Question

In the cranes what does songsam recall in the two flashbacks to his childhood? explain how these memories motivate songsam's actions in the present.

Answer 1

Songsam's flashbacks in 'The Cranes' include attempting to free a crane and stealing chestnuts with Tokchae, symbolizing their lost innocence and camaraderie. These memories influence Songsam to release Tokchae in a compassionate act that reconnects with their shared childhood.

Step-by-step explanation:

In The Cranes, Songsam recalls two defining moments from his childhood during his flashbacks. The first memory is of tying up a crane and attempting to set it free with Tokchae, which ultimately fails. The second memory is of stealing chestnuts from an American missionary's house with Tokchae. They both ended up with severe stomach aches after eating too many chestnuts. These recollections are significant as they highlight the innocence and camaraderie of Songsam and Tokchae's youth before the war and ideological conflicts that would later separate them.

These memories motivate Songsam by reminding him of the bond he once shared with Tokchae. In the present, faced with the decision of what to do with Tokchae, a former friend turned enemy prisoner, Songsam chooses compassion over duty. Moved by these powerful memories, he decides to set Tokchae free by allowing him to escape, much like he had wished to free the crane in their youth. This act of humanity overcomes the barriers erected by the war, reigniting a sense of the past friendship and shared experiences.

Answer 2

The "Cranes" is a short story book written by Hwang Sunwon. The story is set in Korea during the Korean War and focuses on two childhood friends, Songsam and Tokchae, who are on opposite sides during the war. Songsam has two flashbacks of his childhood memories with his friend Tokchae, where he remembers how they used to climb the trees and catch cranes. These flashbacks act as a reminder of the times he had spent with his friend and the importance of this friendship. As a result, these memories motivate him to let Tokchae free.