The story “Cranes” is a microcosm of Korean fratricide especially during the Korean War (1950-53). In this story
a man must choose between his new found loyalties to democracy and his childhood friend who in a sense represents his own past and culture
.
What is the setting of the story cranes?
Cranes takes place in
a village along the 38
th
parallel between North and South Korea in the early 1950’s around the Korean War
. It was about mid afternoon when the story plays out.
What is the main idea of cranes?
Expert Answers
I think a main theme of this story is
the power of friendship
. The story begins with Tokchae being taken prisoner. He is being moved to a new location, and Songsam decides to be the escort. The two men used to be very close friends.
What does the crane symbolize in cranes?
In this sense, the crane firstly symbolizes
their friendship
. They shared a common interest, and they had a shared love for the creature. Cranes, being wild animals, also symbolize freedom. They are unfettered by social or political events and continue following their instincts and living according to their custom.
What is the main conflict in the story cranes?
A central conflict in the short story “Cranes” by Hwang Sun-won is
that between citizens and their country
. The story takes place during the Cold War, when Korea has been divided into two countries (North and South Korea).
How is the conflict resolved at the end of the story cranes?
When the story begins, Tokchae is now Songsam’s prisoner, and Songsam has a lot of anger against his friend. He’s mad that they are enemies. … In the end,
Songsam chooses friendship and his friend’s life over following a political agenda and lets Tokchae escape
.
Why does Songsam make Tokchae flush the cranes?
Why does Songsam push Tokchae to flush a crane? He does this
because he wants to give him a chance to run to freedom.
What does Songsam learn in cranes?
The first item in the story that triggers
a memory
for Songsam is chestnuts. They remind him of when Tokchae willingly gave up his own stash of chestnuts for his friend. The second item that triggers a memory is a field filled with cranes.
Why was Tokchae a prisoner?
During the war, villages located on or near this line changed hands several times as each side pushed their front line deeper into enemy territory. … Tok-chae has
been captured because he’s the “enemy
,” and Song-sam is the officer in charge of taking his childhood friend to the prisoner camp.
What is the resolution of the crane?
Crane, who was in his early 20s at the time, wrote the resolution that has been the foundation of the company’s culture for more than 150 years: “
I am resolved to conduct my business in the strictest honesty and fairness; to avoid all deception and trickery
; to deal fairly with both customers and competitors; to be …
What is the spiritual meaning of a crane?
The Crane symbolizes
beauty, harmony, and grace
. It represents positive change as it has been associated with the New Year in various cultures. Crane symbolism focuses on the need for balance and living in harmony with others. Cranes teach us that if we want respect, we must learn to give it first.
What is the significance of 1000 cranes?
According to Japanese tradition, folding 1,000 paper cranes gives a person a chance to make one special wish come true. The crane is believed to live for 1,000 years and that is the meaning behind
1,000 an individual needs to fold
. Sadako Peace Monument in Hiroshima, Japan.
Are crane birds good luck?
Crane Mythology and Folklore
Cranes belong to the Gruidae family. The largest of all flying birds
have been symbols of good fortune, fidelity, grace, longevity
, and immortality.
Who is the protagonist in the story cranes?
In Hwang Sun-Won’s short story “Cranes,” protagonist
Songsam
is an officer representing democratic South Korea during the Korean War.
What is the theme of the short story cranes?
The theme of this short story is: “
Peoples love and loyalty to friends and family are more important than political loyalty that leads to civil war.
”
What does Songsam learn about Tokchae?
The first item in the story that triggers a memory for Songsam is chestnuts. They remind him of
when Tokchae willingly gave up his own stash of chestnuts for his friend
. … Tokchae finally realizes that his friend from long ago is giving him the chance to escape like the crane from their childhood.
