Generally speaking, individual values hinge on the growth and development of the group. Both Jin and his protagonist have to cast aside the notion that the nation supersedes and is far more important than the individual. They are pursuing their individuality and free, meaningful, literary lives. But their freedom is a lonely thing.
個人的價值取決於群體的成長和發展，國家凌駕於個人生活、大我遠比小我更重要──這是武男、也是哈金一心一意要丟棄的；他們都追求個人的、有意義的自由生活、文學生活，自由卻孤寂。