Which sentences in this excerpt from Ernest Hemingway’s “In Another …

English Questions

Which sentences in this excerpt from Ernest Hemingway’s “In Another Country” illustrate the theme of psychological alienation caused by war?

Short Answer

The analysis highlights how war results in emotional detachment among soldiers, creating a disconnection from death and impacting their relationships with each other and civilians. Their shared experiences during combat lead to collective alienation and a profound sense of isolation, making reintegration into society challenging.

Step-by-Step Solution

Step 1: Understanding Emotional Detachment

The first quote illustrates the emotional distance experienced by soldiers in war. The character, described as having a “very pale face,” represents individuals who’ve been deeply affected by combat. His numerous medals reflect not just bravery, but a long exposure to danger, leading to a coping mechanism that creates detachment from death and mortality. This highlights how war alters a soldier’s perception and emotional state.

Step 2: Collective Alienation Among Soldiers

The second quote explicitly conveys a sense of disconnection felt by the soldiers. They describe themselves as “a little detached,” emphasizing their lack of deeper connections with one another. Their only bond‚ÄöAia shared routine at the hospital‚ÄöAifurther underscores the alienation from both their comrades and the broader world. This illustrates the psychological impact of war that strips them of meaningful relationships and shared experiences.

Step 3: Isolation from Civilian Society

The third quote communicates the isolation soldiers feel from civilians who cannot understand their experiences. The veterans find solace in a shared sense of incommunicable experiences, which alienates them from people who dislike or misunderstand them. This emphasizes the overarching theme of psychological alienation, where soldiers are unable to reintegrate into society after their traumatic experiences in war, leaving them feeling perpetually disconnected.

Related Concepts

Emotional Detachment

A coping mechanism that leads individuals to distance themselves from emotional pain and experiences, especially after traumatic events like war

Collective Alienation

A sense of disconnection and lack of meaningful relationships among individuals in a group, often experienced by soldiers who share similar traumatic experiences

Psychological Alienation

The feeling of isolation and disconnection from society or a community, particularly when one’s experiences are not understood by others, leading to an inability to reintegrate into civilian life.

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