Essay Questions

How is equality brought out in the novel?

Equality or lack thereof is a major ideology explored in this work. It all begins with the treatment of Hong Gildong who is looked down upon even by his family. In this line, the character has to learn to fend and defend himself. After he decides to leave his father’s estate Hong Gildong becomes a criminal leader who steals from the rich and gives to the poor to enhances equality. Even after he takes over the Yul kingdom, Gildong perceives every one of his son’s as equal. In this line, he becomes a major symbol of equality.

Explain the character of Hong Gildong.

Gildong is an upholder of equality. After he manages to protect himself from the assassination attempt, he decides to leave his father’s estate and enhances equality by stealing from the rich and redistributing this wealth to the poor. He is also presented as a loving person as highlighted by the fact that he cares for the well-being of the poor and the perception of his sons as equal. He is also self-reliant as he has confidence in himself and exercises his judgment without being limited.

How does the assassination attempt shape Hong Gildong’s life?

Gildong has an attempt made on his life as an assassin tries to murder him. After this drastic event, he decides to leave his father’s estate, and his life changes at this point. He joins a gang and becomes a major character in stealing from the rich and giving to the poor. He then later exiles himself to Yul where he launches a new gang that helps him overthrow the king and he becomes the king. The assassination attempt can thus be argued as a major event that plays a critical role in shaping his life.