you have raised, always lying and sneaking around. She is just like you. Apa kicks me in the stomach. I barely feel the blow. I am already floating away. (27.31-33)
We're getting to the turning point of the story here. This is the most amount of violence Young Ju has had to deal with from Apa, which is why Uhmma steps in and tries to intercede. You know a scene like this can't end happily...