Asian Pacific Literature - Module Five

Bibliography
Choi, Yangsook.2006. Behind the Mask. New York: Farrar, Strauss and Giroux. ISBN 9780374305222

Plot Summary

Halloween is fast approaching and Korean American Kimin isn’t sure what costume he will wear for the celebration. After encouragement from his mother, Kimin explores the boxes of family treasures that once belonged to his grandfather. Upon opening the boxes a flood of memories overcome Kimin as he recalls seeing his grandfather for the last time and how he was frightened by his gruesome face. After exploring the contents of the boxes, Kimin learns that his grandfather was a famous mask dancer. Kimin decides to dress as his grandfather for Halloween since it is also a time to honor the dead. The children who are trick-or-treating are amazed by his costume and dancing skills, but when Kimin trips on his robe and scratches the mask, the fun ends. After returning home, his mother is pleased that he has worn his grandfather’s costume and Kimin’s friends visit to bring him an important paper that fell from his mask. The note, written to Kimin in Korean, is from his grandfather who wishes him to have the mask and know that his spirit will always be with him.

Critical Analysis

Choi gives readers the inside perspective as details of the Korean culture are shown through the illustrations depicting the masks, or Tal, worn by the dancers. The scene from Kimin’s memory of seeing his grandfather in Korea also shows traditional clothing and furnishings such as the rice paper door and writing on the paneled screen. The end papers of the book include a variety of masks expressing different emotions.

The author’s note providing information on the Talchum, or mask dance help the reader to understand more about the traditional Korean folk dance.

Review Excerpts

“Korean theater traditions meet American Halloween customs in Choi’s satisfying tale. When Kimin gets ready to choose a trick-or-treat costume, his mother brings him two red boxes from his late grandfather, "a famous dancer in Korea." Kimin feels ambivalent because his grandfather once startled him with a white-eyebrowed, white-bearded face. But inside the boxes, he finds family photos and the "gruesome" face-a stylized performance mask. This discovery transforms Kimin's negative memory and becomes a perfect Halloween outfit, although it gets a little scuffed. Choi's text-and-image layouts and cross-generational subject matter recall Allen Say's work on heritage.” Publisher’s Weekly

“On Halloween, Kimin sneaks out of the house wearing his grandfather's Korean dancing costume and tal (mask). When he falls and scratches the mask, he worries about his mother's reaction. The story realistically reflects Kimin's fears and struggles. The muted autumnal illustrations move seamlessly between depictions of traditional Korean culture and those of modern-day America, invoking both solemnity and humor.” Horn Book

Connections
Young readers and others selecting books for reading aloud might consider other books by Yangsook Choi including:

Choi, Yangsook. The Name Jar. ISBN978-0440417996
Choi, Yangsook. New Cat. ISBN0374355126
Choi, Yangsook. Peach Heaven. ISBN978-0374357610