On Such A Full Sea

In On Such A Full Sea, we are presented with a society divided into three: the outcasts (those in the counties); the Charters (elites); and the workers in the settlements (B-Mor). Author Chang-rae Lee constructs a fairytale-like story of Fan, illustrating her journey through the three different societies, showing us both good and bad things about each. The Chartered elites are stressed and worried about their position in society at all times. They must constantly hold wealth and power, or risk slipping down the social ladder and losing their positions:

It is ironic that ex-Charters should have to fall so far so quickly, that there’s no middle realm for them and their kin, pushed out as they are into the counties with little practical know-how or clue as to how to get by (62).

This is because although Charters tend to have many connections and advantages due to their families and social positions, they also have no practical skills for a world without a safety net. They are also constantly striving to be number one. Anything short of the absolute top position secures them little:

There was fierce competition for whatever one might do, at every level, whether it was playing the trombone or being on the swim team and, of course, succeeding in the classroom, where everyone was routinely tested and ranked in all subjects (134).