The first half of this very short story deals mostly with the setting and other observations and creates an atmosphere of alienation, one directly related to Nick's own sense of insecurity. Then the story shifts, and we meet the major, undergoing physical therapy and using a machine nearby the machine that Nick is using. The major represents the older, established "code hero"; Nick is the initiate who will learn from the major's reactions to war, to the machines, and to death. Like many future Hemingway heroes, the major has been at the top of his craft; he was once the finest fencer in Italy, but now his fencing hand is wounded, stunted, and withered. Furthermore, the major has been awarded three medals and yet never mentions them because he does not believe in touting bravery.
In contrast to the three young "hawks" who brag about their medals, Nick doesn't feel comfortable bragging about his medals. He is drawn to the major, who is obviously a brave man but doesn't talk about it. Furthermore, the major does not believe in the so-called therapeutic success of the machines, yet he continues to come to the hospital and use them. Nick does not understand this contradiction at first because, for the major, the machines represent a discipline that is necessary for the Hemingway code hero. In a similar way, the major insists that Nick speak Italian that is grammatically correct. This is another type of discipline, and the major spends a good deal of time correcting Nick's grammar.
