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. Symbolism “In Another Country” by Ernest Hemingway in one word
Symbolism.
Ernest Hemingway's short story "In Another Country" is rich with symbolism, which adds depth to the narrative and helps convey the central theme of the story – the devastating impact of war on both a personal and societal level.
One of the most prominent symbols in the story is the war medals. In the opening paragraphs, the narrator describes the medals he and his fellow soldiers received for their service in World War I. He lists the different types of medals, including those given for bravery and "those we received simply because we were Americans." These medals serve as a symbol of honor and recognition, representing the sacrifices and valor of those who served. However, their true value is called into question when the major, who himself is decorated with numerous medals, reveals that he has received them not for bravery and heroism in battle but for simply being injured and losing his money. This revelation highlights the emptiness and senselessness of war, where true bravery and valor are not always rewarded or acknowledged.
Another symbol that permeates the story is the machine used for treating the wounded soldiers. The machine is described as futuristic and mechanical, using electrical shocks and vibrations to supposedly aid in the recovery of the injured soldiers. However, it becomes clear that the machine is ineffective and offers no real healing or comfort to those to whom it is applied. The machine serves as a powerful symbol of the ineffectiveness and dehumanization of war. It represents the cold, mechanical nature of violence and the futile attempts to heal the physical and emotional wounds caused by it.
Furthermore, the statue of the King serves as a symbol of the oppressive nature of war and its impact on society. The statue is described as being located in "that square crowded with statues of kings and ‘great men’ of history." The presence of the statue suggests a glorification of war and power, while the narrator feels disconnected from the statue and its significance. He sees it as a lifeless and irrelevant symbol, indifferent to the suffering and loss that war brings. This symbolizes the disconnect between the self-perceived heroism of those in power and the devastating consequences experienced by ordinary soldiers and citizens.
Overall, the author's use of symbolism in "In Another Country" underscores the destructive nature of war. The war medals, the ineffective machine, and the statue of the King all serve as powerful symbols that contribute to the central theme of the story, which is the emotional and physical devastation caused by war. These symbols demonstrate the emptiness, dehumanization, and disconnect associated with war, highlighting the ultimate meaninglessness of the violence and sacrifice it entails, and urging readers to consider the true cost of conflict.