Journal #18

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

The significance of the title is that an American WWII survivor who is injured is literally in another country and is subsequently alienated due to him not being Italian. These officers are located in another country because they are alienated in the Communist quarter even though they are Italian. A bond was formed between the men because all of them were alienated in some way, causing isolation.

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

In the story, the major is obviously the Hemingway hero because he is suffering from the loss of his wife and also his hand injury. His physical injury will keep him from his professional fencing, and is the character that is suffering the most. The major feels as if the machines will not make a difference and understood that you cannot avoid defeat and you need to grasp the things that are permanent. The Hemingway hero is characterized with stoicism and is a person who suffers with grace and dignity.

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

I can infer that the photos are fake since the soldiers are the first people to use the machines and are for motivational purposes only to give the soldiers false hope. The major ultimately refused to look at the pictures and stared out of the window, later giving up and walking out.