Soldier’s Home: Dramatic Irony 1 key example

There are two distinct instances of dramatic irony at play, or a moment of irony which highlights the difference between the reader's understanding of an element of the story and the character's more complete understanding of that element. First, after proclaiming to not love his mother, Krebs himself suffers in order to make his mother feel better, as lying produces a feeling of nausea in Krebs but he nevertheless lies about loving her. Thus the very love for his mother that Krebs is lying about is seemingly demonstrated in choosing to tell that lie. This instance of dramatic irony suggests that Krebs might love his family more than he explicitly lets on, contributing to the optimistic tone of the story's ending.   

Secondly, the fact that the novel ends with Krebs resolving to go to Kansas City to find a job is ironic with the title of the text, which the reader is aware of, in mind. In "Soldier's Home," Krebs's homecoming from war turns into a departure from his hometown with ambiguous plans and an uncertain, yet hopeful, future. The ending of "Soldier's Home" is, ironically, a soldier leaving home. This instance of dramatic irony provides a bittersweet ending to the novel: Krebs may have a future in store for him, which is ultimately what his parents want for him, but that future is only available if he leaves his hometown.

Both instances of dramatic irony illustrate the tension between Krebs, his family, and his future. His love, or lack thereof, for his family results in a promise to leave his childhood home in a story that begins with his return back to it.