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 of the story in one word
The story "In Another Country" by Ernest Hemingway can be described in one word as melancholic. The overall mood and tone of the story are somber and reflective, evoking a sense of sadness and loss throughout.
One literary device that Hemingway uses in the story is symbolism. Symbolism is the use of objects, characters, or actions to represent abstract ideas or qualities. In "In Another Country," the author employs the symbol of the medals to convey the theme of the futility of war and the loss of identity.
The protagonist, an American soldier who is recovering from a war injury, notices the decorations and medals on the walls of the hospital. These medals symbolize the external recognition of courage and heroism, but they also represent the weight of war and the emptiness that comes from seeking validation through external accolades. The character's detachment from his own identity and the loss of meaningful purpose in his life are emphasized by the repetition of the phrase "That was all right" throughout the story.
Hemingway uses this symbolism to highlight the theme that the true meaning of life cannot be found in external validation or material possessions. The medals, despite their significance, fail to provide the protagonist with a sense of belonging or purpose. By connecting the symbol of medals with the theme of the futility of war and the loss of identity, Hemingway conveys a deeper message about the human condition and the impact of war on individuals.
Another literary device used in the story is irony. Irony is when there is a contrast between what is expected and what actually occurs. In "In Another Country," the author employs irony to underscore the devastating effects of war on the characters' lives.
The protagonist is in a foreign country, surrounded by people who are also recovering from war injuries. Despite being in the same physical and emotional condition, the characters display a lack of genuine connection or understanding. This ironic situation highlights the isolation and emotional disconnect experienced by the soldiers, emphasizing the theme of the alienation caused by war.
Additionally, the title itself, "In Another Country," holds ironic significance. It implies a sense of distance and separation from one's home and a longing for a place where one truly belongs. However, even though the characters are physically in another country, they still experience a sense of alienation and detachment, highlighting the irony that their physical location does not provide a true escape from their emotional turmoil.
The final literary device employed in the story is foreshadowing. Foreshadowing is when an author hints or suggests future events. Hemingway uses foreshadowing to create a sense of impending loss and sadness throughout the story.
One example of foreshadowing in "In Another Country" is when the American soldier observes the major's hands. The major's hands are described as "small" and "delicate," and the protagonist notes that the major cannot play the game of billiards "anymore." This foreshadows the later revelation that the major has lost both his hand and his ability to play the game due to the war.
By using foreshadowing, Hemingway creates a sense of inevitability and sorrow, highlighting the theme of the irreversible and devastating impact of war on individuals. The foreshadowing serves to heighten the emotional impact of the major's loss and emphasizes the larger theme of the tragic consequences of war.
In conclusion, the story "In Another Country" by Ernest Hemingway evokes a melancholic mood and tone, which is connected to the themes of the futility of war, the loss of identity, and the devastating effects of war on individuals. Hemingway uses various literary devices such as symbolism, irony, and foreshadowing to convey these themes and amplify the emotional impact of the story.