"You have to be hurt like hell before you can write seriously."
Although this quote was not said directly by Hemingway he discussed his thoughts on it through a certain part of the book. This quote has a lot to do with Hemingway's experiences especially as a young man. He writes his novels based upon happenings in his life. The topics varying from his first love Agnes to his often seemingly distant mother. This is later seen is his writing prose. He begins to write aggressively and to the point. This is seen as his way of relating his stories to an audience. Stories which show physical and emotional scars.
Connection
This book draws many connections to the past two books I have read. It really gives me insight on to why and how those books where written. This biography gives me a feel for why The Sun Also Rises was written. In the book it states that Hemingway often drew upon his life experiences to structure his books. The setting in The Sun Also Rises really shows how this author experienced life in Paris and the rest of Europe. Reading about his life in Paris I was able to draw the connection to how he described the cafes and streets in his popular novel
Some of Hemingway personal life also connected to the main character Santiago in The Old Man and the Sea. We can see the reflection of Hemingway in the setting of Cuba but we mainly see it in Santiago. One thing to look for is injuries. Santiago had scars and marks all over his body. This is drawn from Hemingway war experiences fighting in Italy and can also be seen as emotional wounds.
Reading this book I am able to understand the depth of Hemingway's writing style. I know the kind of syntax he uses and how he chooses to express his narrative. I would like to connect this to another author who sometimes uses similar writing style and prose. Both James Joyce and Hemingway use short and "athletic" syntax to really develop the narrative of the story. Although many critics say this writing is emotionless it seems to leave that up to the reader while holding up the authenticity of the events.
Visual
Although there are many aspects of life that greatly affected Hemingway's world and writing I feel war is certainly a prominent one. War has been in the Hemingway family since before he was born. Growing up he often admired his Grandfather's courage through out the civil war. Coming back from the Italian front he exaggerated his war stories to feel proud and masculine. Later in his life he used his experiences from the spanish war to write his books mainly For Whom the Bell Tolls. War has always formed a big part in Hemingway's life and has shaped him into the adventurer and risk taker known today. He also liked to share his thoughts on war as a lot of his quotes to this day reference this. Although we see war directly influence Hemingway we can also see the masculinity of war indirectly influence his works. Many female critics have called some of his works male centered.
Discussion Questions
-How does his writing prose compare to that of modern day authors?
-Do his works reflect his life or create a release from the struggles of his life?
-How does Hemingway's later life contrast with the seemingly comfortable early life?
-When did Hemingway's thoughts of suicide become a real possibility?
-Which of his characters reflects Hemingway most?
Reflection
This biography was very thorough. It elaborated on all the aspects of Hemingway's life and more importantly how this related to his works. Although it was a fairly long book it did not seem too extensive once completely immersed in the text. Because of this biography I have gained a much better appreciation for all of Hemingway's works especially The Sun Also Rises. I have opened a window into Hemingway's life and seen the motives and reasons for his writing. It is because of this book that Hemingway is now immortalized as one of my favorite authors due to his works and his life.
