Soldier's Home

 Juxtapositions in "Soldier's Home"

A major juxtaposition and theme in "Soldier's Home" is being in the war versus being at home.  As Harold tries to cope with living at home, he often reflects back on his life during the war and how it differentiates with his life in Oklahoma.  For example, at first, while he was in the war and returning home, he didn't want to talk about it at all.  But as time passed, he felt like he needed to talk about the war-at that point, it was too late.  Since he arrived in the United States with the Second Division, his town already heard the many war stories and didn't allow Harold to tell his own.  This also lead to the juxtaposition of truth and lies.  Since he felt like no one was listening, Harold often twisted the truth and lied to his community about the war so that they would actually listen to him.