Analysis of A Soldier's Home by Ernest Hemingway

The short story Soldier's Home by Ernest Hemingway is a thought provoking look into a soldier's life, before and after a major war. Just as opinions vary on the topic of war, opinions also vary in responses to this story. This story leaves much to interpretation as the reader gets farther and farther into Krebs' world and the emotions that he is struggling with. The interpretation by the readers can be summed up as both feelings of sorrow for Krebs and aggravation that Krebs will not get over his past and continue on with his future.

My own interpretation was written as a person who served in the military but never was involved in a war. The military changes many things in a young person; in fact "military service in general is enough to change a person's life, a person's views, and even a person's religion" ("reader", response 19). I felt sorrow for Krebs. The young boy enlisted in the Marines to help his country. In this process he became a man as he was subjected to the horrors of World War I. His life was changed, changed so drastically that upon his return to this small town, his life no longer fit in its former place. Krebs became confused and reclusive as he struggled to find a place, a place not only in his town, but also with his family. Life was no longer simple for Krebs, things that had been simple prior to his leaving had suddenly become complicated, and "He did not want them themselves really. They were too complicated" (154) in reference to his women issues. His sorrowful situation led many readers to formulate their responses based on his life and the complications he now endures.

Although reader 1 seemed not to have been in the military they came to the same conclusion as me, "I felt such sympathy for Krebs because he seemed so lost and confused" ("reader", response 1). The reader goes on to compare Krebs' trouble with the trouble Vietnam veterans endured upon their arrival back home. This is understandable as it gives people in my generation something to relate this story to.