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Irony
Definition of Mood
The mood of a piece of writing is its general atmosphere or emotional complexion—in short, the array of feelings the work evokes in the reader. Every aspect of a piece of writing... read full definition
The mood of a piece of writing is its general atmosphere or emotional complexion—in short, the array of feelings the work evokes in the reader. Every aspect... read full definition
The mood of a piece of writing is its general atmosphere or emotional complexion—in short, the array of feelings the work evokes... read full definition
Mood
Explanation and Analysis:
"Soldier's Home" is a dark and contemptuous tale, centered around a protagonist who is often apathetic and indifferent to the day-to-day life of himself and his family. The story ends, however, on a note of optimism, although said optimism is more potential than actual.
The haunting aftereffects of war center the story, as Krebs returns home from fighting in World War I feeling out of step with the expectations of his family and the other men in his hometown. A pervasive disinterest in real life, and a marked change in attitude from his previous life before the war, are the most immediately revealed consequences of his time in the army.
Krebs spends most of the story not interested in starting a family, in getting a job, or in setting specific aims for his daily life, all of which contribute to the melancholic mood. At the end of the story, however, Krebs resolves to go watch his sister Helen play baseball, which she explains he would do if he loved her. By committing to such an act, Krebs demonstrates an affinity for his sister that is largely absent from his relationships with the other family he interacts with or discusses in the story. Similarly, the story ends with a promise to go get a job in Kansas City in order to make his mother happy, which leaves the reader feeling that Krebs's future will improve and his current plight is only temporary.
The reader never sees Krebs complete these promises, however, and as such, the hopeful ending is somewhat theoretical. "Soldier's Home" thus ends on an uncertain note, with reasons to be optimistic but no concrete evidence that Krebs will follow through on what he resolved to do.
