Soldier's Home

Harold Krebs is the protagonist of “Soldier’s Home.” Having recently served in World War I, Harold returns to his hometown in Oklahoma to live with his mother, father, and sisters. “Soldier’s Home” isn’t autobiographical, but given that Hemingway served in the war and was wounded, Harold’s character presumably reflects the conflicted feelings about the war experienced by the author and his peers.

Harold spends his days wandering around town aimlessly, looking at girls from a distance, and reading books on the front porch of his family’s home. Harold embodies the Lost Generation, which refers to young Americans who lacked direction after the war.

Harold is interested in the idea of having a girlfriend but doesn’t want to put in the effort to talk to young women. Rather than build a future for himself, he prefers to escape into books. He spends many afternoons playing pool in a dark bar, avoiding the late summer sunshine.

The main conflict concerns whether Harold will get a job and take responsibility for his life. His mother implores him to, and in a tense conversation, it is revealed that Harold’s parents are worried about his well-being. Since returning from the war, Harold has spent months wasting time, and his mother says that he will have to get a job and settle down.