Journal 18

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

The story’s title is significant because it is taking place in a foreign country. He is also trying to learn Italian and finds it easy until he has to learn the grammar. This relates to the rehabilitation of his leg because he finds it easy when he works around it, but when he has to rebuild his leg it is more difficult. Their injuries set them apart from everyone else.

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

The character that best represents the “Hemingway hero” is the major. He is dealing with the most suffering because of the loss of his wife and his hand. He also suffers with grace and dignity because he realizes that it most likely will not be completely healed but he does not give up and continues to fight.

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

You can infer that the photographs that the doctor hangs up are not actually habilitated hands. It is possible to infer this because the narrator says that he was under the impression that they were the first to use the machines. The major reacts by not believe the images. This is significant because it shows that he realizes that he will most likely not get better, but he still continues to use the machines and tries to get better.