Mansok is born with a naturally hot temper, which first manifests during the crab catching incident, where he chooses to fight the Ch’oe kids instead of gritting his teeth and accepting their abuse (237–239). His family loses their “household effects” and has to live in a “dugout” for four years as a consequence of his disobedience. In the face of this situation, his father is aware of their vulnerable situation and reprimands him for having blood “too hot for a commoner” (240). His father believes that submission to keep the peace is better than fighting back. Mansok’s anger is initially a manifestation of righteous indignation — as a child, he is helpless to intervene as the Ch’oe family beats his father, especially when his father is not the type to retaliate.
His anger, however, transforms into long-lasting resentment toward the world. His despair at being treated poorly due to “the unfairness he had to face because he was a commoner” leads to his desire for vengeance and rebellion, which culminates in his cruel eradication of the Ch’oes (239, 243). What was once a product of circumstance transforms into his personality, with his vengeful nature carrying over into his domestic life, even in times of power and peace. He kills his first wife, Chomnye, after she betrays him, and resolves his second wife, Sunim, if he can find her (227, 223).
I believe that witnessing the consequences of his father’s submissive nature made Mansok unable to withstand any feelings of inferiority. He resorts to violence when his self-image is encroached upon. He desires freedom, but is ultimately shackled by his worldview and desire for revenge.