Short Stories of Ernest Hemingway Lesson Plan

In “A Simple Enquiry,” what is clear and unclear about the interaction between the major and Pinin? What are the power dynamics at play in this interaction?

While it is implied strongly that the major is trying to out Pinin, the conversation does leave open many possibilities for students to consider. For instance, the major could also be gay and trying to proposition Pinin or he could be interested in persecuting Pinin for his sexual orientation. Pinin's silence could be a confirmation that he is in the closet, but it might also not be. Likewise, while t is possible that the major interpreted the silence as tacit confirmation of Pinin’s homosexuality, he might also take...