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This Burns My Heart


An epic love story set in the intriguing landscape of postwar South Korea.
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How does the book's title, "This Burns My Heart" relate to the story

Created: 04/08/12

Replies: 9

Posted Apr. 08, 2012 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert

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How does the book's title, "This Burns My Heart" relate to the story

How does the title "This Burns My Heart" describe the ways Soo-Ja and Yul deal with their pain? What else does the title capture in the novel?


Posted Apr. 10, 2012 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
lisag

Join Date: 01/12/12

Posts: 298

RE: How does the book's title, "This Burns My Heart" relate to the story

In the U.S. we'd say "breaks" my heart. Any idea why the Korean culture uses the word "burns," instead?


Posted Apr. 11, 2012 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
Retired Reader, NE

Join Date: 09/16/11

Posts: 165

RE: How does the book's title, "This Burns My Heart" relate to the story

We learn the meaning of the title on page 145 when Yul says, "Chamara, Soo-Ja. Chamara." He is telling her not only to stand the pain but also giving her the comfort and power to do so. This expression is his way of saying, "I know, I feel it, too."


Posted Apr. 12, 2012 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
Navy Mom

Join Date: 04/12/12

Posts: 294

RE: How does the book's title, "This Burns My Heart" relate to the story

When you can't be with the person that truly makes you "whole", your being has a longing, achy feeling like "burning". That is how Soo-ja feels. It is mixed with wishful thinking, regret, want, and grief. The title is perfect.


Posted Apr. 12, 2012 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
christineb

Join Date: 10/13/11

Posts: 120

RE: How does the book's title, "This Burns My Heart" relate to the story

I think a love that lingers throughout your life is like a burn that leaves a permanent scar. You can try and cover it up but it will never be totally successful.


Posted Apr. 13, 2012 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
lisag

Join Date: 01/12/12

Posts: 298

RE: How does the book's title, "This Burns My Heart" relate to the story

Is a love like Soo-ja's and Yul's over-romanticized? Would it really have been so idyllic after the shine of being newlyweds wore off? Our culture puts "soul mate" love on a pedestal, yet our divorce rate is 50% or so - and that's without arranged marriage. Second marriages fare even worse in our society.

The way Park writes of the love between them sounds like the typical star-crossed lovers. But would it really have been that exceptional?


Posted Apr. 15, 2012 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
dorothyl

Join Date: 04/15/12

Posts: 146

RE: How does the book's title, "This Burns My Heart" relate to the story

Whether their love would have continued to be idyllic is questionable. Husbands and wives have to grow together through the years. Children and shared experiences usually bond a couple. It can happen but is not a given even when there is great chemistry and shared values when young


Posted Apr. 16, 2012 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
lisag

Join Date: 01/12/12

Posts: 298

RE: How does the book's title, "This Burns My Heart" relate to the story

Soo-Ja and Min most definitely had no chemistry after they married. Before, yes. I didn't see it coming that he'd turn out to be such a jerk after they were married. Marriage is so seldom idyllic.


Posted Apr. 23, 2012 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
alycet

Join Date: 04/23/12

Posts: 182

RE: How does the book's title, "This Burns My Heart" relate to the story

Unfortunately, many young girls think marriage is a way out of situations at home. After marriage they realize that they may be in a far worse situation. This would make their heart ache or burn.


Posted May. 03, 2012 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
lisag

Join Date: 01/12/12

Posts: 298

RE: How does the book's title, "This Burns My Heart" relate to the story

I'm sure all of us could name a couple whose marriage seems so wonderful from the outside. How often is that a public personae, though? Soo-Ja seems to want to hide her misery and when Yul begins approaching her she's able to separate what her heart wants from what her moral upbringing tells her she needs to do, that is, be faithful to her husband. She's a very strong woman, which impresses me partly because she grew up in a wealthy family and was beautiful, also. Both these things cause many people to feel entitled to have what they want. But not so in Soo-Ja's case.

I see the title as partially evoking the pain caused by having to live one life while yearning for another. Perhaps that's the true source of the "burn."


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