Ernest Hemingway
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Major Issues Major IssuesNearly all critical assessment of Ernest Hemingway’s work includes discussion of his style. Biographers trace its origins to his early training in journalism; literary historians note its connection to Ezra Pound’s modernist "Imagist" poetics; 20th century literature scholars analyze its inescapable influence on later writers. The hallmarks of that style are realistic dialogue; direct, concrete language; and the absence of allusions and abstractions. Hemingway’s explication of his "iceberg" theory challenges readers to be alert for the 7/8 of the story that does not appear on the surface of his prose. The thematic significance of Hemingway’s stark, spare descriptions and fragmented dialogue has also received considerable scholarly attention. Critics note its appropriateness to capture post-World War I alienation and loss. While some readers and scholars see Hemingway’s writing as nihilistic, others observe his positive portrayal of nature, companionship, and the ongoing search for meaning even in a seemingly meaningless world. Author LinksThe Hemingway
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