Page 40 - PowerE-L05-D

Lesson 10

Divorce

Nowadays, the divorce rate in Korea is

increasing by leaps and bounds. Why is it that more and
more people are being dissatisfied with their marriage

life? Could it be that people are getting smarter, or could
it be that people are getting more realistic about rela-

tionships? In the past, divorce was unheard of, and it’s
just been recently that the word divorce was invented

with a new meaning. People used to lock themselves into the room when faced with

problems and trash the problem out until it was solved. But nowadays, divorce is like
an open door, and escape hatch when people could run whenever they have even

the tiniest problems. For this reason, many people criticize divorce. But for others
who are trapped in a meaningless and violent relationship, divorce is a pie in the sky,

a blessing, a time that promises hope for a new life in a new relationship.
Unpleasant as divorce is, it sometimes is necessary. However, not only do the

couples who suffer, rather the kids too. No kid would ever want their parents in the
divorce court’s squeezing each other’s necks out.

Comprehension
1. What is divorce for people who are trapped in a violent & meaningless
relationship?
2. Who are the people who suffer from divorce?

Questions

1. Talk about divorce in Korea. Why do people divorce?
2. What are the usual reasons?
3. How do people solve their problems?
4. If you have such problems in your relationship, would you divorce
or stay in that relationship and try to fix it?

Vocabulary & Expressions

Bounds: To leap forward or upward; spring.
Dissatisfied: to cause to be displeased, esp. by failing to provide
something expected or desired.
Criticize: to judge or discuss the merits and faults of
Pie in the sky: a state of perfect happiness
Escape hatch: a means of avoiding a troublesome situation; a ready
or handy way out.
Squeezing each other’s neck out: fierce fighting or disagreement

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