The authors of the lost generation describe the motifs of the tragedy of existence, alienation, and catastrophism. They experienced the consequences of the absurd structure of the world in the image of World War I. Thus, in “Farewell to Arms” by Hemingway, the brutality of war influenced the change in the hero’s views, and his opinion was formed by the senselessness of war, which are essential foundations for the prevention of further wars.
Analysis of Changes
The hero of Hemingway’s novel “Farewell to Arms”, Fred Henry, an American, joined the Italian troops before America had even declared war against Germany. Fred believed in patriotic slogans and went to war as a man who could not stay behind from events of such significance (Hemingway, 2012). However, as an American, Fred did not experience the war’s events and process, perceiving it as aloof. When Henry realized the tragedy of the terrible slaughter, personally observed the deaths of loved ones, and lost his beloved woman, a newborn baby, the war ceased to be indifferent to the man. Fred Henry hated it, which is why, when asked by the bartender about the reasons for participating in the war at the end of the story, he answered confidently: “I don’t know. I was stupid” (Hemingway, 2012, p. 43). Thus, the war permanently changed the views of the main protagonist since the war deprived Henry of faith in justice, goodness, and, in general, human happiness.
In addition, before recent world events, I was not concerned about the consequences of war, but the events in Ukraine have changed my viewpoint. Therefore, I observed that in the modern European context, it is possible to have a full-scale war in which thousands of people die. At the same time, it appears that war’s nature is senseless because all significant issues can be resolved peacefully.
Conclusion
Hence, in Farewell to Arms by Hemingway, the protagonist is enabled to appreciate the brutality of the murder and other atrocities only at war. This changed the protagonist’s attitude to the war; Fred’s patriotism and, at the same time, different views transformed into an understanding of the value of human life. Simultaneously, my perception changing occurred through an understanding of the violent conflict that has arisen in the modern world. Similar to the novel’s main character, I support the idea that war has disastrous results, which is why it is vital to resolve conflicts in a peaceful manner.
Reference
Hemingway, E. (2012). A farewell to arms: The Hemingway library edition. Simon and Schuster.
Ernest Hemingway, the author, of “The Short Happy Life of Francis Macomber” is known for his unresolved endings in his short stories and novels. Hemingway kept his audience wondering in the short story The Short Happy Life of Francis Macomber, whether Margot kills her husband. The ending of the story depicts murder as a possible solution, some individuals suggest that Francis Macomber’s death was a result of a mere tragic accident. The incident occurred while on a trip to the safaris in Africa when his wife Margot was trying to save him from being hurt by the charged buffalo. The situation is ironic, that the shooting was done by Mrs. Macomber while she was out hunting. I believe firmly that the cause of death of Macomber was an intentional act, this is because of the intimate relationship of the intertwined sequence of the events that took place prior to the act.
Themes that Justify the Intentional Act
In the short story “The Short Happy Life of Francis Macomber”, there are several themes that play significant roles in proving the intentional act by Margot. For instance, the theme of Courage and cowardice forms the central theme in the book (Subekti et al.). The theme plays mutual benefits in describing the state or the mood of Francis Macomber. The story describes how the state of cowardice results in what kind of relationship among the three individuals, Wilson, Macomber, and Margot. Hemingway begins his story in the aftermath of the failure that by Macomber, he was regarded as a cowardly failure and not considered a man, especially by her wife.
Additionally, the theme of gender roles plays an important role in categorizing the type of death, committed intentionally. Margot’s action was facilitated by the categorization of the kind of men that Wilson and her husband were. From this, we are able to know why one individual would survive while the other lives. However, despite how much Macomber would try to show some masculinity, Margot still does not feel attracted to him as compared to Wilson.
The theme of guilt and innocence is present in the story, this theme conveys the intertwined relationships of the events as a result of guilt and innocence that led to the intentional death. It is considered that if at all Margot’s actions were intentional, then there exists a chance that she is guilty of committing the crime. She is considered guilty by Wilson who teases her about the events that unfold, this was after she shot and killed her husband (Spencer et al.). He did not believe her innocence as she claimed while sobbing. Lastly, the theme of conflict can be used to justify the intentional act that was committed. There exists internal conflict that might have led to the intentional accusation. As various events unfold, the kind of internal conversation that Wilson had categorised or indicated that Wilson and Macomber had issues that were conflicting. In addition to that, Macomber and his wife were not in good terms because of the constant disapproval of the acts and every step that Macomber made.
Events that Justify that Margot’s Killing was Intentional
Firstly, Wilson needed to protect his job, the one thing that he truly values, this is one of the reasons for engineering Macomber’s death. The story provides various acts that lead to the shooting of Macomber, Wilson deliberately chasing the buffaloes knowing that if caught doing that, he can lose his job. Wilson was chasing the injured buffalo with a car towards Macomber, this act alone was illegal and could lead to him losing his license (Knodt). When Wilson realized that he was on the verge of losing his job, he facilitated Macomber’s death in various ways; issuing the larger gun to Macomber and leaving the smaller one with Margot. Wilson then talks of the most difficult way to kill a charged buffalo; however, he knew Macomber will surely fail this test. After ensuring that Margot will be having a clear shot at Macomber from wherever she is, he misses the charged buffalo several times. Missing the buffalo more than two times to a professional shooter like Wilson was an intentional act.
Additionally, having known of the unhealthy and deteriorating relationship between the two couples, Wilson knew for sure, it will be easier for Margot to end his husband’s life when given the opportunity. The small gun was placed in the car where Margot could access it easily, Wilson had no problem with this because he will not be accused of the act. For Macomber, the hunt for buffalo is his chance to convince his wife and Wilson that he was a man contrary to the reference made by his wife as a coward. In addition to that, Wilson felt that allowing Macomber to shoot the charged buffalo was jeopardizing his job but it was more useful in redeeming himself for having slept with his client’s wife. Being guilty of his actions, Wilson engaged in several acts that were against the rules and regulations of his workplace, for instance, he chased the buffalo using a car.
Margot knew that her husband Macomber was going to leave and not recognize her as his wife and that could result in her not having anything to her as an inheritance. With the fact that the marriage between Margot and Macomber was based on money, she would not want to lose his psychological control, therefore she valued her power and psychological control over her husband. When Macomber says he was not afraid of anything, Wilson showed some sympathy, while to Macomber, the feeling was exciting him, “Like a am bursting…. pure excitement”, he said (Hemingway 38). Wilson noticed that Macomber had undergone change the same way he usually witnesses men come of age in those African plains before. In the plains, where men are initiated into the world of courage, Macomber has undergone initiation in the same field. He was proud of the achievement and began ignoring whatever his wife was speaking.
Margot after recognizing the fact that she was growing young and beautiful no more, knew when her husband divorces her, she would be left worthless, therefore she decided to kill him. Additionally, this probably happened after she realized that her husband had become courageous and developed a sense of manhood, with these, he could change while Margot could not. Killing him to her would serve as a clean getaway and in addition to that, she would not just be an ordinary widow but an honorable and a wealthy individual within the society. The short happy life of Macomber began within the shooting and stood solid for the heavy horned water buffalo. During this moment while shooting the charged buffalo in excitement, his happy life was cut short.
Wilson’s intimacy with Macomber’s wife is a sign of a dysfunctional relationship that existed in the marriage. The emotional conversation that Wilson and Margot had in the tent gave a clear depiction of what necessitated the death of Macomber. Additionally, Margot referred to Macomber as a coward, an act that did not sound good for her husband and therefore he needed to prove his wife wrong. Macomber was frustrated for having been referred to as a coward, it is because of this that he needed to prove to Wilson and his wife that he was not a coward. He did engage himself in various activities to show that he did not care about the fact that his wife slept with Wilson. To show it, Macomber did not care and did not feel frustrated with the kind of relationship that he witnessed between her wife and Wilson. The kind of relationship that existed between the three justifies how the origin of the scenario that later led to death.
After Macomber’s failure to kill a lion, Margot, psychologically disapproves of the kind of man he is, she displayed adulterous actions and inflicted provocative language. The fact that her husband was afraid and ran away from the lion instead of killing it made her lose respect for him. On that night after the occurrence of the act, she refused to visit her in his tent and instead went to engage intimately with Wilson that night. When that happens, it is clear that she deliberately chooses to kill her husband. Wilson was disturbed by the fact that he had slept with his client’s wife, he was not sure of what Macomber was capable of doing as a result of the act. Macomber on the other hand was not concerned about that act of intimacy, he knew Margot was less valuable to him and would not leave him. In the conversation that Macomber’s wife and Wilson engage in after the Margot shot his husband, Wilson was trying to find out what actually transpired. Wilson was sure that the act was an intentional act as per the kind of conversation they had upon the death of Macomber.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there exists various theme that proves or can be used to provide the reasons for the consideration of an act by Margot as intentional. Additionally, it is justified that Margot wanted to get rid of his husband Macomber for several reasons. Firstly, he wanted to get rid of him before Macomber took action against himself and left her since he saw her as being less important in his life. In addition, Margot knew she would be left with nothing when divorced, therefore she decided to kill him to inherit the wealth that belonged to his husband. The marriage too was no longer functional, it was unhealthy to the two, Margot believed that it was full of secrecy and would not know what steps Macomber would take after some of the actions she did like engaging in an intimate relationship with Wilson. Additionally, Wilson organized the scenario in a manner that facilitated the killing, Wilson made sure that he left a small gun in the car where it could be accessible by Margot.
Works Cited
Hemingway, Ernest. “The Short Happy Life of Francis Macomber.” 1936. Literature: Craft and Voice 1(1953).
Knodt, Ellen Andrews. “What If It’s the Mannlicher?: A Letter Complicates the Ending of” The Short Happy Life of Francis Macomber”.” The Hemingway Review 38.2 (2019): pp.87-92.
Spencer et al., “Beyond a Reasonable Doubt: Mathematical Proof of the Unequivocal Guilt of Margot Macomber in Ernest Hemingway’s The Short Happy Life of Francis Macomber.” The Explicator 76.4 (2018): pp.179-182. Web.
Subekti et al., “Symbolism in Hemingway’s The Short Happy Life of Francis Macomber.” Journal of English Teaching, Applied Linguistics and Literatures (JETALL) 4.2: pp.83-92.
The Hemingways novel A Clean, Well-Lighted Place is one of his best shot stories which in a full manner demonstrates the literary talent of the writer. This is a novel about loneliness and this main theme is revealed in a full manner with a maximum economy in stylistic means.
The names of the main characters of the novel are not even mentioned by Hemingway. They are simply the old man, the older waiter and the younger waiter. The action is practically absent. It is just a single episode from the everyday life of the characters. However, due to the artistic skill of the author a reader can easily imagine the inner world of every character of the novel. Hemingway is famous for his ability to find something unusual in the most ordinary things and to represent it in the original and inherent only to him manner.
The plot of the novel is very simple. The old man drinks whisky. It is rather late and he is the only visitor in the café. And it is far from being the first glass of whisky he drinks. During this process, two waiters are speaking about him and from their conversation, it is clear that the old man is a frequent visitor of this establishment. The writer gives few information about the old man. It is known that he is rich, deaf and lonely. He has had a wife but at the present moment the only person who takes care of him is his niece.
From the talk of two waiters, it is known that recently he has made at attempt to commit suicide. The younger waiter is eager to get home as quickly as possible and he wants the old man to leave the café. The older waiter understands the emotions of the old man. The plot of the novel is revealed mainly through the dialogues of the main characters. A great attention is given to symbols and the meaning of the metamessage.
The theme of loneliness runs like a golden threat through the novel. It is very symbolic that the old man is the only visitor of the café. He is sitting alone and his only interlocutors are empty glasses. It seems to me that the fact that one of the main characters of the novel is deaf has its own hidden meaning. The old man does not hear the sounds from the surrounding world; he just feels the changes in his environment. “He was deaf and now at night it was quiet and he felt the difference” (Hemingway, 1933, p.1).
The old man is completely deprived from the world. The older waiter, unlike his colleague seems to understand his visitor. When the young water asks the old man to leave the older water is trying to protect him. At first thought is seems that he does it just out a sense of pity. Nevertheless, later on it finds out that the old waiter is suffering from loneliness too. He does not want to leave the café too and even goes to bar on his way home. In his conversation with his colleague he says “I am of those who like to stay late at the café. With all those who do not want to go to bed. With all those who need a light for the night” (Hemingway, 1933, p.3).
The writer describes loneliness as something inevitable and something from which it is impossible to escape. Though the older waiter does not recognize the fact he is lonely it is obvious judging from his conversation with the young waiter who is represented as a distinct opposition to him. “Each night I am reluctant to close up because there may be someone who needs the café” (Hemingway, 1933, p.3).
This image of the light and quiet café is very important for understanding the sense of the novel. It is a symbol of an asylum, in which two old men are trying to hide. It is no mere chance that the action of the novel takes place during hours of darkness. This darkness is used to emphasize the loneliness of the main characters. The only place where the old man can weaken his depression is this café. He does not want to leave it because in such a case he has to face his fears and despair. The old waiter does not want to confess his loneliness. Instead he thinks that he is suffering from insomnia. The younger waiter does not understand it. He cannot even imagine that he may also face the same problems.
It is also very important that in the novel a prayer, which is a symbol of faith and the unity of a person with God, is interpreted in rather strange and even sacrilegious manner. By inserting the word nada into the prayer, the older waiter demonstrates his complete disappointment with life alongside with his impiety. This transformed prayer is used as a symbol of the loneliness and exinanition. The tragedy of loneliness is emphasized by the word nothing which is repeated in Spanish several times. The novel “A Clean, Well-Lighted Place” is a story about loneliness and the importance for a person, especially for an old one, to find a light and order in his life.
Works Cited
Hemingway, Ernest. A Clean, Well-Lighted Place, 1933. PDF file.
War is one of the most existentially significant events in the life of any person faced with it. War is associated with not only apparent cruelty, death, and hatred but with stress, reassessment of values , and everyday problems. In everyday life, only a tiny fraction of the issues can make the same impression on the psyche as the war. Frederick Henry, in A Farewell to Arms by Ernest Hemingway, turns from a patriotic enthusiast devoted to his ideals into a disappointed man, subtly feeling his weakness and the shortness of life.
Going to war as an inspired volunteer, Henry believes in the victory and strength of the officers. However, as time passes, Austria shows strength, and Henry suffers from a lingering knee injury. Subsequently, he sees the army’s disorganization and the soldiers’ fear. Time in the hospital makes him think about the brevity and transience of life. The story of the beloved Catherine, who lost her beloved at the front, develops this narrative and creates an atmosphere of doom around Henry. The war professes punishment without trial or investigation, so Henry deserts (Hemingway, 2018). He could never think of it, for he saw war as a springboard for heroic victories and holy sacrifice. War knows no rules and honor, and Henry realizes there is no beauty in bloodshed. Part of my life was the same existential fear and disappointment after the death of my older brother. He was 25 years old, and I was shocked at how a handsome young man could easily give up his life due to ridiculous circumstances.
Thus, facing death in war makes people like Henry think about the fragility of life. Counting on heroic deeds, honesty in fights, and believing in his army, Henry turns into a deserter, saving his life for the sake of the future. Belief in love, the possible creation of a family, and a quiet life motivate him to abandon military ideals. War brings chaos in which ordinary people cannot find peace; over time, getting away from this chaos becomes these people’s only hope and desire.
Reference
Hemingway, E. (2018). A Farewell to Arms. Forgotten Books.
In Ernest Hemingway’s novel The Sun Also Rises, women are a ubiquitous part of the story, and even central to the plot. They vary greatly in their character and role in life. They range from the prostitute Georgette to the anxious Frances to the cool and androgynous Brett. In all cases, they are depicted via their behavior, actions, and the opinions of others. The reader sees these women largely through the eyes of the narrator, a wounded WWI veteran.
Hemingway makes very little effort to surmise or hypothesize about their actual internal thoughts, feelings or motivations. These women represent three very divergent ways of being a woman, and presumably, their interior lives must reflect these differences. Despite the limited interior perspective that Hemingway provides, and his relentless focus, instead, on action, his women are nonetheless vivid and memorable characters
The four women who appear in greatest detail in The Sun Also Rises are Georgette Hobin, Frances Clyne, Mrs. Braddock (who is not introduced using her Christian, or given, name), and Lady Brett Ashley. Each one fits well into a different demographic category and niche in society. Although Hemingway is clearly trying to describe what he sees, he nonetheless seems to assume that his readers share a knowledge of what these women would look like or how they would behave, just based on their roles in society.
Georgette Hobin is a sex worker who catches the eye of a potential customer; in this case, Jake Barnes, the narrator, while walking the streets. Jake describes her as being ‘good-looking” and “rather pretty”. These value-laden words seemto breach of Hemingway’s own journalistic rules;he is renowned for showing rather than telling and avoiding words without specific meaning(Hemingway Chapter 3)[1].
The modern assessment of Georgette’s looks might be different. This suggests that he had some very definite ideas of what constituted good looks, which the narrator notes she preserves by not smiling and thereby revealing horrible teeth(Hemingway Chapter 3). This is perhaps a marker of social class[2]. Georgette is also apparently prejudiced against Belgian Flemish-speakers, and makes a joke about their dinner being better than what is available in Brussels (Hemingway Chapter 3).
As a real prostitute, an “actual harlot”, she constitutes a novelty Brett’s young male companions. However, Georgette’s big moment is recounted much laterabout the fight she gets into with the nightspot owner’s daughter, wherein she accuses her of being a prostitute as well (Hemingway Chapter 4). Although she has spirit and character, she seems to be woman as object, to be used as needed, whether for sex or companionship, and passed from hand to hand.
Frances Clyne is Robert Cohn’s ‘almost’ fiancée. She is described as good-looking and tall; more value-laden terms, as well having been possessive and exploitative of Robert Cohn, at least earlier of their relationship. At this point, she is desperate to get Robert to formalize their relationship.
She has burned her bridges with her first husband, and now worries about lonelinessand impoverishment. In her view, Robert aims for celebrity authorship for the accompanying sex with literary groupies. To a modern reader, her assessment of Bob’s situation, and aims, seems quite accurate.
However, Hemingway depicts Frances’ listing unpleasant truths about Bob, for example, his self-interestedness, his weepiness over his own cavalier treatment of his wife/girlfriends, his exploitation of his personal affairs as material for his next novel, his cheapness, and so forth, as highly negative(Hemingway Chapter 5). In that era, a modern reader might infer, a woman was culpable for publicly giving her fiancé blunt feedback about himself.
’ implacable critique makes the narratorflee in order to avoid hearing more(Hemingway Chapter 5).She reminds the reader of the Furies, pursuing Cohn relentlessly until and unless paid off to go away. Hemingway does not mention her again for most of the novel. She seems to be woman as irritant.
Mrs. Braddocks, whose husband is also introduced without a given name, is described as Canadian, and possessing the “easy social graces” that Hemingway associates with that nationality. She misses Jake’s joke of introducing Georgette under a more elegant, French-sounding name than Hobin, to Anglophone ears, suggesting that she is either dim or poorly informed(Hemingway Chapter 3)Mrs. Braddocks seems to be Hemingway’s image of the little woman; happy wife to a relatively happy husband.
Lady Brett Ashley is the most crucial female figure in the novel. She is an odd mixture of sexiness and androgyny, affection and withholding, sexual promiscuity and integrity, class and degradation.This “remarkably attractive woman “ (in spite of an awkward nose) (Hemingway Chapter 13)has some attributes that suggest gender ambiguity to a modern reader.She wears revealing clothes that are not necessarily girly, like a man’s felt hat (Hemingway Chapter 13), and often calls herself “chap” (Hemingway Chapter 3).
Although engaged to the absent Mike Campbell, she is generous with her sexual favors (Hemingway Chapter 5). She has been involved (at a minimum) with her deceased true love, Lord Ashley,Campbell, Cohn, and Romero,and lusted after by Gorton, Barnes, and much of the Basque region. Jake is “sick” from the war, and cannot engage in intercourse, so he is ruled out as a potential husband (Hemingway Chapter 3).
Each man treats her very differently. Lord Ashley threatened her physically. Robert Cohn worships her. Pedro Romero wants to tame her into a more traditional woman. Jake pines for her helplessly and gets her out of trouble. Her fiancée calls her “a piece” but accepts her infidelities as long as he approves of the men(Hemingway).
This seems more complimentary than Robert Cohn calling her Circe [3](Hemingway Chapter 13),which suggests that she appeals to the worst in men and makes the worst of men. It is also more complimentary than the villagers hanging garlic around her neck (Hemingway Chapter 15) suggesting vampire-like sucking of life from men, or a “sadist”.
However, her behavior suggests that these are accurate characterizations. Her self-centered approach to life can be summarized by her assertion that her fling with Romero made her feel “quite set up”, which sounds exploitative in any era(Hemingway Chapter 19).
By novel’s end, she has left Romero with a shattered face and lost credibility amongst his serious supporters and colleagues(Hemingway Chapter 19), Cohn with a shattered spirit(Hemingway), Campbell with embarrassment, and Barnes with despair and his continuing alcohol abuse problem, with a bottle of wine for, “good company” (Hemingway Chapter 17)She seems to be Hemingway’s idea of woman as a deity with the power to attract as well as to destroy.
Hemingway employs the impact and perception of his characters on and by those around them to paint their images in the reader’s mind. This allows the reader to infer their internal motivations and thoughts. This technique works well, despite almost a century of distance from the very specific social environment in which the action of The Sun Also Rises takes place.
His female characters are no exception. They represent a range of options for female identity, fromtraditional wife/would-be wife, to the most marginalized street-walker, to a woman who seems liberated (although liberated for what, one might ask). Hemingway represents his women with implicit assumptions about their roles and appearance, but manages to make them living people nonetheless.
Hemingway, Ernest. The Sun Akso Rises. New York: Cherles Scribner’s Songs, 2006. Print.
Footnotes
“Say what you see not what you’d like to see. Be brief, be vigorous, be smooth, be positive. Avoid the use of adjectives like “splendid,” “gorgeous,” “grand.” Write short sentences, and use short first paragraphs.” (Athabasca University)
Many Europeans at that time might have displayed the results of worse dental health than Americans, due to war and all the disruption of nutrition and health care
Circe was the frightening sorceress in The Odyssey who transformed visiting sailors into pigs.
In Ernest Hemingway’s novel A Farewell to Arms, the main character experiences a significant change in attitude and perception of war. Initially, Frederic Henry’s position in the war could be described as a bystander role. However, with the change of events in history, the author emphasizes the importance of gaining first-hand experience for changing controlling ideas and a person’s position on war or considering alternative points of view.
The main character finds himself troubled in defining his position in the war due to being a foreigner in Europe. Henry’s reflections on the war initially center on defining which side he would like to be in the conflict. Thus, Henry states that he wishes he was “with the British” because then things “would have been much simpler” (Hemingway, 1997, p. 39). However, Henry immediately refutes his reasoning, deciding that he would have already been killed if he were in the British troops. Furthermore, when facing the military police, Henry decides to run away out of fear of young men who were saving their country. Thus, even though Henry was willing to contribute to the war at the beginning despite having no personal interest, he fled after encountering people for whom war was a way to protect their country.
In my experience, I had a similar change of perspective when I tried to understand the causes of wars and political conflicts. Thus, being an outside observer, it seems that you can always determine the correctness of actions and condemn one of the parties. However, when you put yourself in another person’s position, you understand that the opinions of third-party observers may not correspond to reality. Therefore, I started trying to look at the situation from both sides before sharing my opinion about the problem with other people.
Thus, in A Farewell to Arms, the author forces the main character to change his perspective on war by letting him feel what it is like to be on the other side of the conflict. When Henry was in the position of an outside observer, he could freely think about both sides. However, when Henry faced the execution dressed as a German in Italian uniform, he realized that war means more to those defending their country. Thus, his position as an outside observer does not guarantee his safety in conditions where every life is equally threatened.
Reference
Hemingway, E. (1997). A farewell to arms. Scribner.
The Hills Like Elephants by Ernest Hemingway and The Swimmer by John Cheever are two stories published at different ages, raising similar themes and social problems. Although the characters and writing are different, the stories discuss themes like relationships, alienation, and others. This essay will discuss the common idea that appears in both works – the main character’s loneliness.
In The Hills Like Elephants main character is a female whose words and actions symbolize the feeling of loneliness she experiences throughout her life. She drinks alcohol significantly and asks almost a stranger to promise her happy life together. She also does not fit into the environment described in the story setting, and people see her alienated. This symbolizes that she feels lonely because of her personality and tries to replace this emotion through other people and substances.
The Swimmer describes Neddy as a lonely boy without any close friends or family, which is why he swims and always goes to parties. At the story’s beginning, it is unclear why Neddy decides to reach his house by swimming in all pools of his county. Moreover, the reader might be confused by the holes in the main character’s memory. However, by the end of the story, it is easy to comprehend that Neddy does not have close people. Because even Grace Biswanger, who he saw as somewhat friend, does not enjoy his company, his home is found empty. Neddy is alone and lonely, a common theme for this and The Hills Like Elephants story.
To sum up, the stories mentioned above have a common theme: the main character’s loneliness. Both drink substances, which often means that people have psychological problems, like depression – the mental state of constant loneliness. They also do not have close people, which might be difficult and lonely for both of them. The stories should teach all readers that being lonely can be cured by having someone to trust and avoiding alcohol.
This short story portrays the hopelessness and loneliness of a man whose only joy is simple things. The main topics in this instance are the meaninglessness of life and one’s awareness of it. This story also concerns the desire to escape the darkness surrounding humans with at least some small joys. Moreover, the night appears literally and figuratively here, representing a lack of happiness and an unwillingness to continue living. The three characters in this story demonstrate different perspectives on life, expressing a perception of existence from other points of view.
The old man in this story is the person whose only pleasure is light and cleanliness. This character is internally desolated and unhappy, which is also evident in the fact that he attempted suicide recently. He shows no vitality, being in a pleasant place for as long as possible and not quarreling with the waiter when he is asked to leave. The older waiter treats the old man with compassion and has similar features. For instance, he substitutes many words for nada in his prayers (Hemingway 3). In this way, he demonstrates his perception of life, which he does not see much sense in it, similar to that of an old man.
In contrast, the young waiter misunderstands the value of cleanliness and light and expresses no tolerance for what seems strange to him. This character represents youth, in which one is confident in the presence of many things that are important to him. Unlike the other characters, this person is not escaping the night and is not even aware of its existence in life yet. Thus, the younger waiter finds sense in spending time with his wife and does not understand the older characters. Considering the waiter’s youth and lack of life comprehension, this young person is the opposite of an old man.
The story demonstrates how, over time, one begins to realize how little value there is in life. In addition, as the link between youth and old age, the senior waiter shows the need to treat others with understanding, as everyone, at some point, will understand the essence of life. All three characters, in this case, demonstrate the different stages of a person’s life. In the beginning, life is significant, but the longer one lives, the more darkness comes, and one can only find an escape from this in a clean and well-lighted place.
The lives of many writers are amazing stories that are strikingly colorful. Writers bring meaning to each of their manuscripts, seeking to convey their impressions. Often the stories contain many references to writers’ real life, and among such people is Ernest Hemingway. Hemingway is famous for his concise and rich style, in which stories from his life are woven to inspire the reader to adventure.
Ernest Hemingway was born in the family, who gave him a varied childhood. He played the cello, and in For Whom the Bell Tolls, the music accompanies the reader. “And therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee” is the most famous quote, referring to music lessons that Hemingway later regards as unloved (Hemingway, “For Whom the Bell Tolls” 2). He refers to nature and oneness with it, describing it as an essential part of his life.
Hemingway talks about the war tragedies in Spain, which he himself witnessed, in Death in the Afternoon. I think an important point is his understanding of immortality:
“… the feeling of his immortality, and, as you watch it, it becomes yours. Then when it belongs to both of you, he proves it with the sword” (Hemingway, “Death in the Afternoon” 108).
Hemingway showed that he appreciated the moments of crisis and clash with reality in his life: as frightening a bullfight in his story as the death of a loved one.
One can also learn about the writer’s life from the novel A Farewell to Arms. Hemingway tells the love story that invariably ran as a backdrop even during the war. One of the significant phrases emphasizing the attitude toward love can be considered:
“And you’ll always love me, won’t you?
Yes.
And the rain won’t make any difference?
No” (Hemingway, “A Farewell to Arms” chapter XIX).
The writer’s life unfolded in this way: Spain in Death in the Afternoon, the love in A Farewell to Arms, a childhood with music, and nature in For Whom the Bell Tolls.
Ernest Hemingway’s life intertwines facts, impressions, and emotions that coevolved him. In his stories, he combines the theme of music and childhood experiences, which is what makes his stories so unusual and unique. In addition, the imprint of the war and his love of Spain is visible in at least two of his novels. Hemingway saw value in every moment, which characterizes his life and literature.
Works Cited
Hemingway, Ernest. A Farewell to Arms. New York City: Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1929.
Death in the Afternoon. New York City: Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1932.
For Whom the Bell Tolls. New York City: Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1940.
Whitman drafted the poem when the Suez Canal was being constructed. The major intention of his writing was to appreciate the engineering work that allowed the completion of the canal, the intercontinental railway as well as the fixation of the Atlantic wire/cable. The poem was aimed to celebrate the engineers’ success as well as the available chance to relate with spiritual customs and other people. Through his poetic journey, Whitman has always hoped to achieve unity among the people through his poetic write-ups (Whitman, 2005).
In the poem, Whitman illuminates how fables and myths are relevant to the people of Asia. In his view on the individual’s soul and technology, Whitman explicates that the soul cannot only be delighted or be informed by mere modern science, but also by fables and myths adopted by different communities across the globe. Whitman is also enchanted by a global religious group. According to the author, India was the first country to discover the right way to the Deity. He commends the audacious spirit that measures the earth and links people. Whitman has also honored scientists for their efforts, which are not only for profit but also to allow spiritual illumination.
Whitman is of the idea that spiritual relationship relies upon material contact or at least propinquity. The physical body acts as the channel through which the soul gains an understanding of the external world. To him, therefore, the body is an entity that is worth being worshiped and should be given a particular pre-eminence. Though Whitman offers a valid and convincing argument on the pre-eminence of the body, it has been difficult to accept the claim as true since the conflict between the mind and the body on the issue of predominance is hitherto a philosophical puzzle.
In Whitman’s poem, “eroticism” has stood out. Sexual intercourse is the closest thing or the farthest point two individuals can reach in an intimate relationship. However, the limits of the body always hinder a union’s completeness. The love Whitman has for other people’s bodies, both genders are a result of his appreciation for the relationship between the soul and the body and the relationship that can sprout via physical contact.
The narrative by Hemingway (1996) has two key players, Bill and Nick. The whole narrative takes place around the cottage owned by Bill’s father. In the novel, it is revealed that Nick does not have a love for women, despite all the male friends he has. He even encourages his colleague Bill not to avoid getting into a marriage union. Nick perhaps does need affection, companionship, and domesticity, which implies that he is not completely mannish. This is because he has continually been faced with decisions of whether to be a family man or otherwise. Nick has a very strange attitude that is not women-friendly. He has developed a chauvinist behavior, however, in an instant, he makes us doubt his standpoint as he is confused about whether to be a family man or vice versa.
In Nick’s life, the ‘three-day blow’ is also emblematic of this phase. As a young adult, Nick finds himself in a dilemma when he attempts to decide on the type of individual he ought to be. Moreover, the early 20th century has seen a moment of tremendous transformation from rusticity to modernism. He has to deliberate before reaching a final decision on the way to follow in life. In the olden days, people used to make decisions concerning societal needs and preferences plus the norms and values of the community around them. In the modern world, decision-making becomes an essential aspect of one’s life as a trend and the future wellbeing of an individual highly depends on decisions made in the present (Hemingway, 1996).
The ‘three-day blow’ hence, signifies this era of transformation and pandemonium in the life of a youthful person as well as in the globe. The word, ‘three-day blow’ also has an infusion with a biblical meaning/implication, advocating the notion of the forty-day deluge, for instance. Arguably, such drastic ‘weather’ phenomena appear summoned, then, not just by changes in personal life and society, but also by spiritual verdict too (Gustaaf,1999). The decision here was supposed to be made choosing whether to enter into the ark as directed by Noah or ignore the request. In any decision made, according to the author, has a consequence to carry, and that is why those who refused to get into the ark cherished in floods.
These two authors have attempted to elucidate possible ways in which technology may transform an individual’s life. For humans to conquer the forces of nature, he has made inventions through technological advancement, which has allowed great accomplishments. Therefore, the two authors have tried to show how personal lives can be altered by the immediate milieu through technology. In a modern era, technology has become a requisite for life, and people are leading their lives depending on the technology (Gustaaf, 1999). On a personal note, technology has become a useful tool in employment creation through the internet, which has also contributed much to changing personal preferences and direction in life. Therefore, the new world of technology has transformed every starting from technology, labor, recreation, and communication.
References
Gustaaf, V., C. (1999). Emerson’s Ethics. New York, USA: University of Missouri Press.
Hemingway, E. (1996). In Our Time: The Three Day Blow. New York, USA: Scribner Publishers.
Whitman, W. (2005). Leaves of Grass: A Passage to India. New York, USA: Oxford University Press.