Buzz
Prompt: Analyze the significance of the broken tank yard in The Distant Boat
Sample essay: The Meaning Behind a Broken Tank Yard in The Distant Boat
Written Work
A wrecked tank yard - evidence that the war is not yet a distant memory. Despite the war being over, soldiers like Phung have tirelessly fought to bring freedom to the people, independence to the nation. However, he couldn't liberate impoverished women from hunger and the violence of family life.
The tank resembles a relic of destruction, plunging a nation into poverty and loss. It serves as a witness to the lives of fishermen, witnessing both the peaceful beauty and the violent actions of husbands. War has never been beautiful; the image of the tank - a symbol of war, has participated in concealing the husband's violent behavior. The scene of the husband violently assaulting his wife takes place behind the old tank yard, to shield their children from witnessing it, almost convincing Phung that the photo he captured was one of perfect beauty.
=> Conveying a lesson: to halt the 'war of the soul', the struggle against evil within is fiercer and more powerful than the fight against invading enemies.
