Reread the story. While you are reading, take notes and identify literary devices. Select a literary device or devices to analyze. Explain how the author’s use of this device is connected to the theme. You may choose to focus on one device throughout your paper or 3 different ones. You may also choose a device not listed below, as long as you can provide evidence to support it. “In Another Country” by Ernest Hemingway
Mood/Tone
In the short story "In Another Country" by Ernest Hemingway, the author effectively utilizes the literary device of mood/tone to convey the theme of despair and detachment caused by the consequences of war. Hemingway consistently establishes a melancholic and detached mood throughout the story, which contributes to the overall theme.
One instance where the mood/tone effectively reflects the theme is in the beginning of the story when the protagonist, a soldier, describes the empty streets of the town where he is stationed. He remarks, "the houses looked rather gray and faded and lonely..." (Hemingway). This description not only sets a gloomy mood but also represents the detachment the soldier feels from his surroundings. The use of the words "gray," "faded," and "lonely" further emphasizes the theme of despair and detachment caused by war.
Another example of mood/tone contributing to the theme can be seen when the soldier describes the hospital where he receives treatment for his injury. He states, "It was not a big hospital, but pleasantly painted and there were big palms in the garden" (Hemingway). The use of the word "pleasantly" suggests a facade of normalcy and comfort, contrasting with the underlying despair and detachment that the soldier experiences. Despite the pleasant appearance, the soldier still feels a sense of detachment and disconnect from his surroundings due to the physical and emotional scars of war.
Furthermore, Hemingway utilizes the device of mood/tone to highlight the theme of despair in the scene where the soldier interacts with the major, a fellow patient in the hospital. The major recounts his own experiences of war, including losing his wife and being unable to golf due to his injury. Hemingway describes the major's tone as "profoundly discouraged" (Hemingway), evoking a feeling of hopelessness. This somber mood creates a connection between the major and the soldier, as they both share a sense of despair caused by war.
In conclusion, the effective use of mood/tone in "In Another Country" contributes to the theme of despair and detachment caused by war. Hemingway's descriptions of the town, the hospital, and the interactions between characters all establish a mood of melancholy and detachment, which aligns with the emotional state of the soldiers who have experienced the consequences of war. Through the use of this literary device, Hemingway successfully conveys the profound impact war can have on individuals, both physically and emotionally.