1. Repressed Trauma: The novel explores how repressed trauma emerges through involuntary memories, often reflecting on painful past events that resurface unexpectedly. This aligns with the notion that memories can rise to the surface, embodying the emotional weight of the characters' experiences. 2. Impact on Identity: Characters grapple with a fractured sense of self as they confront the trauma inflicted upon their bodies and minds. The pain and suffering they endure lead to feelings of estrangement from their own identities, illustrating how trauma can profoundly alter one's understanding of self. 3. Collective Trauma: The narrative emphasizes collective trauma experienced by the community during the Gwangju Uprising, showing how individual suffering is intertwined with historical events. This shared trauma fosters a sense of solidarity but also highlights the lingering scars left on society. 4. Survival and Resistance: Trauma does not only signify suffering; it also becomes a lens through which the characters navigate their survival. The struggle against brutality fosters resilience, as individuals find ways to endure and resist the overwhelming weight of their experiences. 5. Moral Ambivalence: The portrayal of trauma explores the moral complexities of humans under duress, revealing both the capacity for cruelty and compassion. This duality invites readers to reflect on the ethical implications of actions taken in the face of extreme hardship.