Answer the following questions using your own words and ideas. Read each question carefully, and respond with an organized, complete paragraph. Ensure that you have a clear thesis and at least two supporting pieces of evidence from the text. Edit for clarity and conventions (spelling, punctuation etc).
Contrast the effects of war in two of the following works: "Cranes" by Hwang Sun-won, "Thoughts of Hanoi" by Nguyen Thi Vinh, and "Tokyo" by Fumiko Hayashi.
The works "Cranes" by Hwang Sun-won and "Thoughts of Hanoi" by Nguyen Thi Vinh both depict the devastating effects of war, albeit in different contexts. In "Cranes", the story takes place during the Korean War and follows the reunion of childhood friends, one a North Korean soldier and the other a South Korean farmer. Through their conversations and actions, the author highlights the human cost of war, especially the pain of separation and loss. The two characters lament the destruction of their village and the killing of their loved ones, emphasizing the senselessness of the conflict. On the other hand, "Thoughts of Hanoi" portrays the aftermath of the Vietnam War and the struggle of the Vietnamese people to rebuild their country and find hope amidst the ruins. The poem describes the images of death and destruction left by the war, such as the "broken bridges" and "grass grows wild on old graves". However, the overall tone is one of resilience and determination. The speaker acknowledges the tragedy of war but also affirms the resilience of her people: "It is time to start anew, / after the storm, the sun breaks through". In conclusion, while both "Cranes" and "Thoughts of Hanoi" address the impact of war on individuals and societies, the former emphasizes the senseless loss of life and the latter emphasizes the human ability to overcome adversity and rebuild.
In Hwang Sun-won's "Cranes" and Fumiko Hayashi's "Tokyo," the effects of war are explored in different ways. In "Cranes," set during the Korean War, the story focuses on the friendship between two childhood friends, Tokchae and Songsam, who find themselves on opposing sides of the war. The impact of war is portrayed through the personal struggle and conflict faced by the characters. Tokchae, a communist soldier, ultimately faces the possibility of execution. The story emphasizes the loss, division, and human suffering caused by war, showing how it tears apart relationships and forces individuals into impossible choices. On the other hand, "Tokyo" by Fumiko Hayashi depicts the aftermath of World War II in Japan. The story follows the life of a young woman named Tsuneko and her struggles in the post-war society. Here, the effects of war are seen through a lens of rebuilding and recovery. Tsuneko, along with many other Japanese citizens, works tirelessly to rebuild their lives and restore a sense of normalcy. The story portrays the resilience and determination of the people, highlighting their efforts to find hope and prosperity amidst the devastation of war. Overall, while "Cranes" portrays the destructive nature of war through personal conflict, "Tokyo" focuses on the resilience and rebuilding efforts in the aftermath of war. Through these different perspectives, both stories highlight the profound impact of war on individuals and societies.
