Ruth Schenk
English 101B-12
11 September 2014
Breaking Point
Literature is moving. It is strong, and often leaves a lasting affect on those who are exposed to it. It can be a book, a play or even unfinished stories, but it is always described as written works that provoke emotion and have some merit. While literature can be the turning point of a writer’s career, in unison, it can be a life changing experience for the reader as well. Although it may be complex, literature can be broken down and stories or written works can be categorized as literature based on certain elements they may or may not contain. Literature is composed of elements such as plot, symbolism, setting, and themes. In the book “Literature a Portable Anthology”, a selection of shorts stories are compiled together. Of the stories, “Saboteur” by Ha Jin is a prime example of literature. Irony, foreshadowing, and plot structure are three very evident forms of literary elements in the story, and these prominent elements prove the story to be a work of literature.
Plot in any written work is very important. It gives …show more content…
Throughout the story both foreshadowing and irony are repeatedly used and they both help build on the piece of literature. When the story first begins, the author Ha Jin mentions Mr. Chiu’s health. He mentions the hepatitis, and although recovering Mr. Chiu was sick and worried about a relapse. This is the first example of foreshadowing, suggesting that it will be important for the reader to know. The repeated mention of the hepatitis is the true determination that foreshadowing is used in the story. While Mr. Chiu is jailed, he feels feverish and fears it might be his hepatitis. The guard carelessly states “Take it easy, you wont die”, while Mr. Chiu constantly reminds himself that he could relapse, and the most important thing is for him to keep