The Emotional Depth of *When Life Gives You Tangerines*: A Poetic Exploration
The Korean drama When Life Gives You Tangerines has garnered attention for its touching storytelling, masterfully interspersing poetry throughout its narrative. This poetic infusion reflects the changing tides of life, emphasizing various phases and seasons.
Poetry as a Reflection of Life
One prominent poem featured in the drama is “Ok Sim’s Life,”which captures the essence of a woman living as a haenyeo—female divers in Jeju—who embody resilience, strength, and a profound bond with the sea. This poem serves as a metaphor for the trials and victories faced by the characters in the series.
Additionally, “Loyalty and Filial Piety,”penned by Lee Byeong-seon, delves into age-old Korean values, contemplating the interplay between familial duty and emotional bonds. The inclusion of this poem illustrates the generational and cultural tensions that shape family dynamics.
Featured Poems in the Series
Throughout *When Life Gives You Tangerines*, a selection of poignant poems elevates the storytelling. Here’s a curated list:
- Ok Sim’s Life by Grandma
- Loyalty and Filial Piety by Lee Byeong-seon
- Stupid Abalone by Oh Ae-sun (10-year-old)
- Our Class President by Oh Ae-sun (10-year-old)
- I was going to get her a pearl necklace and fly her on a plane by Oh Ae-sun (10-year-old)
- Flag by Yu Chi-hwan
- Geum Myeong, our eternal nostalgia (1969)
- Jeju by Oh Ae-sun from Dodong-ri Girl’s High Class 1-5
- Fall Breeze by Oh Ae-sun (middle-aged)
- M.F.L (my first love) by Oh Ae-sun Dodong-ri Girl’s High Class 1-5
- Spring Breeze by Yang Gwan-sik, Dodong-ri Boy’s High Class 1-6
- To The Heart That Leaves Me Behind by Oh Ae-sun of Dodong-ri, Jeju
- A little miracle every day by Oh Ae-sun (2006)
- An Illiterate by Jeong Gong-rye
- The Day We Became The Same Age by Oh Ae-sun
- Spring in a heartbeat, the blazing summer sunshine by Oh Ae-sun
- Our Eternal Nostalgia by Oh Ae-sun and Yang Gwan-sik
- HERE’S TO ALL YOU’VE BEEN THROUGH by Geum-myeong (2024)
Life Lessons and Themes
In the backdrop of beautiful Jeju Island, the series chronicles the intertwined lives of characters Oh Ae-sun and Yang Gwan-sik. Their journey spans decades, starting from the 1950s and extending into 2024.
The show’s title is a clever adaptation of the English proverb “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade,”reimagined to highlight the sweetness of Jeju’s renowned tangerines. This concept reinforces the show’s central message about resilience and optimistic outlook in the face of adversity.
Symbolism and Personal Growth
Many of the poems illuminate significant moments in the characters’ lives. For example, “Stupid Abalone”by Oh Ae-sun uses the elusive abalone to express the frustrations of a young girl watching her mother risk everything for her livelihood as a haenyeo. In contrast, “I Was Going to Get Her a Pearl Necklace and Fly Her on a Plane”reveals the longing for a better life.
Another memorable piece, “Flag”by Yu Chi-hwan, evokes nostalgia when recited by Gwan-sik, underscoring the emotional depth that anchors the series. Additionally, Ae-sun’s poetry reflects her connection to Jeju, her evolution over time, and her unwavering spirit in the face of challenges.
Memorable Scenes and Cultural Insights
Iconic moments from the series resonate deeply with viewers, such as Gwan-sik’s journey to Seoul to visit his daughter at the Independence Hall of Korea, showcasing his devotion. Moreover, the names given to their children—Geum-myeong, Eun-myeong, and Dong-myeong—symbolize their aspirations, paralleling Gwan-sik’s naming of his fishing boat, “Geumeundong.”
The drama also poignantly addresses the socio-economic struggles faced during the 1980s, illuminating the impact of governmental efforts to standardize education, resulting in underground tutoring practices that many families resorted to for survival.
Conclusion
*When Life Gives You Tangerines* is currently available for streaming on Netflix, consisting of 16 engaging episodes that delve into the rich tapestry of human emotions, societal values, and the poetic beauty of life’s journey. Through its thoughtful integration of poetry and culture, the series offers insight into both personal growth and collective experiences of resilience.