Reading and Interpreting the Works of Ernest Hemingway

Book excerpt: No twentieth-century writer has achieved greater literary success than Ernest Hemingway. His early days in journalism resulted in his trademark lean prose and a compelling writing style that would influence generations of writers to come. A larger-than-life figure, the author pursued adventures that would provide the groundwork for compelling tales of wars, bullfights, and safaris. This insightful guide provides excerpts, quotes, and critical analysis of Hemingway’s novels and short stories in the context of his fascinating and ultimately tragic personal life. Through an in-depth exploration of some of his greatest works, readers will gain a greater understanding of this literary giant.