The Importance of Being Ernest Hemingway

[cameron]

I was browsing through the 'H' section in the college library today and came across a few Hemingways. I had forgotton what a class act old Ernie was. If you're looking for examples of deceptively simple, clear, direct, show-not-tell prose, then he's definitely your man.

He also borrowed his titles from John Donne (For Whom the Bell Tolls) which further adds to his credibility.

Cam

[pseud]

I remember my freshman year of highschool (I was about 15), when we had to read "The Old Man and the Sea" and everyone complained that nothing happened. I've come to love the book.

Caleb

[that girl]

I believe Ernest Hemmingway was homosexual.

And I liked The Old Man and the Sea as well. Granted, nothing ever really did happen. I prefer his short stories.

.tg.

[pseud]

Hmm....I believe Hemingway was married numerous times...not homosexual.

http://www.ernest.hemingway.com/page9a.htm

I could be wrong though.

[that girl]

Huh. that was one of the reasons I thought so. He couldnt keep a wife longer than a few short years.

[pseud]

Neither can Donald Trump or Prince Charles...

[Mark]

Do you know what the name of the John Donne work that Hemingway used for the For Whom the Bell Tolls quoatation? I remember reading it once, but I can't find it now!

I didn't know he used Donne for other book titles - do you know which ones?

[cameron]

Hi Mark and welcome to the forum.

It comes from Death's Duel which was one of Donne's sermons rather than one of his poems.

When I said 'titles' I really meant only one title.

Cheers
Cam

[The Ghost of Brian Jones]

the happenings in The Old Man and the Sea are internal not external. the fact that hamingway uses essentially all show not tell makes the happenings hard to percieve. plus he invented the iceberg theory about how only ten percent is on the surface and the other ninety percent is merely implied. but yes, i agree, Hemingway is a damned genius.