The central theme of "Cranes" by Hwang Sunwon is the enduring power and resilience of human love even in the face of war, displacement, and loss. The story tells the tale of a man who is separated from his family during the brutal realities and dislocations of the Korean War. Despite the devastating circumstances and his own personal struggles, he holds on to the cherished memory of his family, symbolized by the image of cranes that he sees throughout his journey. The recurring motif of the cranes reminds the protagonist and implies the enduring bond that unites families and the capacity of love to transcend the harshness of war and human suffering.
Tone:
The tone of "Cranes" is primarily somber and melancholic, reflecting the harsh realities of war and the sense of loss and separation that the characters endure. The story paints a vivid picture of the hardships faced by ordinary people caught in the midst of conflict, and it conveys a sense of tragedy and longing for the normalcy of life before the war. However, the tone is also tinged with hope and resilience as the protagonist continues to find solace and strength in the memory of his loved ones and the symbolism of the cranes, suggesting the capacity for human spirits to endure and persevere even in the darkest of times.