Diksia.com - Under the Oak Tree is a historical romance novel written by Suji Kim, a Korean author who specializes in fantasy and romance genres. The novel was first published online in 2017 and has since been adapted into a manga and a webnovel. The novel is set in ancient Korea during the Goryeo Dynasty and follows the story of Seohui, the daughter of a duke who has a stuttering problem. She is forced to marry Riftan, a lowly knight who leaves for an expedition right after their wedding night.
Three years later, he returns as a famous and powerful knight who is involved in a political conflict with his older brother, the crown prince. How will Seohui face her husband who has changed so much? And what will happen to their complicated relationship?
Plot Summary
The novel begins with Seohui’s wedding to Riftan, a knight who is loyal to the crown prince. Seohui is unhappy with the marriage, as she has always been neglected and abused by her father and her stepmother. She also suffers from a stuttering problem that makes her feel insecure and inferior. Riftan, on the other hand, is indifferent to Seohui, as he only agreed to marry her to gain the support of her father for the crown prince. He treats her coldly and roughly on their wedding night, and then leaves for an expedition the next day without saying goodbye.
Three years later, Riftan returns to the capital as a hero who has conquered many lands and defeated many enemies. He is now a powerful and respected knight who commands a large army and has the trust of the crown prince. He also has a secret mission to protect the crown prince from his younger brother, the second prince, who is plotting to overthrow him. Riftan is surprised to see Seohui again, who has grown into a beautiful and graceful lady. He realizes that he has feelings for her, and decides to make her his wife in the true sense.
Seohui, however, is confused and scared by Riftan’s sudden change of attitude. She does not know how to deal with his affection and his possessiveness. She also does not know how to cope with the dangers and intrigues that surround him. She is torn between her loyalty to her husband and her sympathy for the second prince, who is kind and gentle to her. She also has to face the hostility and jealousy of the other nobles and ladies who covet Riftan’s status and wealth. Will Seohui be able to overcome her fears and insecurities and accept Riftan’s love? And will Riftan be able to protect his wife and his prince from the enemies that threaten them?
Characters
The main characters of the novel are Seohui and Riftan, who have a complex and dynamic relationship. Seohui is a timid and innocent lady who has a stuttering problem that makes her feel unworthy and ashamed. She has been mistreated and neglected by her family, and has no friends or allies. She is also ignorant of the world and the politics that govern it. She only wants to live a peaceful and simple life, but her fate changes when she marries Riftan. She gradually falls in love with him, but she also struggles with his intensity and his secrets. She tries to be a good wife to him, but she also wants to be independent and assertive. She learns to overcome her stuttering and to stand up for herself and her husband.
Riftan is a brave and loyal knight who has a fierce and passionate personality. He is devoted to the crown prince, who is his childhood friend and his benefactor. He is also ambitious and determined to achieve his goals and to make a name for himself. He does not care about the opinions or the feelings of others, and he does not hesitate to use violence or intimidation to get what he wants. He is cold and indifferent to Seohui at first, but he changes his mind when he sees her again after three years. He becomes obsessed and possessive of her, and he does not want to share her with anyone. He loves her deeply, but he also hurts her with his words and his actions. He tries to be a good husband to her, but he also wants to control and protect her.
The other characters of the novel include the crown prince and the second prince, who are the sons of the king and the rivals for the throne. The crown prince is a wise and benevolent ruler who has the support of the majority of the nobles and the people. He is also a good friend and a generous patron to Riftan, who he trusts and respects. He is unaware of the second prince’s schemes and his resentment towards him. The second prince is a cunning and ambitious politician who has the backing of a powerful faction of the nobles and the church. He is also a charming and courteous gentleman who has a soft spot for Seohui, who he admires and pities. He is determined to overthrow the crown prince and to take his place as the king.
The novel also features various supporting characters, such as the other knights, the nobles, the ladies, the servants, the soldiers, and the commoners, who add to the richness and the realism of the story. They have their own personalities, backgrounds, motivations, and roles in the plot. Some of them are allies and friends of the main characters, while others are enemies and foes. Some of them are loyal and honorable, while others are treacherous and corrupt. Some of them are humorous and amusing, while others are serious and tragic.
Themes and Style
The novel explores various themes, such as love, marriage, family, friendship, loyalty, betrayal, power, politics, war, peace, justice, injustice, faith, fate, and freedom. The novel shows the different aspects and the challenges of love, such as attraction, affection, trust, respect, communication, compromise, sacrifice, and forgiveness. The novel also shows the different aspects and the challenges of marriage, such as compatibility, intimacy, responsibility, commitment, and happiness.
The novel also shows the different aspects and the challenges of family, such as blood, bond, care, support, and conflict. The novel also shows the different aspects and the challenges of friendship, such as camaraderie, solidarity, and rivalry. The novel also shows the different aspects and the challenges of loyalty, such as duty, honor, and betrayal. The novel also shows the different aspects and the challenges of power, such as authority, influence, and corruption.
The novel also shows the different aspects and the challenges of politics, such as strategy, alliance, and conspiracy. The novel also shows the different aspects and the challenges of war, such as violence, courage, and loss. The novel also shows the different aspects and the challenges of peace, such as stability, prosperity, and harmony. The novel also shows the different aspects and the challenges of justice, such as law, order, and fairness.
The novel also shows the different aspects and the challenges of injustice, such as oppression, discrimination, and rebellion. The novel also shows the different aspects and the challenges of faith, such as belief, devotion, and doubt. The novel also shows the different aspects and the challenges of fate, such as destiny, choice, and chance. The novel also shows the different aspects and the challenges of freedom, such as independence, expression, and restriction.
The novel is written in a third-person omniscient point of view, which allows the reader to see the thoughts and feelings of all the characters. The novel is also written in a descriptive and expressive style, which creates a vivid and immersive picture of the setting and the events. The novel is also written in a creative and humorous tone, which adds to the charm and the appeal of the story.
The novel uses various literary devices, such as metaphors, similes, personifications, hyperboles, and irony, to enhance the meaning and the effect of the words. The novel also uses various dialogue techniques, such as direct speech, indirect speech, and internal monologue, to convey the personality and the emotion of the characters. The novel also uses various narrative techniques, such as flashbacks, foreshadowing, and suspense, to build the plot and the tension of the story.
Conclusion
Under the Oak Tree is a historical romance novel that captivates the reader with its engaging and intriguing plot, its complex and dynamic characters, its rich and realistic setting, and its diverse and deep themes. The novel is a perfect blend of romance and fantasy, of drama and comedy, of history and fiction.
The novel is a popular and successful work that has received positive reviews and ratings from the readers and the critics. The novel is also a versatile and adaptable work that has been translated into various languages and media formats. The novel is a must-read for anyone who loves historical romance novels with a twist.
