Change In Na's Novel A Step From Heaven

The word change means to make or become different. An Na’s novel, A Step From Heaven, is a demonstration of how change can leave a positive or negative impact on an individual or an entire group of people. The story is centered around the Parks, a Korean family who have moved to America so their daughter, Young Ju, could become more successful. While Young Ju, the main character, believed that America would be heaven, she later found out that it was the exact opposite. With the passing of her grandmother, the abuse from her father, and the difference in culture, she learned that major differences needed to be made in order for her to succeed. Throughout all of the hardships, Young Ju’s ability to face them showed that she has changed.

After she moved into America, Young Ju noticed that people behaved differently than they did in Korea. This taught her that she would have to adjust to her new surroundings and change culturally. For example, when she was in first grade,

Ever since moving to America, her Apa had experienced many challenges. He had to work several shifts as a janitor and gardener as well as deal with the loss of his mother. As a coping mechanism, he beat his family for not obeying him. As a child, Young Ju could only hope that her father would stop. She would pray “Please, God, please make everything better” (Na 29). But after not seeing any improvement from her father and noticing the bruises on her Uhmma, Young Ju knew that she had to take matters into her own hands. One night, her Apa began to attack her Uhmma. When she heard her mother’s wail and the clanging of pots and pans, she knew that she had to call the police. Although she was hesitant, she managed to say “Send help...my father is killing my mother” (Na 133). This shows a change in Young Ju because she was able to finally overcome her fear of her father and find