Question

Write a fully developed paragraph that contrasts the effects of war in two of the following works: "Cranes," "Thoughts of Hanoi," and "Tokyo."

Answer 1

In "Cranes" and "Tokyo," the effects of war are portrayed in contrasting ways. In "Cranes," war brings destruction and loss, exemplified by the friendship between two childhood friends torn apart by opposing sides in the Korean War. The village they once shared is now a battlefield, and the innocence and simplicity of their past is shattered by the brutality of war. On the other hand, in "Tokyo," the effects of war are more subtle and internalized. The protagonist, a young girl living in post-war Japan, is haunted by the memories of her father who never returned from the war. She grapples with the emotional scars left by his absence, and the lingering impact of war on her family and community. Through these contrasting works, the devastating and enduring effects of war are vividly captured, showcasing how it shapes individuals and societies in different ways.