Choose a fictional piece of literature from the list below only and write an essay:
“In Another Country” by Ernest Hemingway
“The Chrysanthemums” by John Steinbeck
“The Black Ball” by Ralph Ellison
“Why, You Reckon?” by Langston Hughes
“Mending Wall” by Robert Frost
In Another Country by Ernest Hemingway
Ernest Hemingway's short story "In Another Country" explores the psychological aftermath of war and the impact it has on individuals. Set in an Italian hospital during World War I, the story follows an unnamed narrator, who is also a soldier recovering from war injuries, as he interacts with other wounded soldiers and reflects on the debilitating effects of war. Through the use of symbolism and characterization, Hemingway portrays the turmoil and loss experienced by soldiers during and after war.
One of the central themes of "In Another Country" is the alienation experienced by soldiers due to their physical and emotional injuries. The narrator, alongside three other soldiers, visits the hospital regularly for treatment using a machine that is supposed to help heal their injuries. However, as they observe each other's lack of progress and the sheer weight of their painful pasts, the narrator highlights the profound sense of isolation they endure: "Sometimes we were hard on them. But....they were different from us. Whatever it was that happened to them, though, it happened to all of us."
The recurring motif of the machine in the story represents not only the physical healing process but also the psychological detachment experienced by the soldiers. This detachment is epitomized by the major, a war hero who has received several medals for his bravery. Despite his physical presence, the major remains emotionally distant from the other soldiers, symbolizing the emotional barriers that war erects. The narrator admits, "We knew we would be lonely, but we didn't know we would be this lonely."
Additionally, Hemingway emphasizes the sense of displacement that soldiers experience upon returning from war. The narrator describes his alienation from his own country, stating, "In the fall, the war was always there, but we did not go to it any more...We would walk through the streets of Milan and stop for a coffee. It was not like being in the war."
Through the characters, Hemingway demonstrates the profound effects war has on the human psyche. The soldiers are deeply scarred, both physically and emotionally, and struggle to reconcile their experiences with their former lives. Hemingway's sparse and precise prose further accentuates the sense of loss and displacement, reflecting the emotional weight that war places on individuals.
The powerful message of "In Another Country" lies in the universal experiences that soldiers endure regardless of the war or conflict in which they are involved. Hemingway demonstrates the long-lasting impact war has on individuals and the challenges they face in returning to civilian life. The story serves as a reminder of the invisible wounds that soldiers bear and the compassion needed to support and understand them.
"In Another Country" continues to be a poignant reminder of the toll war takes on the human spirit. Hemingway's exploration of alienation, displacement, and the lasting effects of war elevates this short story beyond a mere war narrative. It serves as a profound reflection on the universal human condition and the resilience of individuals in the face of adversity.