Question

Complete the reading and activities.

Check your understanding of important concepts.
Read the summaries of the short stories below. Select one of the following short stories to read and analyze for the hero's journey archetype. You may locate your selected story online or contact your teacher for assistance.
Written in 1953 and set during the Korean War, "Cranes" focuses on people's conflict when forced to choose sides. Childhood friends Tokchae and Songsam must come to terms with their differences to heal the hurt of war.

Answer 1

Summary of the short story "Cranes":

"Cranes" is set during the Korean War and centers around the conflict experienced by two childhood friends, Tokchae and Songsam. The story delves into the theme of choosing sides during times of war and how it impacts personal relationships. Tokchae is a communist sympathizer, while Songsam is on the side of the South Korean government.

As the two friends cross paths again after being separated by the war, they find themselves on opposing sides, reflecting the broader division within the country. However, despite their differences, the bond of their childhood friendship still lingers, creating a sense of tension and conflict.

The story explores the struggle of reconciliation as Tokchae is set to be executed by the Southern forces. Songsam is faced with a moral dilemma, torn between his duty as a soldier and his emotional connection with his childhood friend. In the end, Songsam decides to help Tokchae escape, prioritizing their friendship over his allegiance to the military.

The narrative of "Cranes" serves as a poignant commentary on the complexities of war, the consequences of choosing sides, and the enduring power of friendship amidst such conflicts.

**Activities:

Analyzing the Hero's Journey Archetype:

Now that you have read the summaries of the short stories, select "Cranes" to analyze for the hero's journey archetype. The hero's journey is a narrative pattern found in many myths, legends, and stories, depicting the journey of a protagonist who embarks on an adventure, faces challenges, undergoes transformation, and returns home with newfound wisdom. Identify and describe the stages of the hero's journey present in "Cranes."

Themes and Symbolism:

Explore the themes and symbolism in the short story "Cranes." Consider how the characters' conflict reflects the broader theme of division and reconciliation during war. Analyze the symbolism of the cranes and how they represent hope, peace, and the fragility of friendship in the midst of turmoil.

Personal Reflection:

Connect the themes of "Cranes" to real-life situations or historical events where people have faced similar conflicts of choosing sides during war or social upheaval. Reflect on the impact of such divisions on personal relationships and society as a whole. Consider how the story's message of reconciliation and prioritizing humanity over conflict can be applied to modern-day situations.

Remember to utilize evidence and specific examples from the story to support your analysis and reflections. Happy reading and exploring the world of "Cranes"!

Answer 2

I’m glad you are interested in reading and analyzing short stories for the hero’s journey archetype. The hero’s journey is a common narrative pattern that involves a hero who goes on an adventure, faces a crisis, and then returns home transformed. It is a universal story structure that can be found in many cultures and genres.

You have chosen to read “Cranes” by Hwang Sun-won, a Korean writer who lived through the Japanese occupation and the Korean War. His story is set in a small village near the 38th parallel, the border that divided North and South Korea after the war. The story explores the themes of friendship, loyalty, and reconciliation in the midst of political and ideological conflict.

To help you analyze the story for the hero’s journey archetype, you can use the following questions as a guide:

Who is the protagonist or hero of the story? What is his ordinary world?

What is the call to adventure that sets him on his journey? How does he react to it?

Who are his allies and enemies along the way? How do they help or hinder him?

What are the challenges and tests that he faces? How does he overcome them?

What is the supreme ordeal or crisis that he must face? How does he survive or resolve it?

What is the reward or boon that he gains from his journey? How does it change him or his situation?

How does he return to his ordinary world? How does he share his reward or wisdom with others?

You can also use the following graphic organizer to help you visualize the stages of the hero’s journey in “Cranes”.