Five Broken Blades

How do Korean mythology and folklore contribute to Corland’s detailed world-building? Research these topics and analyze how these elements influence the culture, traditions, and conflicts within the novel.

How do personal motivations intersect (and interfere) with political agendas in the narrative? Choose at least three characters and examine how they either succeed or fail in balancing their individual desires with their broader commitments.

Explore the psychological effects of participating in or witnessing a merciless rebellion. How do characters cope with the concept of “null” (no survivors), and what does this idea reveal about the worth of human life within the context of rebellion?

How does the prevalence of deliberate miscommunication contribute to the erosion of trust amongst the six main characters? Analyze how the breakdown of communication and the withholding of information leads to suspicion and paranoia, ultimately damaging otherwise viable relationships.

How do the main characters find ways to engage in Covert Resistance to Oppression? Analyze at least three key decisions made by oppressed characters and decide how these choices reflect their adaptive qualities.

Analyze how Corland portrays the notion of freedom. How are the characters’ choices constrained or manipulated by oppressive forces, and how does this dynamic impact their sense of agency?

Consider the mistrust that taints most of the relationships within the novel. Which characters attempt to create a form of reconciliation, and what do their efforts reveal about their approach to morality in this morally ambiguous world?

Choose at least three characters and explain how their moral sensibilities either evolve or stagnate. Analyze the factors that influence their moral decisions. How do these changes reflect their personal growth or decline?