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. Author’s Style “In Another Country” by Ernest Hemingway examples from the story
In "In Another Country" by Ernest Hemingway, the author uses various literary devices to emphasize the theme of uncertainty and the effects of war. Three significant devices that Hemingway employs in this short story are symbolism, juxtaposition, and repetition.
One example of symbolism can be found in the scene where the soldier and his fellow wounded comrades undergo the electromechanical treatment. The machine, with its strange buzzing noises and lack of human touch, symbolizes the dehumanizing impact of war. Hemingway describes how the soldiers undergo the treatment in a mechanical manner, devoid of any emotional connection or understanding of the purpose behind it. This symbolically represents the way war reduces individuals to mere numbers or objects, stripping them of their humanity.
Juxtaposition is another literary device used by Hemingway to highlight the theme of uncertainty. Throughout the story, the author contrasts the peaceful nature of the soldiers' surroundings with the harsh reality of the war they face. For instance, Hemingway describes the tranquil landscape outside the hospital, with its beautiful autumn leaves and river flowing calmly. This stands in stark contrast to the tensions, despair, and violence experienced by the soldiers inside as they struggle with uncertainty about their futures and the purpose of their sacrifices. This juxtaposition underscores the sense of disillusionment and confusion confronted by those involved in war.
Repetition is employed by Hemingway to emphasize the theme of loss and the fleeting nature of hope. The phrase "but this was the price one paid" is repeated several times throughout the story, symbolizing the soldiers' resignation to the sacrifices and losses they have experienced. This repetition serves to reinforce the idea that in the aftermath of war, individuals are often left grappling with the harsh reality of their sacrifices, reconciling with the fact that they may never fully understand or regain what they have lost.
The author's use of symbolism, juxtaposition, and repetition in "In Another Country" effectively contributes to the exploration of the theme of uncertainty and the consequences of war. Through these literary devices, Hemingway conveys the dehumanizing effects of war, the contrast between peace and violence, and the lasting impact of loss and sacrifice. Each device enhances the reader's understanding of the characters' experiences, providing insight into the challenging and often bewildering aftermath of war.