In Our Time-Chapters XI to XIII Reading Questions

Chapter XI

1. In this vignette, explain the symbolism of the crowd rushing in to participate in the bull fight?

Out of Season

2. During the walk to the fishing hole, Peduzzi openly carries the fishing rods despite the fact that it is not fishing season. Why does he do this?

3. How does this scene reflect on the nature of marriage, of the relationship between men and women?

Chapter XII

4. What is suggested by the author about the relationship a man can have with another man versus that of a man and a woman by the "melding" of Villalta and the bull? Why are these two able to bond where so many others in this novel cannot?

Cross-Country Snow

5. What does this scene reveal about Hemingway's assumptions regarding male bonding and male relationships?

6. What does George's use of the name "Mike" instead of Nick reveal about the relationship between these two close friends?

Chapter XIII

7. How is this vignette a commentary on masculinity and discipline? What does this vignette seem to be saying?

My Old Man

8. How does Joe's telling of his father's story reflect the problems faced by individuals trying to make sense of the modern world?

In Our Time-Chapters VIII-X Reading Questions:

Chapter VIII

1. In this vignette, what does the author show through the use of the derogatory term "wop"?
2. Why does the author choose to set this vignette in America, whereas the previous vignettes have all been set in Europe during the war.

The Revolutionist

3. What commentary does the author seem to be making about beliefs and ideals in this chapter?


Chapter IX

4. Hemingway often fixates on the notion of "manliness." What aspects of manliness are focused on in this chapter?
5. Why include this chapter, set after the ending of the war, in a book largely focused on war and its effects?

Mr. and Mrs. Elliot

6. In what ways does Hubert Elliot lack masculinity according to the author?
7. What is the effect of Hubert's lack of masculinity on his relationship with his wife?

Chapter X

8. How is this a vignette a metaphor for the war? (note: focus on the roles of the generals and leaders, the picadors, and the soldiers, the horses)

Cat in the Rain

9. Discuss the contrast between the American and Italian approaches to happiness as portrayed in this chapter.

10. Why is the American wife unhappy in this chapter?

In Our Time-Chapters V to VII Reading Questions:

Chapter V

1. In the vignette, how does the author emphasize the chilling and heartless nature of killing?
2. Why is Nick so angry at the beginning of "The Battler"?
3. How does the conductor trick Nick in this chapter?
4. What is wrong with Ad Francis and how does he become this way?

Chapter VI

5. How does Nick respond both emotionally and in terms of his actions to his paralysis?
6. What seems to be the author's commentary on the nature of love in "A Very Short Story"?
7. In what ways does the war affect the love affair described in this chapter?

Chapter VII

8. What is the effect of the internal monologue in the Chapter VII vignette? How does it emphasize the impact of the violence on the unnamed soldier?
9. What is ironic about the soldiers promises?
10. In "Soldier's Home," how is Krebs impacted by the war in terms of his relationships with the people in his home town? (Give examples)
11. Why is Krebs unable to make plans for his future?