Seijong Cranes Essay

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Cranes Essay Cranes, written by Hwang Sunwŏn in 1953, portrayed a feeling of reconciliation that was manifested from the Korean War ceasefire that occurred the same year the story of Cranes was published. This strong feeling of hope for a unified future is clearly shown both in symbolism as well as the character’s interactions. Within this message lies the portrayal of a deeper representation of the war, showing how the people, symbolized by Sŏngsam and Tŏkchae will slowly take it upon themselves to find kindness, even as the two countries continue their hostilities. The symbolism in this story stretches throughout the entire tale, from the cowering villagers, to the majestic cranes, and every detail in between. The chestnut falling from the tree foreshadows the interaction Sŏngsam will have with the Vice chairman of the Farmers Collective Committee, or Tŏkchae, his childhood friend. This interaction will end just as it did for the chestnut, let go of its own accord, without any provocation. Tŏkchae being the nut within the burr, and Sŏngsam being the chestnut burr that released him. The chestnut story, reminisced by Sŏngsam supports this symbolism, showing connection between Sŏngsam and South Korea, with Tŏkchae and North Korea. The Grandfather with the Wen’s sudden appearance within this memory signifies war and just how fast war can approach. The story takes place during the armistice; the Grandfather with the Wen is dead or missing symbolizing that the war has also gone. Sŏngsam’s fall, with the chestnuts ‘piercing his backside’ represents the initial attack, when North Korean forces invaded South Korea. The Tanjŏng crane represents a deep interaction between the characters, and shows the value of human kindness and hope for the reparation of the two Koreas. Upon hearing a man from Seoul, had a permit to go about shooting cranes, both Sŏngsam and

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