A Tree Without Roots - Analysis
Hello guys! I'm going to start by saying that I made this post for the people that have read "A Tree Without Roots" by Lapo. If you haven't, then please beware that this post may contain spoilers!
I want this to be genuinely a constructive discussion and not some post for feeble comments to make jokes or memes.
Weirdly enough, I'd like to get serious on Mangago for once...
Having delved into the latest chapter (50), the story has taken a dark turn for Heesoo and Mr. Cha. Their toxic relationship, a constant source of misery, is vividly portrayed in Mr. Cha's troubled thoughts. He grapples with the burden of Heesoo's twisted affection, and I empathize with his struggle. The realization that Heesoo's life hinges solely on Mr. Cha's is a heavy responsibility, one I can relate to—managing such a weight in real life is no small feat.
Up until chapter 50, I attempted to be understanding of Heesoo's circumstances. It's crucial to clarify that this isn't a justification of Heesoo's despicable actions, particularly towards Mr. Cha. Rather, I sought to comprehend the context shaping Heesoo's character and actions. Initially, I considered both characters equally bad and flawed.
However, my perspective shifted with chapter 50. Heesoo's actions revealed a depth of malevolence that overshadowed Mr. Cha's mistakes. While Mr. Cha is not without fault, his humanity contrasts sharply with Heesoo's cruelty. He didn't deserve to be stabbed, prompting me to question the motivations behind Heesoo's drastic act.
I'm trying to understand Heesoo's actions. In the comments I have seen that some attribute them to mental illness, but can we solely attribute it to that? While Heesoo shows attachment issues and psychological disorders, it's worth pondering if circumstances drove him to this extreme or if he felt cornered, left with limited options (stabbing himself or leave the only person he loves). Perhaps, Mr. Cha's mother's warning proved right in the end.
Reflecting on the introductory summary questions about this manhwa (" Can a tree without roots grow to reach the sun? Or is it destined to wither away in the absence of light? "), I acknowledge that while roots provide stability, their absence doesn't guarantee withering. Heesoo's resilience, manifested in his sick attachment to Mr. Cha, has led to a twisted growth. Yet, with chapter 50, I finally declare that Heesoo has taken a darker turn, marked not only by his actions as a rapist but now as a murderer too.
I always "defended" Heesoo by stating that if anyone on Mangago wrote that if he was a disgusting, bad person then they would have to say the same as of Mr Cha. Now I don't anymore. And whoever thinks the contrary... please enlighten me because I clearly think it's impossible to rationally defend Heesoo.
What do you think? Do you agree or not? Do you think I was a delusional person in "defending" Heesoo before chapter 50? I think I was... and I'm ashamed.
Please share your thoughts :) I'd love to learn about more perspectives!
