"He believed he was going to voice not only his own discontent and indignation but also the oppressed brothers' and sisters'."
This quote represents a shift in the character, Bin. After he realizes that his small mistake of the cartoon caused so much chaos, he realizes the world in which he lives in is flawed with corruption. Justice and civil duty took over him and he wants to reveal the true harshness of the officials. When he says, " but also the oppressed brothers' and sisters'" he is referring to also giving freedom to his friends and workers who also are looked down upon in their corrupt society. Bin is determined to change the norm and make a difference for the better, despite the possible obstacles.
"I've worked in our plant for six years. Hou Nina has been here for only three years, but she got an apartment this time. Why? I cannot understand this."
At this point, Bin is extremely upset in his failure of not being able to get better housing. He gets mad over the fact someone who barely put in as much work as he did got it instead. Because of the corruption in his society, the Housing believes that Hou Nina needed it more than Bin. This shows how no matter how long and hard you work, better housing is only determined by how much someone needs it in this society.
"His wife, Meilan, complained that she had to walk two miles to wash clothes on weekends."
This is one of the first lines in the book and it already shows the corruption of their society. Instead of getting an education or having a real job, the women are supposed to walk long distances so they can provide basic needs for their family. This shows the corruption in their nation, as a good and stable nation would be able to provide necessities and proper care rather than having women do all of it.
