The novel tries to describe the chaotic state of a newly independent Korea as it really was. The law and order was not yet established among the people. While politicians were only interested in taking power, ordinary people were busy with their daily living or surviving. So it's no wonder that politicians' ideals and people's aspirations were at odds with each other. The story is centered around two people who were on their way to their respective hometowns from Seoul. In the train, they talk about the current affairs of Korean politics with the people sitting next to them. Curiously, among them were a leftist, a rightist, and a pro-American. They all argue for their positions and don't want to surrender to any one of them. Then, an ordinary salaried man appeared, and they became all silent when he vehemently spoke about how hard life was for ordinary people like him. What is important, an ideal or a reality?
