Soldiers Home

Paper Summary:

In this article, the writer introduces, discusses and analyzes the short story "Soldiers Home" by Ernest Hemingway. Specifically, it discusses how symbolic words, phrases, acts, objects and characters contribute to the over all understanding of the story. The writer notes that Hemingway's short story utilizes many elements of fiction to introduce the reader to the lasting effects war has on its participants. Further, the writer points out that Hemingway utilizes symbolism throughout the story to bring Krebs' tale alive and make his experiences real to the reader, as well. The writer maintains that without the symbolism, Hemingway's story would not have nearly the impact or importance.

From the Paper:

"His mother represents the spirituality Krebs lost in the war. It is hard to remain spiritual and believe in God when people are dying all around you. He is as indifferent to his mother's spiritualism as he is to everything else around him. His mother sees that he is drifting, but she has no real idea what he went through and what he saw, so he ignores her words and her worries. She also symbolizes the people back home who really have no idea what it is like to fight in a war. People see things they do not want to remember, and it can change them, just like it has changed Krebs."
"The other characters in the story are all pushing Krebs in directions he does not want to take. He does not want a job, does not want a girlfriend, and does not want to drive the car. He wants to be left alone, but he chooses to come back and live at home. That is the paradox in the story. He has lived on his own, and seen things he never thought he would see, and yet he comes home and attempts to take up life where he left off, which of course he can never do."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Hemingway, Ernest. "Soldier's Home." The Short Stories. New York: Simon & Schuster, 1995. 145-153.

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