E. Hemingway’s Short Story Soldier’s Home: Analyzing Mr. Krebs

Introduction

This is a story about one ex-soldier; Mr. Krebs is the one that is focused on here. The story explores this ex-soldier’s experience in the war zone during the First World War and examines the situation in his hometown after returning from the war. This narrative is rather a poignant one. The emotions of the lead character, Mr. Krebs, the ex-soldier, reveal a deeply depressed man. He is struggling with his psychological well-being due to the negative emotions that afflicted him after the war. Having found a vastly different situation at home, he ends up unable to fit into the new society well. Consequently, he becomes even more depressed.

Analysis of Social Order

In Ernest Hemingway’s short story "Soldier’s Home," the lead character seems to be challenging the established social order. He resists the commonly held practice of getting married. The effects of the war zone made him believe and feel that he could actually live without a wife. The soldier’s sisters and mother are trying to encourage him to get married and find a job like the rest of the members of society. The majority in this case affirms the social order that requires people to get married and establish homes. From this story, the fact that there is a popular public debate on whether or not to get married is quite evident. There is a clear indication that most contemporary mindsets support the idea of people getting married and having stable homes. They also believe in the notion of being employed to have a good life. This is seen from the fact that Mr. Krebs' mother has constantly urged him to get married.

Additional insights can be drawn from examining the internal conflict Mr. Krebs experiences. He is torn between the expectations of society and his own disillusionment with these conventions. The war has altered his perception of reality and the values he once held dear, leaving him in a state of existential crisis. This conflict is emblematic of the broader struggles faced by many veterans returning from war, highlighting the theme of alienation and the search for meaning in a changed world.

Personal Reflection

From my historical readings and understanding of the subject under discussion, I am likely to view Mr. Krebs as an irrational man. The fact that I have always fed my mind with information contrary to Mr. Krebs makes it easy for me to find him irrational. This story presents the notion of questioning the status quo. There is a scapegoat that many of Mr. Krebs’ category use: the illusion of independence of thought. That is why they choose not to get married. Mr. Krebs, the protagonist in this story, undergoes an archetypal transformation after the war experience. This transformation underscores the profound impact war has on individuals, altering their identities and reshaping their views on life and relationships.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Ernest Hemingway’s "Soldier’s Home" offers a compelling exploration of the psychological and social challenges faced by veterans. Mr. Krebs’ journey illustrates the struggle to reconcile personal experiences with societal expectations, a theme that resonates with many individuals who have faced similar life-altering events. The story invites readers to reflect on the complexities of human emotion and the enduring impact of war on the human psyche.

References

• Hemingway, E. (1925). Soldier’s Home. In In Our Time. New York: Boni & Liveright.
• Smith, J. (2010). The Impact of War on Identity: An Analysis of Hemingway's Soldier’s Home. Journal of Literature and War, 5(2), 123-134.