Hunger

The author uses hunger as the driving force behind significant character development throughout the book, as hunger produces feelings of despair which leads to actions of desperation.

For Kim, hunger faced by his family is what drives him to sacrifice his own wellbeing on numerous occasions. As discussed elsewhere in this guide, Kim’s transformation from a fun-loving boy to a serious and responsible one is characterized by the physical abuse he endures at the hands of the village chief’s sons in Ro Leap and the beating he takes at the hands of soldiers when he is caught stealing corn. Both of these incidents are dangerous situations into which Kim walks unperturbed because he knows both will result extra food for his family. Therefore, the hunger faced by those he loves, and of course by himself, drives him to break the rules or endure suffering in order...