Ernest Hemingway, or fondly known as The Hemingway, has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the world of literature. With a powerful, simplistic writing style that managed to capture the essence of his time and place in history, he has contributed some of the most iconic novels – including The Sun Also Rises, A Farewell to Arms, and For Whom the Bell Tolls.
Born on July 21st, 1899 in Oak Park, Illinois, this larger-than-life figure was greatly influenced by his journalist father’s love for writing. Starting off as a reporter for The Kansas City Star after high school graduation, he was able to refine his writing capabilities and develop the straightforward and concise style known widely as Hemingway’s signature style.
It wasn’t long before life in America became mundane and unadventurous. As World War I raged on in Europe, Hemingway wanted to be part of it. Unable to enlist in the army due to poor eyesight, he joined the war as an ambulance driver for the American Red Cross instead. It was during this time he faced an unforgettable experience that would later inform his literary work – he was wounded by shrapnel and fell in love with nurse Agnes von Kurowsky.
Their doomed romance inspired him to pen A Farewell to Arms (1929), a tragic wartime love story involving an American volunteer ambulance driver named Lieutenant Frederic Henry and an expatriate English nurse named Catherine Barkley. Here we saw what would become quintessentially Hemingway – representations of war, escapades encompassed with loss and disillusionment which were all drawn from personal experiences.
Another classic novel authored by The Hemingway was The Sun Also Rises (1926), which depicted life amongst American and British expatriates living abroad in post-war Europe – particularly Spain. This work is notable for its portrayal of the “Lost Generation,” who were disillusioned by World War I’s aftermath and struggled with their sense of purpose and identity. In this novel, we see more familiar themes coming into play – broken love affairs, excessive alcohol consumption as a coping mechanism for emotional turmoil – all culminating in a beautifully written narrative displaying both inner conflict and external tribulations.
For Whom the Bell Tolls (1940) was another major work by Ernest Hemingway which is set against the backdrop of the Spanish Civil War between Republicans fighting fascism and traditionalists backing General Francisco Franco. Taking inspiration from his own experiences as a war correspondent during that period and conveying stories of camaraderie band bravery found within tumultuous conflicts.
Throughout his works, The Hemingway challenged societal norms on topics such as sexism, masculinity or warfare through visceral narratives that continue to resonate across generations.
Unfortunately, tormented by physical ailments and depression in later years, Ernest Hemingway took his own life on July 2nd.,1961. However,his literary influence lives on today with people’s fascination towards it whether through earnest reading or even emulating ‘the’ …style through various online applications.
There will never be another Ernest Hemmingway . One can only be amazed at how this single writer had such astounding mastery over both prose composition and storytelling with a unique ability encompass deeper emotions within mere words leaving long-lasting impact upon anyone who dares enter his realm through reading those timeless classics: The Sun Also Rises ,A Farewell To Arms ,and For Whom Belle Tolls.
