Journal #18

1. What is the significance of the story’s title?

The title “In Another Country” literally shows that Hemingway is in a different country. He is in Italy. The title also refers to the rehab center where the wounded soldiers go to get treatment. All the men were health before the war but after being wounded they have to travel to this new place where they must accept that they can never be what they were before coming to this place. During this period of time the Allies were looked at a bad in Italy. So they are in essence in another country that dislikes their allegiance to a different cause.

2. Which character do you think best represents the “Hemingway hero”? Why?

The major Signor Majore best represents the “Hemingway Hero”. The “Hemingway Hero” is someone that is honorable and courageous, but who has suffered from pain and suffering. This person will suffer through the pain and continue in their heroic fashion even if they know that they cannot win. The Major has suffered a personal loss, with his wife dying, and he also has suffered a physical loss in losing the strength and skill with his hand. The Major’s injury occurred in the line of duty. His physical wound basically destroys the very being of the man before the war. The Major was the best fencer in Italy before the injury. He suffers the knowledge that he will never be able to be as good as he once was, without even complaining. The personal loss was harder on the Major but after a brief moment where he breaks down, he composes himself and continues on is a very stoic manner.

3. What can you infer about the photographs the doctor hangs up? What is the significance of the major’s reaction?

The images that the doctor hangs up, which depict wounds that have been healed by the machine, are used as encouragement. The images are supposed to be a morale booster for the injured soldiers. The Major’s reaction to the images is indifference. He does not actually believe that the machines work, so he simply accepts his lot in life.