Bryan Reyes

Professor: Whitney
Composition 2
March 8, 2023.

Title: The Psychological Effects of War on Soldiers in “Soldier’s Home” by Ernest Hemingway.

“Soldier’s Home” is a short story by Ernest Hemingway, first published in 1925. The story
follows Harold Krebs, a young soldier who has returned home to his small town in Oklahoma
after serving in World War I. While his family and friends try to welcome him back, Krebs finds it
difficult to readjust to civilian life and struggles with the trauma and isolation he experienced
during the war. In “Soldier’s home.” Hemingway depicts the disillusionment, alienation, and
psychological effects of war on soldiers through the experiences of Harold Krebs, revealing the
lasting impact of trauma on those who have served in combat.

Krebs’ disillusionment with his hometown is evident throughout the story. He finds it difficult to
relate to the people around him, and they find it difficult to understand him. He no longer
enjoys the activities he once did, and he feels a sense of detachment from the town and the
people in it. There is evidence of this when Hemingway says, “By the time Krebs returned to his
hometown in Oklahoma, the greeting of heroes was over.” Additionally, Krebs’ disillusionment
extends to his relationships. He is unable to connect with women and finds himself at a loss for
words when he is with them; evidence of this in the story is when the narrator says, “Vaguely
he would have liked to have a girl, but he did not want to have to work to get her. He would
have like to have a girl, but he did not want to have to spend a long time getting her”. The army
has taught him that he does not need a girl. One of the things that Krebs liked about Germany
was that he didn’t need to talk to German girls. This was probably due to the language barrier
between American soldiers and Europe girls. Back in his town in Oklahoma, he would have to
start a conversation with a girl, which he feels could be difficult. This disillusionment is rooted in
Krebs’ experiences in the war. His time on the front lines has changed him and his world view,
making it difficult for him to find joy in the things that once made him happy.

Krebs’ isolation from his family and friends is another significant theme in the story. He finds it
challenging to connect with those around him, even his family. He is detached and uninterested
in the conversations they have, and they, in turn, do not understand him. In a conversation,
Krebs tells her mother, “I don’t love anybody.” Another piece of evidence of this is when the
narrator says, “He had tried so to keep his life from being complicated. Still none of it had
touched him” (Hemingway). This sense of alienation is further exacerbated by the societal
pressures that Krebs faces. He is expected to return from the war as a hero, but he does not
feel like one. He does not want to talk about his experiences, nor does he feel like he fits in with
the society he left behind. Evidence of this is found at the story's beginning when Krebs returns
from war, and Hemingway says, “People seemed to think it was rather ridiculous for Krebs to
be getting back so late, years after the war was over.” In the same paragraph in the story, the
narrator mentions that “Later he (Krebs) felt the need to talk (about the war), but no one
wanted to hear about it” (Hemingway).
Hemingway also explores the psychological effects of war on soldiers through Krebs’
experiences. Krebs seems to struggle with PTSD, a condition that was not yet recognized during
Hemingway’s time. He has nightmares, avoids situations that remind him of the war, and
struggles with anxiety and depression. During the story, Harold Krebs shows signs of
depression. One of these is when Hemingway says, “He wanted to live along without
consequences,” referring to Krebs's demotivation about girls and getting along with the people
of the town. However, he has no outlet for these feelings because he does not feel he can talk
about his experiences. This reflects the stigma surrounding mental health in the aftermath of
WWI, a stigma that would persist for decades.

In “Soldier’s Home, Hemingway depicts the adversity of a soldier veteran adjusting to life at
home after a war. Krebs’ struggles are not unique, and they continue to affect soldiers today.
This story serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who serve in the military and the
importance of acknowledging and treating the psychological wounds of war.