Case Study

What do you consider as a "good" representation of an American experience? Is the American experience supposed to be filled with happiness and success or hardship and perseverance? America is the country of opportunity, but not "easy" opportunity. It takes effort and determination to ensure the American dream. An Na's, A Step from Heaven, portrayed a realistic view on the life of a hyphenated American through the struggles of a young Korean-American girl.

From the start of the novel Young Ju is already placed at a disadvantage because of her gender. In Korean culture women are subordinate to the men in every situation and this is shown as Apa has no respect for his wife nor his only daughter. "I can be president, Apa, I call out. Apa's eyes are back home. Pointing at me. He laughs. You are a girl, Young Ju." (38) The thought of success of his daughter never crossed Apa's mind; he instead thinks of her comment as humorous as he "points at her" and "laughs". Young Ju is held down by the low expectations of her father which comes from the Korean culture itself.

Young Ju had to endure the physical pains of her abusive father. Through the alcohol Apa's rage amplifies as he expresses his thoughts about Young Ju being friends

with a Caucasian girl. "I saw you at the library with that American girl. What did I tell you about seeing that worthless girl?" (137) Again Young Ju is detained by her Korean Culture to be close to her American friend. Apa is prideful about his culture and is unwilling to make any exceptions for his daughter to associate with an "American girl". At this point in the novel Apa gave up on the American dream while Young Ju is striving to get there only being held back by her father.

"I shield my eyes from the bright sun and turn to look at the house we can finally call home. It's strange how much this home resembles the one in Korea." (144) Young Ju and her family have finally reached their goal of obtaining a "house". They went through harsh times especially when Apa was part of the family. Together they were able to go back to the comfort of their past as Young Ju states "how much her home resembles the one in Korea."

Since Young Ju came to America as a young girl, she was placed with a heavy burden of being a hyphenated American. She dealt with a totally new language, a new culture, an abusive father, and the grip of her Korean heritage. Through all these obstacles Young Ju proved that anyone really can become successful even when placed at a disadvantage.