I introduce scholarly books for studying the works of Hemingway in light of the theoretical approach. I also explain the reason why I chose them.
- Gloria Holland and Lawrence R. Broer, Hemingway and Women, 2002.
- Michael S. Reynolds, The Sun Also Rises, A Novel of the Twenties, 1988.
Gloria Holland and Lawrence R. Broer, Hemingway and Women, 2002.
This book discusses Hemingway’s relationship with women in two main perspectives: one is from the female characters in his novels, and the other is from his actual relationships with women.
In the discussion of female characters, the book examines characters such as Ashley in The Sun Also Rises, Catherine Barkley in A Farewell to Arms, and the characters in The Garden of Eden in light of gender issues.
I chose this book because I found it interesting to read Hemingway's work in the light of gender issues. In fact, the way of reading Hemingway's texts in the gender context has been changed historically. The previous studies for Hemingway's works focused solely on his macho aspect, and his works were a nuisance for feminists due to the misogynistic aspects observed in his works. In recent research, however, feminists have come to study Hemingway's texts in positive viewpoints, and why?
I think that his macho aspect is only the social mask; the more carefully you read his works, the more his sensitive parts can be observed. You can also get a glimpse of femininity in masculinity, which is an extension of Jung's concept of anima and animus.
In another article written about Hemingway's A Farewell to Arms, I wrote that I am totally impressed with the scene where Frederic describes Catherine's corpse as "It was like saying good-bye to a statue (ch.41)". On the other hand, however, one might raise an objection to describe a human as a "statue". When I connect this remark with the scene that he said "I like to watch her move (ch. 6)", however, I think it's the ultimate dramatization of emptiness. Hemingway maintains the masculine social mask, but one can observe his sensitive aspect. I think that feminists start viewing his works in positive ways in recent years because such a part can be glimpsed.
Michael S. Reynolds, The Sun Also Rises, A Novel of the Twenties, 1988.
The book analyzes the details of Hemingway’s text from multiple perspectives, such as importance, reputation, narrative, structure, and symbolism, in light of the historical context.
The most interesting part of the book is that Jake’s involvement with money is discussed. I chose this book because my research perspective is on Jake’s relationship with money. This book points out Jake’s extravagance on his use of money.
The book shows converting monetary values at the time and points out that he is in Paris. I chose this book because it is very helpful when we study this work in light of the "exchange of value".
