Ernest Hemingway Influence On Society

Does the bell toll for the old man? Perhaps it is for the the white elephants. No, the bell tolls for us all. That bell is Ernest Hemingway, and more importantly Ernest Hemingway's literary examination of human behavior. Hemingway's career was both illustrious and contradictory. His style was blunt, however he was able to display the underlying emotions as a result of a lost understanding of human purpose. His works examine the shadows cast by war, and the effect of a broken generation on society (Schoenberg, 2). Beyond war, Hemingway brings to light underlying emotions and behavior by taking on an omniscient point of view (A Farewell to Arms, 4). It was this reflective style and influence which allowed Hemingway's influence to be so powerful
and vast. Hemmingway was able to play such a pivotal role in the assessment of being human through literature because of his influence on the Lost Generation, harrowing examinations of the human condition, and literary prestige.
The Lost Generation brought forth issues of humanity to an emerging literary world, and Hemingway's examination of the reality of life greatly influenced this literary movement.
Hemmingway was among the writers known as expatriates (Putnam, 5). His works reflect an era of war and aftermath, exemplifying the lost generation writers (Putnam, 5). The lost generation can be considered group of writers who questioned the no longer relevant inherited values of their predecessors (“Lost Generation”). These “disillusioned” individuals brought forth a social movement, as well as a new era of literary advancement (“Lost Generation”). Hemingway, among others, greatly influenced this time period through his work and contributions. His works, such as The Sun Also Rises addresses the contempt of society felt by so many in post-World War I society (“Lost Generation”). He moved to Europe seeking the beginnings of a broader human consciousness, beyond the turmoil of the world and war (Putnam, 5). It was his lifestyle among his peers that began the wave of disillusionment among authors and through this a larger understanding of war and the reality of life, bringing forth the topic of human condition among the movements of the time (A Farewell To Arms,
1).
Furthermore, Ernest Hemingway's works hauntingly portray the struggles and complexities of life, creating a relatable basis for literary development.
It is his works, such as Hills like White Elephants, which subtly address modern issues that bring forth the question of morality and purpose to a general population (A Farewell to Arms, 3). It is his short, direct style, exemplified by his six word story “Baby shoes for sale, never worn.”, allows for a clear and deep expression of emotion (A Farewell to Arms, 4). His involvement of incorporating the reader through active reading breaks an emotional barrier set forth by usual text. This action allows for the reader to directly examine Hemingway’s characters, and thus reflect on their own behavior. Hemingway’s mastery of language, subsequent to his fluency in the Romantic languages, allows his works to be overall reflective of human behavior and relate to the reader in an emotional context (A Farewell To Arms,
4).
It was Hemingway's literary prestige that allowed for his works to reach such a vast audience, relevant even today, and spread an understanding of humanity. His style, rooted on comprehension, propelled the popularity of his work among an emerging reader base, compelled to examine a disillusionary viewpoint. His style related to a rising interest among the general population (“Lost Generation”). It was the literary success of Hemingway and writers of the disillusionment that spread interest in the assessment of what it means to be human. Critics and individuals alike praise Hemingway for his literary excellence, but it is this praise that allows his work to be excellent (Schoenberg, 1). The renown of the writers of the Lost Generation, like Hemmingway, supplied the medium through which their understanding of life to spread ("Lost Generation”). In essence, the popularity of Hemingway's work led to the popularity of his ideals, while the popularity of his ideals led to the popularity of his work, a paradox in itself, but a truth all-round. Even today his works are presented as classics of the new age, thusly elevating and promoting his ever present ideals, and drawing attention to the question of human existence. In conclusion, Hemingway brought forth with him an exploration of human thought and action throughout his influence on an emerging literary movement; deep, reflective, yet blunt writing style; and prominence as a literary classic. His influence allowed for him to express his views and influence to a generation, and it was his style that allowed for his popularity and thorough expression of thought. HIs works made him a literary classic, furthering his ability to convey his message and explore the inner workings of human thought.