Crying in H Mart Essay Questions

In what way does Zauner struggle with her cultural identity?

Being of mixed descent, with a white father and a Korean mother, Zauner frequently expresses frustration with not being perceived as part of either group. As a child at school, Zauner was often reminded by other kids that she was not white by the way that they teased her or made unkind comments. Likewise, her lack of fluency in Korean tends to make her feel left out when she is in Seoul, as she is not seen as "authentic" by other Korean individuals. In this way, she is constantly caught between two worlds, struggling to reconcile the various parts of her heritage.

How does Zauner offer surprising insights about grief?

Zauner significantly subverts the reader's expectations when she talks about funeral arrangements. She struggles to write a eulogy that does the memory of her mother justice. Similarly, she is uncomfortable with the removed tone of the religious service. During the burial, she notices there is a misprint on the headstone. Only when she is alone with her closest friends does she actually feel able to express her emotions. She offers surprising insight in these moments, as she reveals how the traditional aspects of a funeral did not provide her with any closure.

How does Zauner view her various trips to Seoul?

Zauner often portrays her trips to Seoul as homecomings. As a child, she is full of wonder about the city and its sights, sounds, smells, and foods. As she gets older, she develops closer bonds with her relatives and appreciates the time she gets with them. As an adult, her honeymoon trip to Seoul gives her the opportunity to experience places that were important to her mother, making her feel close to her even in her absence. Her visit to the city at the end of her album tour provides her with a similar sense of connection.

What is the significance of the book's title?

The book's title refers to the fact that Zauner cries every time she goes to the Asian grocery store H Mart, as it reminds her of her mother. She says this is because so many of her memories of her mother are directly related to food, as it was a major part of their bond. She revisits this theme throughout the book, emphasizing the importance of food in her recollection. Zauner was an adventurous eater from a young age and was always happy to try anything her mother liked, resulting in their bonding over a shared love of Korean cuisine.

What role does music play in the book?

Music is portrayed as an essential outlet for Zauner. In her teenage years, music represents an escape from her suburban upbringing, as she listens to alternative rock and goes to concerts. As she becomes a professional musician, she is able to use the music she writes as a means of exploring her grief. A significant part of her album Psychopomp is about the loss of her mother. For Zauner, music gives her the means of expressing her love and grief.