Review of Hemingway
Literary Term: Style
Every man's life ends the same way. It is only the details of how he lived and how he died that distinguish one man from another. ~ Earnest Hemingway
After reading this novel, The Old Man and the Sea, and various short stories by Hemingway I feel I have a basic sense of Hemingway's style. First and foremost, the man loves detail. He always uses long syntax and diction that simply paints a setting. He has such talent of placing the reader into the scene, such as with the old man on the boat or at the fiesta. Additionally, he seems incapable of producing a true ending' instead everything he writes has a realistic ending. Due to the character development of Jacob and Brett, it was simply not realistic that they would get together at the end of the book. With unhappy endings, such as the old man in the Old Man and the Sea losing his fish, Hemingway is simply more cynical. It was not suprise to learn that Hemingway committed suicide. Another characteristic of Hemingway is his two major focuses: masculine activities and human feelings. While his tales are filled with hard-core activities such as deep-sea fishing and bull fighting, every tale also has complex journeys of human emotion and love. Personally, I enjoy Hemingway's stories and he has the ability to capture at least my attention.
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Water Water Everywhere
(Hemingway, whole book)
Literary Term: Motif
(Jacob, page 241) Then in the quiet water I turned and floated. Floating I saw only the sky and felt the drop and lift of the swells.
As a common theme in books, water has made its appearance in this novel. It plays different roles, often reflecting the situation.
This motif is mainly begins with the fishing trip. The running creek allows for activity and the scene displays the growing friendship of Bill and Jacob. Also the fishing trip shows the work ethnic of both characters: Bill is shown as a hardworking individual who later is the glue among the group while Jacob takes the easiest way to fish but is satisfied similar to how he has accepted the rejection from Brett.
Later water acts as the physical sign of the rejection of religion, when the water evaporates from his hand and forehand.
The later rainstorm during the fiesta reflects the depressing friendships among the group and the overall disappointed attitudes. However, just as the citizens worked around the rain and still had some fun, the group of friends were still able to party together and enjoy the vacation.
And finally, this swimming trip Jacob has reflects the calm atmosphere he feels when alone. Still, his thoughts are on the roaring waves and tiring action of the swimming. It seems that he almost prefers the hardship rather than the peace, or it at least consumes his thoughts. Sure enough when Jacob works through the waves and finally makes it to the shore, leaving the peace of floating, he is greeted with Brett asked for help. Brett is simply harmful on Jacob on a mental and physical level. And even as the book ends, the relationship of Jacob and Brett simply hasn't grown much.
Literary Term: Motif
(Jacob, page 241) Then in the quiet water I turned and floated. Floating I saw only the sky and felt the drop and lift of the swells.
As a common theme in books, water has made its appearance in this novel. It plays different roles, often reflecting the situation.
This motif is mainly begins with the fishing trip. The running creek allows for activity and the scene displays the growing friendship of Bill and Jacob. Also the fishing trip shows the work ethnic of both characters: Bill is shown as a hardworking individual who later is the glue among the group while Jacob takes the easiest way to fish but is satisfied similar to how he has accepted the rejection from Brett.
Later water acts as the physical sign of the rejection of religion, when the water evaporates from his hand and forehand.
The later rainstorm during the fiesta reflects the depressing friendships among the group and the overall disappointed attitudes. However, just as the citizens worked around the rain and still had some fun, the group of friends were still able to party together and enjoy the vacation.
And finally, this swimming trip Jacob has reflects the calm atmosphere he feels when alone. Still, his thoughts are on the roaring waves and tiring action of the swimming. It seems that he almost prefers the hardship rather than the peace, or it at least consumes his thoughts. Sure enough when Jacob works through the waves and finally makes it to the shore, leaving the peace of floating, he is greeted with Brett asked for help. Brett is simply harmful on Jacob on a mental and physical level. And even as the book ends, the relationship of Jacob and Brett simply hasn't grown much.
I Want to Ride my Bicycle
(Hemingway, 239-241)
Bicycle road-racing was the only sport in the world. he said. Had I ever followed the Tour de France?
The bicycle-riders drank much wine, and were burned and browned by the sun. They did not take the race seriously except among themselves. They had raced among themselves so often that it did not make much difference who won.
Unlike most of this novel, I have a pretty good understanding and interest in this event. My family holds a strange deep love for the Tour de France and I enjoyed reading this interpretation of the race. From my understanding, the race hasn't changed much; the teams and riders today train together all year and the riders don't change much year to year resulting in a competition among friends or at least acquaintances. Additionally, the whole Tour is a game of strategy rather than sheer physical competition. The goal of a winner is to allow other teams to win some stages in order to gain their support and to lose to other team members in order to rest some days and such. While it is physically demanding, to the point where most riders lose ALL body fat, this race still holds fellowship and great tradition. I also found it entertaining that this race has grown from the somewhat local ride in this book to the worldwide event that it is today. For all of those interested, look into the Tour de France this July!
*BAM*
(Hemingway, 205)
Literary Term: Climax
At last the time has come; after all of the teasing and judgement Cohn finally cracks and fights with...well just about everyone. After his affair with Brett, Cohn has to withstand rejection from the entire group, even from Brett, and he becomes a ticking time-bomb. The reader knows Cohn will have to do something eventually, but who knew that he had such anger in him. He had quite the busy night in between hitting Jacob, Mike, and almost killing poor Romero. This is a prime example of how much the opposite sex changes one's being or causes one to resort to more instinct and rash actions. At the beginning of the novel, Cohn is described as a weak push-over which certainly doesn't match this violent scene. However Cohn is quick to return to his actual character, when afterwards he is found crying and begging forgiveness. I believe since Cohn was not involved in the war, he is portrayed in such a weak and non-masculine way. It simply enhances the attitude of masculinity from the war and makes this violent scene more surprising.
Literary Term: Climax
At last the time has come; after all of the teasing and judgement Cohn finally cracks and fights with...well just about everyone. After his affair with Brett, Cohn has to withstand rejection from the entire group, even from Brett, and he becomes a ticking time-bomb. The reader knows Cohn will have to do something eventually, but who knew that he had such anger in him. He had quite the busy night in between hitting Jacob, Mike, and almost killing poor Romero. This is a prime example of how much the opposite sex changes one's being or causes one to resort to more instinct and rash actions. At the beginning of the novel, Cohn is described as a weak push-over which certainly doesn't match this violent scene. However Cohn is quick to return to his actual character, when afterwards he is found crying and begging forgiveness. I believe since Cohn was not involved in the war, he is portrayed in such a weak and non-masculine way. It simply enhances the attitude of masculinity from the war and makes this violent scene more surprising.
Save the Last Dance for me
(Hemingway, 195)
"I do though," Mike said. "I'm not one of these chaps likes being knocked about. I never play games even."
This is the single best quote to capture Mike's character. Honestly he doesn't seem to be a very likable person; he is always causing endless issues. He is always borrowing money and simply drinks it all away. The only time he receives pity is when Brett totally uses him, he actually tried to allow Brett to be as free as she wanted as long as she returned to him. Of course this didn't work seeing as sharing one's special someone is just not realistic at all when feelings get involved. Once this happens to Mike, he certainly doesn't play fair, as he verbally attacks anyone that gets close to Brett and causes such tension. The only character that isn't effected by Mike's attacks is Bill who goes with him to occupancy Edna and to shine his shoes (which was...special). I personally don't like Mike; however, I think his feelings for Brett are true and I don't like how she constantly brushes him off. At least he is willing to fight for her...perhaps he has more balls than the bulls....
"I do though," Mike said. "I'm not one of these chaps likes being knocked about. I never play games even."
This is the single best quote to capture Mike's character. Honestly he doesn't seem to be a very likable person; he is always causing endless issues. He is always borrowing money and simply drinks it all away. The only time he receives pity is when Brett totally uses him, he actually tried to allow Brett to be as free as she wanted as long as she returned to him. Of course this didn't work seeing as sharing one's special someone is just not realistic at all when feelings get involved. Once this happens to Mike, he certainly doesn't play fair, as he verbally attacks anyone that gets close to Brett and causes such tension. The only character that isn't effected by Mike's attacks is Bill who goes with him to occupancy Edna and to shine his shoes (which was...special). I personally don't like Mike; however, I think his feelings for Brett are true and I don't like how she constantly brushes him off. At least he is willing to fight for her...perhaps he has more balls than the bulls....
Friday, July 2, 2010
Spreading the Love?
(Hemingway, 186-187)
Literary Term: Internal Conflict
(Brett) "Do you still love me, Jake?" "Yes" I said. "Because I'm a goner, I'm mad about the Romero boy. I'm in love with him I think"...
The only element standing in the way of Jacob and Brett having a secure relationship together is Brett's fickle nature. She is never satisfied and craves total attention while maintaining a independent lifestyle. Jacob stands on the sidelines as she flirts with anyone and everyone. Unfortunately she isn't only hurting Jacob; she is constantly hurting others and causing conflict and honestly she doesn't seem truly satisfied with her life. The noted scene shows her rash lust over the bull fighter Romero which is later forgotten and rejected. The only character she never completely rejects is Jacob, which may just hurt him more. The book ends without a solution to this issue, and frankly I don't think there will be a solution due to this internal struggle Brett holds. Readers constantly have to pity both parties throughout the entire book.
Literary Term: Internal Conflict
(Brett) "Do you still love me, Jake?" "Yes" I said. "Because I'm a goner, I'm mad about the Romero boy. I'm in love with him I think"...
The only element standing in the way of Jacob and Brett having a secure relationship together is Brett's fickle nature. She is never satisfied and craves total attention while maintaining a independent lifestyle. Jacob stands on the sidelines as she flirts with anyone and everyone. Unfortunately she isn't only hurting Jacob; she is constantly hurting others and causing conflict and honestly she doesn't seem truly satisfied with her life. The noted scene shows her rash lust over the bull fighter Romero which is later forgotten and rejected. The only character she never completely rejects is Jacob, which may just hurt him more. The book ends without a solution to this issue, and frankly I don't think there will be a solution due to this internal struggle Brett holds. Readers constantly have to pity both parties throughout the entire book.
Simply a Dime a Dozen
(Hemingway, whole book)
Literary Term: Cliches/ Dialect
This tale has a few phrases and words that are used endlessly such as:
"That's/He's/She's Tight": Honestly, I had no idea what this phrase meant until I saw it so many times that I was forced to figure it out. It seems to be a vague term that describes any difficult situation, wheather it be financial hardship, loss, being drunk or just any general discomfort.
"Pipe Down!": For a while when Mike was screaming about Bull balls, this chiche remark was shouted a few times. The phrase actually comes from sailors who were told to go below the pipes to their hammocks when ordered to retire for the night [Source: The Phrase Finder].
Aficionado: This is the word used to mean passion about the bull-fights, often found in Montoya's hotel. Those with such passion were the true bull fighters and lovers of the sport.
This book has other phrases, which could be commented below, but these were the ones that stuck out to me.
Literary Term: Cliches/ Dialect
This tale has a few phrases and words that are used endlessly such as:
"That's/He's/She's Tight": Honestly, I had no idea what this phrase meant until I saw it so many times that I was forced to figure it out. It seems to be a vague term that describes any difficult situation, wheather it be financial hardship, loss, being drunk or just any general discomfort.
"Pipe Down!": For a while when Mike was screaming about Bull balls, this chiche remark was shouted a few times. The phrase actually comes from sailors who were told to go below the pipes to their hammocks when ordered to retire for the night [Source: The Phrase Finder].
Aficionado: This is the word used to mean passion about the bull-fights, often found in Montoya's hotel. Those with such passion were the true bull fighters and lovers of the sport.
This book has other phrases, which could be commented below, but these were the ones that stuck out to me.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
The Only True Passion of the Novel
(Hemingway, 175-177)
Literary Term: Static Character
Throughout the entire visit to Spain, Jacob has a few meetings with Montoya. This simple old man filled with "aficionado" (passion for bull fighting) doesn't change much within the book. His values for bullfighting are solidly stated from the first time the reader encounters him when the photos upon his wall are explained. This is all the information the reader really receives about him, never-changing with every meeting and bull discussion he has. The noted scene not only shows his current love for his nation and bull fighting but also shows he is seldom to change with his decision to reject wealth and American influence. Within this book of highly demanding characters, Montoya remains easy-to-please and a pleasant character. The relationship of him and Jacob is so sweet and respectable, which is a lovely contrast from other relationships in this novel. He is an excellent addition to the book, even if so little is shared about him.
Literary Term: Static Character
Throughout the entire visit to Spain, Jacob has a few meetings with Montoya. This simple old man filled with "aficionado" (passion for bull fighting) doesn't change much within the book. His values for bullfighting are solidly stated from the first time the reader encounters him when the photos upon his wall are explained. This is all the information the reader really receives about him, never-changing with every meeting and bull discussion he has. The noted scene not only shows his current love for his nation and bull fighting but also shows he is seldom to change with his decision to reject wealth and American influence. Within this book of highly demanding characters, Montoya remains easy-to-please and a pleasant character. The relationship of him and Jacob is so sweet and respectable, which is a lovely contrast from other relationships in this novel. He is an excellent addition to the book, even if so little is shared about him.
Bad Horse Bad Horse Bad Horse He's Bad...
(Hemingway, 146-149)
Literary Term: Extended Metaphor
(Mike) "I would have thought you'd loved being a steer, Robert.".."They lead such a quiet life. They never say anything and they're always hanging about so."
(Mike) "He came down to San Sebastian where he damn well wasn't wanted. He hung around Brett and just looked at her. It made me damned well sick."
After the first bull fight, while the entire group is together they begin discussing the gory life and death of the steers. Grasping the opportunity, Mike decides to compare Cohn and these pitiful animals. As a violent and rash drunk, Mike is incredibly rude in this scene; however, it makes an excellent example of extended metaphor. In Mike's opinion, Cohn is always quiet and hanging around hanging off of Brett similar to a steer. Honestly Cohn had this coming, seeing as he is desiring Brett, who has many other men to follow her around. His character simply doesn't match her lifestyle and had no future with her, but that doesn't stop him from trying which leads to not only hurting himself, but the entire group. He simply takes so much pride in his affair with Brett displayed in the following quote: (Hemingway, 150) I had to go up and bring Robert Cohn down. He was reserved and formal, and his face was still taut and sallow, but he cheered up finally. He could not stop looking at Brett. It seemed to make him happy. It must have been pleasant for him to see her looking so lovely and know he had been away with her and ever one knew it. They could not take that away from him. This is simply more of the buildup of the tension with Cohn.
Literary Term: Extended Metaphor
(Mike) "I would have thought you'd loved being a steer, Robert.".."They lead such a quiet life. They never say anything and they're always hanging about so."
(Mike) "He came down to San Sebastian where he damn well wasn't wanted. He hung around Brett and just looked at her. It made me damned well sick."
After the first bull fight, while the entire group is together they begin discussing the gory life and death of the steers. Grasping the opportunity, Mike decides to compare Cohn and these pitiful animals. As a violent and rash drunk, Mike is incredibly rude in this scene; however, it makes an excellent example of extended metaphor. In Mike's opinion, Cohn is always quiet and hanging around hanging off of Brett similar to a steer. Honestly Cohn had this coming, seeing as he is desiring Brett, who has many other men to follow her around. His character simply doesn't match her lifestyle and had no future with her, but that doesn't stop him from trying which leads to not only hurting himself, but the entire group. He simply takes so much pride in his affair with Brett displayed in the following quote: (Hemingway, 150) I had to go up and bring Robert Cohn down. He was reserved and formal, and his face was still taut and sallow, but he cheered up finally. He could not stop looking at Brett. It seemed to make him happy. It must have been pleasant for him to see her looking so lovely and know he had been away with her and ever one knew it. They could not take that away from him. This is simply more of the buildup of the tension with Cohn.
Fishin' for Friends
(Hemingway, 131-135)
Literary Term: Foil Characters
When Cohn deserts Bill and Jacob for the chance to see Brett, they still continue their fishing trip where they meet Cohn's foil: Wilson-Harris. Instead of spending the trip with Cohn, who would have been stingy, annoying, and focused on Brett, they spend the trip with Harris. Harris turns out to be a wonderful companion who treats Bill and Jacob well thus improving the fishing trip. They have a lovely time playing cards, fishing, drinking, and getting to know each other. Bill, Jacob, and Harris really enjoy it as quoted by Harris: I say. Really you don't don't know how much it means. I've not had this much fun since the war. The war is another foil Harris has with Cohn, for Cohn has no connection with the war while Bill, Jacob, and Harris all do. This connection they have seems to be pretty vital at the time and the fact that Cohn has no part of the war seems to contribute to his weak and annoying nature. Harris is a likeable character who helps the make the fishing trip not become a disaster since Mike, Brett, and Cohn didn't go.
Literary Term: Foil Characters
When Cohn deserts Bill and Jacob for the chance to see Brett, they still continue their fishing trip where they meet Cohn's foil: Wilson-Harris. Instead of spending the trip with Cohn, who would have been stingy, annoying, and focused on Brett, they spend the trip with Harris. Harris turns out to be a wonderful companion who treats Bill and Jacob well thus improving the fishing trip. They have a lovely time playing cards, fishing, drinking, and getting to know each other. Bill, Jacob, and Harris really enjoy it as quoted by Harris: I say. Really you don't don't know how much it means. I've not had this much fun since the war. The war is another foil Harris has with Cohn, for Cohn has no connection with the war while Bill, Jacob, and Harris all do. This connection they have seems to be pretty vital at the time and the fact that Cohn has no part of the war seems to contribute to his weak and annoying nature. Harris is a likeable character who helps the make the fishing trip not become a disaster since Mike, Brett, and Cohn didn't go.
"Light" Lunchtime Eatting
(Hemingway, 126-127)
Literary Term: Allusion
After enjoying some fishing, Bill and Jacob sit down for lunch involving some hard-boiled eggs and chicken legs. Being educated goobers, they partook in a lengthy discussion in which to eat first in concern to the theory of which came first: the chicken or the egg. This discussion contains an allusion to the ancient philosophical question that challenges the orientation of the universe, and such talk leads them into crude joking about the church. I think this conversation works not only as an allusion, but also a representation of the attitude of the characters of this book. Most of the characters don't hold much concern for the past or future, rather they choose to live in the present. Jacob is always reading the current paper. Mike never ceases to borrow money. Brett has no desire to commit to one person. It simply doesn't matter which came first.
Glue of the Group
(Hemingway, 119)
"Poor" said Bill. "Very poor. You can't do it. That's all. You don't understand irony. You have no pity. Say something pitiful"
This entire "lesson" about irony and pity was hilarious; Bill is one of the best characters of this book simply because he takes all of the drama in stride and tries to maintain a carefree nature among his friends. He has the best one liners and has the ability to have Brett "wrinkle up the corners of her eyes" (which I have yet to figure out how to do). One of my personal favorites being found of page 78: "All right. Have it your own way. Road to hell paved with unbought stuffed dogs. Not my fault." Bill remains an excellent character through his fishing skills; this activity reveals Bill's hardworking nature and desire for challenge. Unlike Jacob, he works for hours to catch the largest trout stopping at no cost as he wades into the creek. Bill is also one of the helping factors with all of the tension between Mike, Brett, and Cohn. He is the one that treks off with Mike and helps Cohn find peace after hitting Jacob. Bill's honest and genuine nature makes him a very understandable character.
"Poor" said Bill. "Very poor. You can't do it. That's all. You don't understand irony. You have no pity. Say something pitiful"
This entire "lesson" about irony and pity was hilarious; Bill is one of the best characters of this book simply because he takes all of the drama in stride and tries to maintain a carefree nature among his friends. He has the best one liners and has the ability to have Brett "wrinkle up the corners of her eyes" (which I have yet to figure out how to do). One of my personal favorites being found of page 78: "All right. Have it your own way. Road to hell paved with unbought stuffed dogs. Not my fault." Bill remains an excellent character through his fishing skills; this activity reveals Bill's hardworking nature and desire for challenge. Unlike Jacob, he works for hours to catch the largest trout stopping at no cost as he wades into the creek. Bill is also one of the helping factors with all of the tension between Mike, Brett, and Cohn. He is the one that treks off with Mike and helps Cohn find peace after hitting Jacob. Bill's honest and genuine nature makes him a very understandable character.
Going to the Chapel...
(Hemingway, 103)
Literary Term: Stream of Consciousness
(Jacob) I was a little ashamed and regretted that I was such a rotten Catholic, but realized there was nothing I could do about it, at least for a while, and maybe never, but that anyway it was a grand religion, and I only wished I felt religious and maybe I would next time; and then I was out in the hot sun of the steps of the cathedral, and the forefingers and the thumb of my right hand were still damp and I felt them dry in the sun.
Unlike some of the other characters, Jacob doesn't seem to completely desire to live a life of partying. This series of thoughts displays his possible regret; however, he chooses to do nothing about it. In general, religion is portrayed as a joke throughout the novel such as the constant remarks of Cohn's Jewish upbringing. Still, the church has been a constant of refuge for the characters such as this visit or when Brett tries to seek comfort after Romero, but none of them make the effort to withhold this comfort outside of church. They push away thoughts of regret and hope for better religion later and move on. They only go move towards religion in times of need or when entertaining spectacles are held, such as the religious parade at the beginning of the Fiesta. They have all chosen to leave the cool comfort and return to the hot, hell-like sun.
Literary Term: Stream of Consciousness
(Jacob) I was a little ashamed and regretted that I was such a rotten Catholic, but realized there was nothing I could do about it, at least for a while, and maybe never, but that anyway it was a grand religion, and I only wished I felt religious and maybe I would next time; and then I was out in the hot sun of the steps of the cathedral, and the forefingers and the thumb of my right hand were still damp and I felt them dry in the sun.
Unlike some of the other characters, Jacob doesn't seem to completely desire to live a life of partying. This series of thoughts displays his possible regret; however, he chooses to do nothing about it. In general, religion is portrayed as a joke throughout the novel such as the constant remarks of Cohn's Jewish upbringing. Still, the church has been a constant of refuge for the characters such as this visit or when Brett tries to seek comfort after Romero, but none of them make the effort to withhold this comfort outside of church. They push away thoughts of regret and hope for better religion later and move on. They only go move towards religion in times of need or when entertaining spectacles are held, such as the religious parade at the beginning of the Fiesta. They have all chosen to leave the cool comfort and return to the hot, hell-like sun.
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