Throughout Year of Impossible Goodbyes, The main character, Sookan, had gone through Mandy things that made her change as a character. Most of her important changes changed her for the worse, either making her somber or angry and bitter. The three most important changes Sookan had happened when her Grandfather died, When her Japanese school teacher abused her, and when the sacred and beloved family pine tree got cut down. Grandfather was a very wise old man. He was always calm and peaceful, and he was deeply loved by his family. Especially Sookan. Grandfather had always loved the family pine tree. It was beautiful tree that stood for a long time. When it got chopped down by Japanese-trained Korean Police, Grandfather sunk into a deep depression. …show more content…
It was beneficial in the way that she could delay going to Japanese school until she was older. Sadly, one day, she got a letter saying that it was time for her to go to school. Instead of being nervous, she tried to look on the bright side of things. Maybe she would meet another Korean girl who wanted to be friends. At the school, right away, children lined up to sing different Japanese anthems. Sookan tried to sing, but she couldn't bring herself to promote Japanese welfare. Her teacher punished Sookan by jabbing her side with a ruler. "Narita Sensai jabbed me in the side with the ruler hidden in the sleeve of her kimono. I started to cry." (Choi 70). This was when Sookan's hopes and dreams of maybe, just maybe being able to look forward to going to school were crushed. Sookan knew in an instant that she would be picked on by the teacher. At this time, Sookan could feel no happiness. All she could feel was dread for what was to come and bitterness toward the so called "almighty" Japanese. Although Sookan was bitterly upset, she learned that she could not be so optimistic, for that is one of her weaknesses. In other places in Year of Impossible Goodbyes, Sookan is seen hoping for the best of things. Optimism overall isn't a bad thing, but being optimistic at the wrong times can lead to heartbreaking results. She learned that she should try to live in the reality of the