Essay Questions

How does Flashlight explore the theme of truth versus perception?

Choi constructs the story around shifting perspectives and fragmented memories, blurring the boundaries between what is true and what is merely perceived. The narrative reveals that characters often interpret the same events differently, each shaped by their emotional states, assumptions, and fears. This creates a layered ambiguity that forces readers to question whether objective truth can ever be accessed. The story suggests that truth is not a fixed entity but a mosaic assembled from partial recollections, subjective feelings, and selective attention. In doing so, Choi portrays human perception as inherently unreliable, yet emotionally revealing, highlighting that what people believe often says more about them than about the events themselves.

What role does childhood memory play in shaping the characters’ identities?

Childhood memories in Flashlight act as both anchors and distortions, influencing how characters understand themselves and others. These memories are often vivid, emotionally charged, and sometimes traumatic, demonstrating that early experiences leave a long-lasting imprint on identity. However, Choi shows that memory is fluid—shifting over time, reshaped by new experiences, and sometimes contradicted by other perspectives. The characters’ attempts to make sense of their past illustrate how individuals rely on memory to create narratives about who they are, even when those memories are fragmented or incomplete. Through this, the story reveals the tension between remembering and misremembering as a fundamental part of personal identity.

How does Choi use narrative fragmentation to enhance the emotional impact of the story?

The fragmented structure mirrors the disjointed nature of the characters’ experiences and internal states. Instead of a linear, neatly arranged narrative, Flashlight jumps between perspectives, moments, and emotional tones. This fragmentation heightens the emotional intensity by placing readers directly inside the consciousness of characters who are themselves struggling to understand events. It evokes a sense of disorientation and vulnerability, intensifying the themes of uncertainty, misunderstanding, and emotional complexity. The form itself becomes a storytelling device that reflects the characters' fractured relationships and attempts at meaning-making, making the emotional experience more immersive and raw.

What does the flashlight symbolize within the narrative?

The flashlight serves as a symbol of selective truth and the limits of understanding. Much like a flashlight can only illuminate a narrow portion of darkness at any one time, the characters’ perspectives reveal only fragments of the larger story. Light represents clarity, revelation, and attention, yet the small beam of a flashlight emphasizes how much remains unseen or ignored. The object therefore underscores the idea that people navigate life with partial visibility—emotionally, relationally, and psychologically. The symbolism deepens the story’s exploration of the partial nature of knowledge and the difficulty of fully grasping another person’s reality.

How does misunderstanding drive the emotional tension in Flashlight?

Misunderstanding is one of the story’s central engines, shaping character relationships and escalating conflict. Because each character interprets events through their own insecurities, biases, and incomplete information, communication frequently fails. Choi shows how even minor misinterpretations can snowball into emotional hurt, anger, or lasting resentment. This creates a narrative in which tension arises not from external danger but from the characters’ inability to see the full truth of one another’s experiences. The misunderstandings reveal the fragility of human connection and the ease with which relationships fracture when clarity is replaced by assumption.

How does Choi explore the theme of emotional vulnerability?

Throughout the story, characters grapple with their vulnerabilities—fear, uncertainty, longing, and shame. Choi writes with intimate psychological detail, exposing the inner fragility that characters try to hide from one another. Vulnerability becomes a central barrier to genuine communication, as individuals fear exposing their true feelings or needs. Yet it is also the key to connection; moments where characters allow themselves to be vulnerable create openings for understanding, even if brief or imperfect. Choi suggests that vulnerability is both a source of pain and the foundation for empathy, illustrating its dual role in shaping human interactions.

How do power dynamics shape the interactions between the characters?

Power in Flashlight emerges not only from authority or age but from emotional dominance, control of information, and narrative influence. Some characters wield power through confidence or assertiveness, while others hold social or psychological leverage. Choi examines how these imbalances lead to manipulation, silence, or withdrawal, complicating relationships and intensifying conflict. The story reveals that power is fluid—shifting with circumstance, emotion, or perspective—and that imbalances often deepen misunderstandings and emotional distance. Through these dynamics, Choi critiques the subtle ways people influence each other’s realities, sometimes without even realizing it.

What does the story suggest about the limitations of communication?

Communication in Flashlight is constantly hindered by fear, misinterpretation, emotional defensiveness, and unspoken assumptions. Characters often speak indirectly, avoid difficult topics, or project their own anxieties onto others. Choi portrays communication as an imperfect tool—necessary for connection but easily distorted by personal insecurities or limited understanding. The story implies that language can fail to capture the complexity of inner emotions, leaving individuals isolated even when they attempt honesty. Ultimately, the limitations of communication reflect the broader theme of partial understanding that defines the narrative.

How does the shifting perspective influence the reader’s relationship with the characters?

By presenting events from multiple angles, Choi allows readers to feel empathy for different characters—even those who appear misguided or emotionally distant when seen through another’s eyes. The shifting viewpoints complicate simple judgments, revealing that each character’s behavior has emotional logic rooted in their fears, history, or confusion. This narrative technique pushes readers to reconsider initial impressions, mirroring the broader theme that people often misunderstand one another. The effect is a more nuanced, compassionate understanding of each character’s motives and vulnerabilities, encouraging readers to recognize the limits of their own certainty.

What overarching message does Flashlight convey about human relationships?

At its core, the story argues that human relationships are built on fragile, imperfect attempts at understanding. People navigate emotional darkness with only partial illumination—fragments of memory, incomplete perceptions, and subjective truths. Choi suggests that connection requires patience, empathy, and a willingness to admit how little we truly know about one another. The story reveals that although misunderstandings and emotional missteps are inevitable, the desire to be seen and understood persists. Ultimately, Flashlight offers a poignant reflection on how people seek closeness despite the barriers of perception that shape their lives.