Ernest Hemingway's Writing Style in The Sun Also Rises

Ernest Hemingway’s The Sun Also Rises (1926) is a novel that stands tall among the rest. Not only did it propel Hemingway to the status of an important modernist writer, but it also established a unique writing style: one that was clipped, yet full of depth and meaning. In this blog post, we’ll be examining Hemingway’s distinctive writing approach in The Sun Also Rises.

Though The Sun Also Rises is praised for its content, it is Hemingway’s writing style itself that serves as the foundation. Various components contribute to this unique style, from his simple syntax and direct diction to the deeper themes and ideas that lurk beneath the surface.

Clipped Words and Simple Syntax

One of the most striking elements in Hemingway’s writing style is his limited use of flowery language. He employs simple, straightforward descriptions and language throughout the novel, often opting for the most basic of words. Excess adverbs and adjectives are shunned in favor of creating a more cinematic experience for the reader. This clean, cutting style became synonymous with Hemingway and was dubbed the “Iceberg Theory” or the “Theory of Omission.”

Hemingway’s purposeful omission of detail allows readers to draw their own interpretations and conclusions about what is unsaid. Rather than overwhelming the reader with expositive language, Hemingway’s scant prose speaks volumes about his characters and their experiences.

Sparse Punctuation

Another defining feature of Hemingway’s style in The Sun Also Rises is the minimal use of punctuation. Specifically, he relies on a sparse sprinkling of commas and periods, infrequently using other forms of punctuation such as semicolons, exclamation points, or parentheses.

His scarce use of punctuation emphasizes the clipped tone of the narrative and emphasizes the disjointed and fragmented nature of the story. This approach reflects the novel’s themes and characters, many of whom feel alienated, disconnected, or rudderless following the First World War.

Symbolism

Despite the absence of embellished language and punctuation, Hemingway’s prose still speaks volumes through his thoughtful use of symbolism. One prominent symbol in The Sun Also Rises is the bullfighting that occurs throughout the novel. Bullfighting represents various themes, including courage, masculinity, and artistry.

The character of Pedro Romero, a young, talented bullfighter, serves as a symbol of the romantic ideal: one that embodies courage and poise. Romero contrasts with the novel’s protagonist, Jake Barnes, who struggles with his disability and feelings of inadequacy. Jake’s fascination with bullfighting and Romero ultimately symbolizes the longing for the lost sense of oneself associated with the “Lost Generation.”

Echoes of the Lost Generation

The term “Lost Generation,” coined by Gertrude Stein, refers to the American literary and artistic community of the 1920s living abroad, particularly in Paris, while grappling with the disillusionment and aimlessness that emerged in the aftermath of World War I. The Sun Also Rises perfectly exemplifies this concept, as the novel’s characters travel through Paris and Spain, seeking stimulation and escape from their emotional and physical traumas.

Hemingway’s clipped, detached writing style echoes the novel’s exploration of dislocation, pain, and loss. His intentional restraint allows the emotional turmoil and uncertainty that characterizes the Lost Generation to take the forefront without being overpowered by an overt style.

To fully experience and appreciate Hemingway’s unique style and delve into the world of the Lost Generation, why not pick up a copy of The Sun Also Rises today? Get lost in this remarkable novel - read or listen to the book now on Amazon.

In the meantime, you might also be interested in exploring other influential works from the Lost Generation. F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby (1925) (View on Amazon) and Gertrude Stein’s The Autobiography of Alice B. Toklas (1933) (View on Amazon) are two excellent examples of this movement’s presence and impact on the literary world.

Recommended Articles:

• The Ultimate Guide to The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway
• The Lost Generation: Understanding the Themes of The Sun Also Rises
• The Sun Also Rises: Unforgettable Quotes and Their Significance
• 5 Books Like The Sun Also Rises: Novels to Explore After Reading Hemingway
• The Characters of The Sun Also Rises: A Deep Dive