Kenneth McWilliams
English 102
Professor Salsich
4/21/10

A Rude Awakening:
Looking for Trees in the Midst of a Forrest

Awakening, as defined by Dictionary.com, is the recognition, realization, or coming into awareness of something. This theme of awakening is an underlying theme of the three essays discussed in this essay. Ernest Hemingway, acclaimed writer and winner of the 1954 Nobel Prize in Literature, discusses a soldier’s struggle to find his “place” following his return from war in “Soldier’s Home”. Additionally Ralph Ellison, writer and professor, describes the awakening of a child when exposed to various forms of racism. Lastly, Sarah Orne Jewett, American novelist and short story writer, shows the transformation of the main character as she becomes self-aware.

Transitioning into society is still a common theme and relevant issue with many soldiers today. Hemingway in “Soldier’s Home,” discusses a soldier’s struggle to find his “place” following his return home. The soldier’s first identity crises, is directly contributed to the extended period between the end of the war and the soldiers return home. By the time he returned home “the reaction had set in” and Krebs (the main character) did not receive the hero’s welcoming that he felt he deserved. His problems were further exacerbated by the town’s people who felt that “it was ridiculous for Krebs to be getting back so late.” Furthermore, his experience with women while in the army now conflicts with expectations both internally and externally. Krebs stated that American girls “were too complicated,” and that he did not want to deal with “the intrigue and politics” of dating. Krebs mother added external pressure when she stated “the boys are all settling down; they’re all determined to get somewhere.” Additionally, Krebs found it difficult to relate to people following his return home. People were exposed to so many war related stories, that when Krebs “felt the need to talk […] no one wanted to hear about it.” Krebs’ internal conflict and desire to fit in, forced Krebs to lie about his war experience, leading to his own “reaction against the war and against talking about it.” Hemingway masterfully showed how Krebs’ poor timing, attitude toward women, and inability to relate to others, were instrumental in Krebs’ attempt to fit-in.

Similarly, Ralph Ellison’s short story “Battle Royal,” describes the awakening of a child when exposed to various forms of racism. Initially, Ellison describes how racism experienced by the main characters grandfather influenced his early life. On his death bed, his grandfather talked about racism as if it was a war, a war they had lost, and now he had to “keep up the good fight.” The grandfather labeled his own behavior as “treachery,” which led to confusion in the boy “when [he] was praised for [his] conduct.” Additionally, he was further enlightened by the outward display of racism by the leaders of the community. During the battle royal the school superintendent used a derogatory term stating, “Bring up the shines, gentleman! Bring up the little shines!” He was shocked that “they were all there – bankers, lawyers, judges, doctors, fire chiefs, teachers, merchants;” all to participate in this racist event. Furthermore, the racism of the men transformed them into instruments of hate; ultimately forcing them to act on each other. He was told, “if you don’t get him, I’m going to get you. I don’t like his looks.” The men also yelled to the boys, “slug him black boy! Knock his guts out! Uppercut him! Kill him! Kill that big boy!” The effects of racism were demonstrated at every level during this story, his family, peers, and respected members of the community, forcing the boy to deal with both internal and external conflicts.


Similarly, Sarah Orne Jewett develops the idea of transformation in her character as she becomes self-aware. This awakening began when Sylvia’s (the main character) surroundings changed. Her natural curiosity and desire to explore was stifled by her “crowded manufacturing town,” limiting her growth and potential. She stated, “this is a beautiful place to live in, and she never should wish to go home” following her arrival and greeting at her new home. Additionally, she blossomed into a contributor and helper in the household. Mistress Molly (their cow) would wander off daily and “Sylvia had to hunt for her until she found her;” a daunting task for her grandmother. Following the meeting with the stranger, her grandmother shared that “soon it would be berry-time, and Sylvia was a great help at picking,” further cementing her worth. The real transformation, however, occurred once the stranger arrived on the scene. The Stranger offered riches in exchange for the heron; money they needed, money Sylvia wanted, money that made her “forget to think of sleep.” While in the big pine Sylvia was transformed from a child desiring a huge bounty for betrayal; to knowing the value of life. This simple story not only details the transformation of a child as she becomes self-aware; but provides a life lesson for us all.


Psychologists define knowledge of self (or self-knowledge), as information that an individual draws upon when asking the question “what am I like.” Hemingway’s “Soldier’s Story,” discussed the struggle to find acceptance that a soldier undergoes following his return from a terrible thing; that no one can understand. In “Battle Royal” Ellison describes how a naïve youth is reborn following his personal experience with racism. Similarly, Jewett shows how a child becomes self-aware following a change in her environment. The apostle Paul wrote in a letter to Corinth, “When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things.” What he failed to mention is what occurred during that transformation from child to man; everyone struggles, everyone fails, everyone eventually realizes.