The Good Soldiers And Sun-Won's Cranes

David Finkel’s “The Good Soldiers” and Hwang Sun-won’s “Cranes” explore the internal conflicts faced during the Korean War. The actions and feelings of the main characters in both stories influence the major decisions they have to make. Through the use of characterization and mood, both texts demonstrate that decency can be found even in war, and rules can be broken for the sake of doing what is right, even if it means choosing not to comply with strict orders. The mood of “The Good Soldiers” leaves the reader with a sense of relief. As shown on page 120, lines 148–150, “A mother whose home was ruined kissing her daughter's face and a father whose home was ruined kissing his daughter's hand.” This relates to the author's purpose by showing

Another mood at the conclusion is joy in “The Good Soldiers.” It makes the reader feel delighted and warm-hearted as the soldier is trying his best so the little girl can be saved. The author states this on page 120, lines 150–151: “A little girl whose home was ruined saying something in Arabic that caused her family to smile.” It connects to the topic because the quote shows how, even though the little girl’s home was ruined, she and her family were still gathered together, grateful to still have each other, regardless of their current situation. In the story Izzy's character is shown as a trustworthy character, which helps explain why Cummings acts as he does later in the story. The author highlights Izzy’s closeness by saying, “Izzy was the one Kaularich had come closest to and who had come to represent all the reasons Kaularich continued to find faith in the goodness of the Iraqis.” Kaularich’s respect and trust in Izzy makes Izzy seem more important and

He ran toward the family as other soldiers reached the girl.” Even though Cummings realized he had guessed the wrong daughter, he did not turn away the medical care just to follow protocol. He stayed by the family’s side until he knew the young girl was getting the care she needed, no matter if she was American or Iraqis. In “Cranes,” the story’s ending brings a mood of closure as Song-sam chooses to collaborate with his own conscience rather than comply strictly with his job’s expectations. In line 109, Song-sam says, “Hey, how come you are just standing there? Go flush a crane.” This shows how Song-sam realizes that if he were to execute Tok-chae, he would be taking him away from his wife and their unborn child. With Tok-chae being his close friend from youth, Song-sam couldn’t bear the contemptible thought of being responsible for his friend’s death. Therefore, Song-sam believes he is making the right choice by letting Tok-chae go, no matter the consequences he might face for failing to comply with his orders. The readers feel relieved by Song-sam’s decision, understanding that, sometimes, it’s better to do the right thing than strictly follow the