"Soldier's Home" by Ernest Hemingway
             Ernest Hemingway's "Soldier's Home" explains the life of a soldier after his return from World War 1. Harold Krebs quickly discovers that his small hometown is no longer home. The war has changed him; he is confused about life and feels like he no longer fits in.
             Krebs returned home much later than all the other soldiers, so he missed the welcome home celebration. "He had come back too late. The other soldiers of the town who had been drafted first had all been welcomed upon their return" (Hemingway 298). Immediately he feels left out and separated. This passage also singles Krebs out in that his late return resulted from his choice to join the army. Enlisting was "atypical" to his small hometown (Lamb 21). The townspeople had already heard too many exciting stories to believe the true stories about the war.
             At first, he does not want to talk about the war, but then he begins to lie about his war adventures. "Krebs found that to be listened to at all he had to lie," (Hemingway 298). Krebs feels "nauseous" when he lies, but thinks that he needs to so he will be appreciated for his bravery (Old 3). Harold thinks that he no longer fits in with his hometown, so he tells lies to feel like he is accepted again. World War 1 had brought major changes in the world, and they definitely changed Harold Krebs (Old 5).
             "Nothing was changed in the town except the young girls had grown up." (Hemingway 298). Harold would have like to have a girl, but did want to have to work to get her. The army had basically brainwashed Krebs into thinking that there is no need for women; they only cause trouble. "It was all right to pose as though you had a girl. Nearly everybody did that. You did not need a girl... He had learned that in the army."(Old 7). Harold naturally wants the girls, but
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