Comparing and Contrasting Two Short Stories

Sniper and Cranes

Despite being set in different contexts and time periods, "The Sniper" by Liam O'Flaherty and "Cranes" by Hwang Sun-won share similarities and differences in their portrayal of the theme of humanity, remorse, and perseverance.

Both stories depict the effects of war on humanity and how it can lead to dehumanization. In "The Sniper," the main character struggles with the moral implications of killing another human being, highlighting the loss of humanity in times of war. The narrator describes, "The lust of battle died in him. He became bitten by remorse" (O'Flaherty, 1923). Similarly, in "Cranes," the old friends on opposing sides of the conflict share a moment of humanity and connection despite their differences, showing that even in war, people can still empathize with one another. The narrator notes, "The blood that had surged up in the old man's heart subsided once again. The two old friends felt tears gather in their eyes" (Sun-won, 1953).

However, while "The Sniper" focuses on the internal struggle of the individual, "Cranes" highlights the impact of war on communities and relationships. The narrator in "Cranes" states, "For two days, the village had been bustling with the sound of farewells and departures" (Sun-won, 1953), demonstrating the widespread effects of war on a community.

Likewise, both stories feature characters who experience feelings of remorse for their actions during the war. In "The Sniper," the main character is consumed with guilt after he discovers that the person he killed was his own brother. He reflects, "He looked at his enemy falling and he shuddered with the terror of himself" (O'Flaherty, 1923). Likewise, in "Cranes," the soldier in charge of escorting his friend to be executed feels remorse for his role in the war and the death of his friend. The narrator describes, "The image of the young man, who had called him hyung so affectionately, lingered in his mind, and he couldn't help feeling a deep sense of remorse" (Sun-won, 1953).

However, in "The Sniper," the remorse is focused on the individual's actions, whereas in "Cranes," the soldier's remorse is tied to his larger role in the war and his participation in the execution of his friend.

Additionally, both stories feature characters who demonstrate perseverance in the face of adversity. In "The Sniper," the main character continues to fight despite being injured, showing his determination to complete his mission. The narrator states, "The sniper smiled and lifted his revolver above the edge of the parapet" (O'Flaherty, 1923). Similarly, in "Cranes," the old man refuses to give up on his mission to reunite with his friend, even though it puts him in danger. The narrator describes, "In front of him, the barbed wire was menacingly sharp, but the old man crawled forward as though he were made of iron" (Sun-won, 1953).