Modernism and Hemingway

Historical Context Time period after World War I. A growing sense of uncertainty, disjointedness, and disillusionment. Americans did not trust the ideas and values of the past.

Modernism Captures the essence of modern life in both form and content. Disjointedness – fragmented writing style. Stream of consciousness – presents thoughts as if they were coming directly from a character’s mind. Themes (implied not directly stated) – uncertainty, bewilderment, and meaninglessness of modern life.

Ernest Hemingway Served in WWI as an ambulance driver. Considered an expatriate, or exile. Wrote about peoples’ struggles to maintain a sense of dignity while living in a seemingly hostile and confusing world. Won the Nobel Prize for Literature in Suffered from hypertension, depression, and paranoia. Committed suicide in 1961.

Hemingway’s Iceberg Theory “I always try to write on the principle of the iceberg. There is seven-eighths of it under water for every part that shows.”

The Old Man and the Sea (1952) Came 12 years after Hemingway’s last literary success. Won the Pulitzer Prize in Topics to discuss: –Symbolism and themes –Stream of consciousness –Christ archetype (the original model of a person from which others are copied)

Characters Santiago – Cuban fisherman who has run out of luck. Manolin – a young apprentice of Santiago. DiMaggio – baseball player for the New York Yankees; model of strength and commitment.

Christ Archetype Crucified – outstretched arms and bleeding hands Beaten, betrayed, and forced to carry his own cross Fights evil Body as sacrifice Fasted Struggles end in shame and humiliation

Goodness, patience, and humility Fish – source of food; a sacrifice

Significant Numbers 3: father, son, and holy spirit; 3 wise men 7: God created earth in 7 days; 7 deadly sins 40: rained 40 days and nights during flood; Jesus fasted for 40 days