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
Author’s Purpose of the story in one word
The author’s purpose of the story “In Another Country” by Ernest Hemingway can be described in one word as "alienation."
One literary device that the author uses to convey this theme of alienation is irony. Irony is the contrast between what is expected or what appears to be and what actually is. In the story, the main character, who is a soldier, is in a foreign country, away from his home and loved ones. He is physically and emotionally detached from his surroundings and feels separate from the people around him. This sense of isolation is further emphasized by the fact that he is receiving treatment for a war injury, which sets him apart from the other soldiers in the hospital. The irony lies in the fact that even though he is surrounded by people who are also experiencing loss and physical hardships, he feels completely alone. This irony highlights the theme of alienation, as the main character is unable to connect with the people and the world around him.
Another literary device that Hemingway employs in the story is symbolism. Symbolism is the use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities. In "In Another Country," the symbol that represents the theme of alienation is the medal that the main character receives. The medal is described as "the big silver medal of Italian valor" (Hemingway). It is meant to signify heroism and bravery, but it becomes a bitter reminder of the main character's isolation. While others see the medal as a symbol of honor, the main character sees it as a symbol of emptiness and disillusionment. It represents the gap between the reality of war and the idealized image of heroism. The symbolism of the medal underscores the theme of alienation, as it highlights the main character's disconnect from the values and beliefs of those around him.
Lastly, Hemingway employs the literary device of point of view to convey the theme of alienation in the story. The story is told from the perspective of the main character, allowing the reader to experience his feelings of detachment and estrangement firsthand. Through this limited perspective, the reader is able to understand the main character's sense of loneliness and isolation. The point of view also emphasizes the main character's struggle to find meaning and purpose in a world that seems foreign and distant. By using this point of view, Hemingway effectively conveys the theme of alienation and allows the reader to empathize with the main character's experience.
In conclusion, the author's purpose in the story "In Another Country" is to explore the theme of alienation. Hemingway employs various literary devices such as irony, symbolism, and point of view to depict the main character's sense of isolation and detachment. These devices enhance the reader's understanding of the theme and the main character's struggle to find connection in a foreign land.