Ernest Hemingway

Ernest Hemingway

Ernest Hemingway, American writer and journalist, later a member of “the Lost Generation”. Pulitzer Prize winner and Nobel Prize winner, furthermore a legend in the world of literature.

His career started when young Ernest left his reporting job against his father’s wishes to see and feel the action of WWI. While delivering supplies he was wounded, escorted to hospital where he met Agnes von Kurowsky. Hemingway instantly fell in love with this older lady, unfortunately, their relationship ended with his return to United States.

This had a huge impact on Hemingway’s later works. “A Very Short Story” was the result of his damaged psyche and was built upon the ashes of the unfortunate relationship. In a blink of an eye, Ernest married his first wife, Hadley Richardson, with whom he settled in Paris where he worked for the local newspaper. His mentor during his time in Paris was Gertrude Stein; she was the one who introduced him to the “Parisian Modern Movement” which was to become “the Lost Generation”. Hemingway’s relationships in France provided inspiration for his first novel, “The Sun Also Rises”. After his father’s death the influence of Agnes von Kurowsky appeared again in his work “A Farewell to Arms”.

When the United States entered the WWII Hemingway took part in naval warfare, until FBI took control over the territory that was when Hemingway was transported to Europe and observed the D- Day landings. Shortly after the War, Hemingway planned a trilogy which would include three stories, later published as “The Old Man and the Sea. “

This novella was his last work of fiction. The story centers upon Santiago, an old fisherman who struggles with a giant marlin. The simplicity of the story provides an opportunity for symbolism. Santiago is thought to represent Christ suffering, as on several occasions he compares Santiago’s journey to his shack to the journey of Jesus to his crucifixion.

In addition, this work has a powerful message. It can be assumed that this novella can be read on several levels. It can be read as an allegorical commentary on all his previous work, and as a result comes the fact that the Old Man and the Sea ultimately allowed the author to finally take the decisive step in elevating his philosophy of Manhood to the level of religion.

Even though Hemingway brought many unforgettable works and influenced the literature as a whole his demise was shocking and probably would not be thought of such a person. Ernest inspired by his father, chose to die with a gun in his hand. Shockingly, he –in reality- attempted several suicides but one of his attempts was successful. His weapon of choice was a shotgun.

The reason for this action was his injury from the WWI. The pain was so intolerable that his body and mind could no more stand it. The death of Ernest Hemingway is still discussed by most of the people interested in his persona. But what – on the other hand- still remains to be overlooked is the suicide of his sister and brother. Ernest Hemingway died in the year of 1961, but hopefully, his legacy will never meet a similar ending.