Saboteur
The story of “Saboteur” by Ha Jin is about Mr. Chiu Maguang, a lecturer from Harbin University, who was wrongly accused and imprisoned by the police for the crime of sabotage. According to the police, he did public disturbance by shouting in the square to gain attention and refused to obey the police. He refused to sign the papers which caused him to stay a few more days in prison. While in prison, Mr. Chiu had a fever and a flare up, possibly due to his current liver condition which is hepatitis. One morning, he was awakened by the commotion outside and found out that his former student, who is also a lawyer, named Fenjin, was being punished by the police and was sent to him to bail him out of jail. Mr. Chiu was interrogated …show more content…
Chiu took upon himself to revenge to those who have done wrong to him by spreading his disease. He became a “saboteur” himself, just like the police who accused him of sabotage. In the book, it says, “In his chest he felt as though there were a bomb. If he were able to, he would have razed the entire police station and eliminated all their families” (666). The external conflict in the story was when Mr. Chiu experienced injustice from the police who falsely accused and imprisoned him for crimes he did not commit. Mr. Chiu spoke to the police, “Comrade Policemen your duty is to keep order, but you purposely tortured us common citizens. Why violate the law you are supposed to enforce?” (661). On the first interrogation, the police wanted Mr. Chiu to admit that it was his fault why he’s in prison. The chief said, “Now you have to admit you are guilty. Although it’s a serious crime, we won’t punish you severely, provided you write out a self-criticism and promise that you won’t disrupt the public order again. In other words, your release will depend on your attitude toward this crime” (663). Mr. Chiu disagreed with the police. He said, “I won’t write a word, because I’m innocent” (663). On the last interrogation, Mr. Chiu was left with no choice but to sign his name and put his thumbprint on the document so he and Ferjin can be …show more content…
There are people out there who’ve been hurt and taken advantage by others or by someone powerful that they feel helpless to fight back. Instead of seeking justice the right way, people tend to revenge to those who hurt or oppress them. Revenge is not the best solution to a problem, as it destroys the person himself or herself by becoming the perpetrator of evil. Revenge not only destroys the person who is avenging, but it also destroys, affects and causes harm to other people who are involved and not involved in the