Prompt: In the story The Swallow and the Pumpkinseed, Nol Bu has different values than Heung Bu; these values drive the brothers’ actions and lead to different outcomes. Write an essay analyzing how the two brothers' actions develop a theme in the story. Use evidence from the folk tale to support your response (your thinking).
In the Korean folk tale "The Swallow and the Pumpkinseed," the two brothers, Nol Bu and Heung Bu, exemplify different values that drive their actions and ultimately lead to different outcomes. Nol Bu values material wealth and external appearances, while Heung Bu values kindness, family, and personal growth. These contrasting values develop a theme revolving around the consequences of greed and selfishness, and the rewards of compassion and humility.
Nol Bu's actions are driven by his desire for wealth and status. He is selfish and neglects his brother, Heung Bu, treating him poorly and not sharing his wealth with him. Nol Bu's greed leads him to make a deal with a swallow, who promises him riches in exchange for his nose. However, this decision ultimately backfires, as the swallow deceives Nol Bu and leaves him without his nose, symbolizing loss and emptiness caused by his insatiable desire for wealth.
On the other hand, Heung Bu's actions are driven by his values of kindness, empathy, and personal growth. Despite being mistreated by his brother, Heung Bu shows compassion to a wounded swallow and is rewarded when the swallow gifts him with a magical pumpkinseed that brings forth abundant wealth. Heung Bu uses his newfound riches to help others, including his neighbors and his brother, Nol Bu, who is suffering due to his own greed.
The contrasting outcomes for the two brothers highlight the theme of the consequences of greed and selfishness versus the rewards of compassion and humility. Nol Bu's actions driven by greed and selfishness lead to his downfall, while Heung Bu's actions grounded in kindness and personal growth lead to his prosperity and ultimately result in reconciliation with his brother.
In conclusion, the values and actions of Nol Bu and Heung Bu in "The Swallow and the Pumpkinseed" develop a theme focusing on the outcomes of greed and selfishness versus compassion and humility. The tale serves as a moral lesson on the importance of being kind, generous, and humble, as these qualities lead to true wealth and fulfillment, while greed and selfishness only result in loss and emptiness.