The protagonist experiences a sense of alienation from his hometown. He no longer feels connected to the people and the changes in society. Former values such as faith and hope in mankind are typically lost in modernist texts, which manifests as a form of alienation from culture and society.   "Now, you pray, Harold," she said. "I can't," Krebs said. "Try, Harold." "I can't." "Do you want me to pray for you?” (p. 8, ll. 195-200)

The conversation between Krebs and his mother in Soldier’s Home depicts how Krebs has lost his faith and belief. He is unable to connect with his former self as well as his mother. 

During World War I’s most bloody battles Krebs returns home where mainly his mother tries to get his life back on track. 

It is difficult because his view on the world has changed permanently, so he wont go play ball games, go on dates, or get an ordinary job. 

He doesn’t feel love in his heart and he can’t bring himself to lie and tell his mother he still loves her. He is also unable to pray with his mother when she asks him.

To stay in the town, to survive this time warp, Krebs must compromise his integrity; he must lie if he is to live among people who do not want to hear the truth.

"He had tried so to keep his life from being complicated. Still, none of it had touched him. He had felt sorry for his mother and she had made him lie." s. 8 l. 202-203

He is going to get a job and start a life for himself. Leaving all behind, because he does not feel like anyone understands him. 

"He had tried so to keep his life from being complicated.” 
He has been lying to everyone and that has not been his intention, it was only to get others attention, interest and accept, that you are good enough. 

"There would be one more scene maybe before he got away.”
He prepares himself for one more discussion before he leaves the house, and then he can continue the better life he had before the war. 

"He would go to Kansas City and get a job and she would feel all right about it" (p. 8, ll. 203-204).

Therefore he gets a job and goes to watch his sister play indoor baseball. He tries to fit in and to find a purpose with his life away from home. 

Soldiers home is putting serious and realistic themes up to discussion. The story is showing the backside of the war and the social complications of the homecoming soldiers.It is a story that discusses a very serious problem in society. A man’s life that has changed because of his experiences in the war, and a description of how the man and the rest of the society are dealing with the post war depression. One of the most important elements of modernism is the inner disruption and the feeling of meaninglessness and emptiness. We see Krebs need for a simple life without complications in the following quote: “He did not want any consequences. He did not want any consequences ever again. He wanted to live along without consequences.” (p. 64 l. 65)

"It wasn't any good. He couldn't tell her, he couldn't make her see it. It was silly to have said

it. He had only hurt her. He went over and took hold of her arm. She was crying with her head in her hands. "I didn't mean it," he said".

"He had felt sorry for his mother and she had made him lie. He would go to

Kansas City and get a job and she would feel all right about it. "

He ran… but then he fell

I said yes, she said no



Facebook relationship status turned to complicated

Quickly... she changed “is” to “was”.

Real sisters and a used cup