The Girl With Seven Names Analysis

Any reader would thoroughly enjoy The Girl with Seven Names, as the storyline is truly eye-opening. As an American, we have never been forced to look at the freedoms we take for granted in such a light. One would be flabbergasted at the violent execution described, as well as the brainwashing that begins at such an early age. As Hyeonseo describes the horrors and joys of living in “the greatest country on Earth” it is impossible to process. The patriotism that comes from living in a country that does not actively teach such things is overwhelming, so to imagine the blind trust that North Koreans place in their government and in no one or anything else is astonishing. As the storyline progressed and Hyeonseo’s names evolved with her, and one
Any one raised as a westerner, as it is put throughout the book, should look at the “everyone is an informant” attitude with some surprise, at least those who are unaware at how dangerous North Korea is. The fact that even kindergarteners are taught to accuse(tattle) one another of things that break common law should astound those who have had a very small chance of ever holding life changing secrets, such as the ones that North Koreans hold on an everyday basis. The simplest slip of a tongue, to family, friends, or even loud enough for a stranger to hear, may end in anything from a fine, to becoming a political prisoner, to a public execution with no trial. The lack of humanity itself is surprising and painful to acknowledge. As the informer that each citizen is from birth it is impossible to imagine the psychological problems that each citizen possesses growing up and living under such stressful conditions. As Hyeonseo mentions the dangers are a normal part of her life on multiple occasions, and even the public executions are normalized for small children. Her classes often would take field trips to watch other citizens be hung at command, and it was not out of the ordinary at
and North Korea is the accountability of the government. In America where elections happen like clockwork, our government officials are made to keep the people happy as possible, if they plan to keep their office. North Korea however, government officials have the same power as gods. They hold the power of life and death over each citizen, one false accusation and they can hang, beat, or exile anyone of their choosing. The Supreme Leader is held to a god-like status, filled with large and impossible tales of their life achievements, such as the ability to walk at 3 months, or being born at the base of North Korea’s tallest mountain in a log cabin with a bright new star in the sky. The lack of free media in the country does little to diminish these falsities, and the citizens of this atheist state are free only to praise their leaders. To revere your leaders is to show what a good North Korean you are.
Overall, The Girl with Seven Names is an eye-opening book, and truly a thrilling read. The book keeps one on the edge of their seat and unable to put it down, as Hyeonseo runs for her life on multiple occasions, as well as fighting for her family’s freedom with little outside help. Hyeonseo’s struggles should be a mandatory read for all who plan to study world politics, even if only in a single class. North Korea is often overlooked as they are so secluded from the outside world, and that is truly a shame that there is less work to liberate