ASSIGNMENT:108
Hemingway's Narrative Techniques and the "Iceberg Theory"
# Personal Information:-
Name:- Hardi Vhora
Batch:- M.A. Sem.:2 (2023-2025)
Enrollment No.:- 5108230032
Paper No.:- 108
Paper Name:- The American Literature
Paper Code:- 22401
Roll No.:- 08
e-mail:- hardivhora751@gmail.com
# Table Of Content:-
Personal Information
Table of Content
Abstract
Keywords
Introduction of Earnest Hemingway
Introduction of Iceberg Theory
Hemingway’s Narrative Techniques
The Iceberg Theory Explained
Key Principles of Iceberg Theory
Application in Hemingway’s Works
Conclusion
References
1. Abstract:-
Ernest Hemingway's narrative techniques and the "Iceberg
Theory" represent a distinctive approach to storytelling that has left an indelible mark on 20th-century literature. This study delves into Hemingway's minimalist prose, his economical use of language, and his mastery of dialogue to uncover the deeper layers of meaning beneath the surface of his narratives. The Iceberg Theory, Hemingway's belief that the bulk of a story's meaning lies submerged beneath the surface, guides our exploration of his works, revealing the power of omission and implication in conveying complex themes and emotions. Through close analysis of key works such as "The Old Man and the Sea," "A Farewell to Arms," and "The Sun Also Rises," we examine how Hemingway's narrative techniques not only depict the external events of his characters' lives but also illuminate their internal struggles and existential dilemmas. Furthermore, we assess the impact of Hemingway's narrative innovations on
subsequent generations of writers and interrogate the challenges and critiques levelled against his minimalist approach. By engaging with Hemingway's narrative techniques and the Iceberg Theory, this study seeks to deepen our understanding of his literary legacy and its enduring influence on the art of storytelling.
2. Keywords:-
1. Ernest Hemingway
2. Narrative techniques
3. Iceberg Theory
4. Minimalist prose
5. Economical language
6. Dialogue
7. Deeper layers of meaning
8. Omission
9. Implication
10. Complex themes
11. Internal struggles
12. Existential dilemmas
13. Key works
14. Impact
15. Literary legacy
16. Storytelling
3. Introduction of Earnest Hemingway:-
Ernest Hemingway (born July 21, 1899, Cicero [now in Oak Park], Illinois, U.S.—died July 2, 1961, Ketchum, Idaho) was an American novelist and short-story writer, awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1954. He was noted both for the intense masculinity of his writing and for his adventurous and widely publicised life. His succinct and lucid prose style exerted a powerful influence on American and British fiction in the 20th century.
In 1926 he published The Sun Also Rises, a novel with which he scored his first solid success. A pessimistic but sparkling book, it deals with a group of aimless expatriates in France and Spain—members of the postwar Lost Generation, a phrase that Hemingway scorned while making it famous. This work also introduced him to the limelight, which he both craved and resented for the rest of his life. Hemingway’s The Torrents of Spring, a parody of the American writer Sherwood Anderson’s book Dark Laughter, also appeared in 1926.
4.Introduction of ‘Iceberg Theory’:-
The Iceberg Theory (also known as the "theory of omission") is a style of writing coined by American writer Ernest Hemingway.The theory is so named because, just as only a small part of an iceberg is visible above water, Hemingway's stories presented only a small part of what was actually happening. Alternatively speaking, Ernest Hemingway's "iceberg" theory is his strategy of fiction writing in which most of the story is hidden, much like an iceberg underneath the ocean. The largest percentage of an iceberg is underwater (not visible) and is subsequently the strongest part of the iceberg. In the same way, the strongest part of a Hemingway story is what is hidden from the reader and if applicable, revealed later.Hemingway developed the style as a result of being a journalist, a profession which requires consciousness due to space restraints in printed newspapers. Hemingway believed that the application of the iceberg theory created the perfect short story, and the more details the writer strips away, the more powerful the story is.
According to Hemingway,...
“If a writer of prose knows enough of what he is writing about he may omit things that he knows and the reader, if the writer is writing truly enough, will have a feeling of those things as strongly as though the writer had stated them. The dignity of movement of an ice-berg is due to only one-eighth of it being above water. A writer who omits things because he does not know them only makes hollow places in his writing.”
Moreover,...
“Hemingway said that only the tip of the iceberg showed in fiction—your reader will see only what is above the water—but the knowledge that you have about your character that never makes it into the story acts as the bulk of the iceberg. And that is what gives your story weight and gravitas.”
– JENNA BLUM IN THE AUTHOR AT WORK, 2013
The iceberg theory is a concept in psychology and literary analysis that was first introduced by Ernest Hemingway. According to this theory, a person's thoughts and feelings are represented by only a small portion of what is visible on the surface (the tip of the iceberg), while a larger portion of their thoughts and emotions are hidden below the surface (the bulk of the iceberg). This theory suggests that people reveal only a small part of their true selves to others and that to truly understand someone, one must look deeper than what is immediately visible.
Ernest Hemingway was known for his simple, direct, and unadorned writing style. He is often associated with the "Iceberg Theory" of writing, which emphasises the idea that a writer should only reveal a small portion of the story, with the bulk of the meaning and emotion implied or hinted at. Hemingway's writing style continues to influence modern writers and is often praised for its simplicity, concision, and emotional depth.
Ernest Hemingway was known for applying the iceberg theory in his writing style. He believed that the best way to convey a character's emotions was not through direct description or dialogue but through subtle hints and implications. In his works, Hemingway often presented only the tip of the iceberg by leaving much of the character's thoughts and feelings unsaid, allowing the reader to infer them from the characters' actions, dialogue, and other subtle cues.
5.Hemingway’s Narrative Techniques:-
Ernest Hemingway's narrative technique embodies the essence of minimalism in prose, characterised by its brevity, simplicity, and focus on essential elements. In his writing, Hemingway eschews verbosity and superfluous description, opting instead for a pared-down style that emphasises clarity and directness. For instance, in "The Old Man and the Sea," Hemingway employs sparse language to vividly depict the struggles of Santiago, the ageing fisherman, against the marlin and the sea, conveying profound themes of perseverance and human resilience with remarkable economy. Furthermore, dialogue plays a pivotal role in Hemingway's narratives, serving as a primary vehicle for character development and advancing the plot. Hemingway's dialogues are concise yet rich in subtext, revealing nuances of personality and relationships through subtle exchanges. His mastery of dialogue is evident in "A Farewell to Arms," where the interactions between Frederic Henry and Catherine Barkley convey layers of emotion and meaning, driving the narrative forward with precision and depth. Moreover, Hemingway's economy of language is exemplified in his sparse and precise writing style, which eschews embellishment in favour of stark realism. In "The Sun Also Rises," Hemingway's economical language evokes the disillusionment and aimlessness of the Lost Generation, capturing the essence of post-war existential angst with remarkable efficiency. Additionally, Hemingway's use of an objective point of view lends an air of detachment and impartiality to his narratives, allowing readers to draw their conclusions and interpretations. By presenting events without overt commentary or judgement, Hemingway invites readers to engage actively with the text, fostering a deeper sense of immersion and understanding. Finally, Hemingway's preference for the "show, don't tell" technique underscores his commitment to letting actions and imagery speak for themselves, rather than relying on exposition or explanation. In "For Whom the Bell Tolls," Hemingway's vivid descriptions of the Spanish Civil War landscape and the characters' visceral experiences demonstrate the power of evocative storytelling, immersing readers in the visceral reality of war without resorting to overt commentary or moralising. Overall, Hemingway's narrative techniques embody the principles of minimalism, economy, and objectivity, inviting readers to engage with his works on a profound and introspective level.
> In Hemingway's works, this approach is evident in his use of:-
1. Omission of internal thoughts and emotions: Hemingway often omitted plain descriptions of a character's thoughts and emotions, leaving the reader to infer them based on the character's actions and dialogue.
2. Use of indirect characterization: Hemingway used indirect characterization to reveal a character's personality and motivations. For example, a character's actions, speech patterns, and attitudes toward others can all provide hints about their personality and motivations.
3. Emphasis on setting and atmosphere: Hemingway believed that setting and atmosphere were crucial for establishing mood and tone. By using sensory details and vivid imagery, he created a rich and immersive world for the reader.
4. Simple and direct language: Hemingway used simple and direct language to create an unadorned, stripped-down style that emphasised the emotional impact of the story. The portrayal of Hemingway's application of the iceberg theory can be seen in works such as "A Farewell to Arms", "The Sun Also Rises" and "The Old Man and the Sea". Through his use of the iceberg theory, Hemingway was able to create characters and stories that were both simple and complex, direct and nuanced, and that explored the human condition with emotional depth and insight.
6. ‘The Iceberg’ Theory Explained:-
The iceberg theory or theory of omission is a writing technique coined by American writer Ernest Hemingway. As a young journalist, Hemingway had to focus his newspaper reports on immediate events, with very little context or interpretation. When he became a writer of short stories, he retained this newspaper style, focusing on surface elements without explicitly discussing underlying themes. Hemingway believed the deeper meaning of a story should not be evident on the surface, but should shine through implicitly1 . Ernest Miller Hemingway (1899-1961) used the theory of omission or the iceberg theory in his literary creativity very broadly. He used this style in his novels and many stories as well.
The reason why he used this style in his creativity a lot is that Hemingway worked as a correspondent in the early 1920s
While living in Paris, he learned to write shortly and mysteriously. Later, when he started writing stories he claimed that fiction could be based on reality, but that if an experience were to be distilled, as he explained, then "what he made up was truer than what he remembered2 ”. Writers who utilise Hemingway’s iceberg theory must embrace the idea that they will always know more about the story, the world, and the characters than there will ever be room for on the page. For leaving things off the page can often be more powerful than spelling them out. Hemingway himself also claimed that if a writer of prose knows enough of what he is writing about he may omit things that he knows and the reader, if the writer is writing truly enough, will have a feeling of those things as strongly as though the writer had stated them. The dignity of movement of an ice-berg is due to only one-eighth of it being above water. A writer who omits things because he does not know them only makes hollow places in his writing . Hemingway wrote about the theory of iceberg in his works several times, in 1923, Hemingway conceived of the idea of a new theory of writing after finishing his short story "Out of Season". In “A Moveable Feast”, his posthumously published memoirs about his years as a young writer in Paris, he explains: "I omitted the real end [of "Out of Season"] which was that the old man hanged himself. This was omitted on my new theory that you could omit anything... and the omitted part would strengthen the story4 . In fact, at the beginning of the long piece of fiction, he always emphasises on a great deal of outdoor scenes and does not introduce the protagonist directly. Such depiction of the scenery is poetic and picturesque and the writer’s remarkable imagination, special writing style and marvellous artistic talent are shining between the lines of his works. Unavoidably, readers would feel pity for the writer spending so much writing on the scenery. Hemingway is different from him. He does not describe a scene just for the scene, but expresses his emotions through the scene; the scene and emotions are not isolated, they are combined.
7.Key Principles of Iceberg Theory:-
1. Simplicity: Hemingway believed in simplicity and minimalism in writing. He advocated for using simple and straightforward language to convey complex ideas. This means stripping away unnecessary words and descriptions, allowing readers to fill in the gaps with their own interpretations.
2. Subtext over Explanation: Rather than explicitly stating everything, Hemingway preferred to hint at deeper meanings through subtext and suggestion. He trusted readers to infer the underlying emotions, conflicts, and themes from the context and actions of the characters.
3. Understatement: Hemingway often used understatement to create tension and impact. By downplaying significant events or emotions, he heightened their effect on the reader. This technique relies on what is left unsaid, encouraging readers to read between the lines.
4. Symbolism and Metaphor: Hemingway used symbols and metaphors to convey complex ideas indirectly. Objects, settings, and actions often carry deeper meanings beyond their literal significance. This encourages readers to engage actively with the text, interpreting symbols in their own way.
5. Emotion through Action: Rather than describing characters' emotions directly, Hemingway showed them through their actions and interactions. By focusing on what characters do rather than what they feel, he created a more immersive experience for readers, allowing them to empathise with the characters' experiences.
6. Universal Themes: Hemingway's stories often explore universal themes such as love, loss, courage, and mortality. The Iceberg Theory suggests that these themes should be subtly woven into the narrative, allowing readers to relate to the story on a deeper level.
7. Reader Participation: Hemingway believed in the importance of reader participation in the storytelling process. By leaving gaps in the narrative and encouraging readers to interpret the text for themselves, he fostered a more active and engaged reading experience.
By adhering to these principles, Hemingway created works that resonate with readers on multiple levels, inviting them to explore the deeper meanings beneath the surface of the text.
8. Application in Hemingway’s Works:-
The Iceberg Theory and A Farewell to Arms Ernest:-
Hemingway's novel "A Farewell to Arms" is a prime example of the writer's use of the iceberg theory. In this novel, Hemingway uses the theory to convey the complex emotions and thoughts of the main character, Frederic Henry, without explicitly stating them. For instance, instead of explicitly describing Frederic's feelings of loss and disillusionment as a result of the war, Hemingway shows these emotions through Frederic's actions, such as his drinking and his decision to desert the army. Similarly, Hemingway hints at Frederic's love for Catherine through their conversations and the descriptions of their interactions, rather than through direct statements of love.
>Here are some quotes from "A Farewell to Arms" that display the use of the iceberg theory:
1. "The world breaks everyone and afterward many are strong at the broken places. But those that will not break it, kill."(249)
- This quote from the novel's narrator, Frederic Henry, implies the novel's themes of the human struggle against adversity and the fragility of life.
2. "I was always embarrassed by the words sacred, glorious, and sacrifice and the expression in vain."(225)
- This line from Frederic implies his disillusionment with the rhetoric of war and the empty promises of heroism.
3. "The world is a fine place and worth fighting for and I hate very much to leave it."(246) - This line from Frederic implies his acceptance of his own mortality and his appreciation for life.
4. "The world is not a pleasant place to be. It is beautiful, it is the only world, but you mustn't trust it."(7) - This quote, spoken by Frederic's friend Rinaldi, implies the novel's themes of the ambiguity of life and the need to be cautious.
5. "The summer nights were long and the sky was made of stars and he who could not work could at least lie down and look at them."(16) - This quote, describing the simple pleasures of life during wartime, implies the contrast between the beauty of nature and the ugliness of human conflict.
6. "I had gone to no place where the roads were frozen and hard as iron, where it was clear and cold and dry and the snow was dry and powdery and hare-tracks in the snow and the peasants took off their hats and called you Lord and there was good hunting."(3)
- This quote, describing Frederic's nostalgia for a simpler, more natural way of life, implies the novel's themes of the loss of innocence and the desire for escape.
These quotes rely on implication and understatement to convey complex ideas and emotions. They show how Hemingway's minimalist style can be deceptively simple, hiding layers of meaning and emotion beneath the surface. These quotes exhibit how Hemingway uses the iceberg theory in "A Farewell to Arms" to imply the emotional states of the characters and explore complex themes such as disillusionment, love, and loss. Through his mastery of minimalism and omission, Hemingway creates a nuanced and emotionally rich portrayal of the characters and their experiences during World War I.
Iceberg Theory and the Old Man and the Sea Ernest:
Hemingway's novel "The Old Man and the Sea" is an excellent example of the author's use of the iceberg theory in literature. The iceberg theory emphasises the idea of showing rather than telling, and Hemingway uses this style in "The Old Man and the Sea" to convey the emotions, thoughts, and experiences of his characters through their actions, conversations, and descriptions, rather than through direct statements.
>Here are some quotes from "The Old Man and the Sea" that illustrate the use of the iceberg theory:
1. "The old man was thin and gaunt with deep wrinkles in the back of his neck. The brown blotches of the benevolent skin cancer the sun brings from its reflection on the tropic sea were on his cheeks."(9)
- This description of the old man is simple and straightforward, but it implies much about his life and character.
2. "It was considered a virtue not to talk unnecessarily at sea, and the old man had always considered it so and respected it."(26)
- This line suggests the old man's experience and the importance of the code of conduct among sailors.
3. "Everything about him was old except his eyes and they were the same colour as the sea and were cheerful and undefeated."(10)
- This quote implies that the old man's eyes reveal his inner strength and resilience.
4. "The thousand times that he had proved it meant nothing. Now he was proving it again. Each time was a new time, and he never thought about the past when he was doing it."(51)
- This quote highlights the old man's determination and his focus on the present moment, rather than dwelling on past successes or failures.
5. "But man is not made for defeat," he said. "A man can be destroyed but not defeated."(103)
- This line is a direct statement of the novel's theme, but it is also an example of the iceberg theory, as it implies much about the old man's character and his struggle.
The above quotes explain how Hemingway uses the iceberg theory in "The Old Man and the Sea" to convey the experiences, emotions, and thoughts of the characters and to explore themes such as perseverance, determination, and the love of the sea. Through his masterful use of minimalism and omission, Hemingway creates a nuanced and emotionally rich portrayal of Santiago and his journey.
9. Conclusion:-
In conclusion, the Iceberg Theory and Hemingway's writing demonstrate the power of suggestion and implication in literature. His writing style has left a profound impact on the literary world, shaping the way we understand and approach storytelling. Hemingway's minimalist style and deliberate use of omission continue to inspire writers to explore new and innovative ways of communicating complex ideas and emotions through literature.
By revealing only what is necessary, the writer Hemingway's legacy as a writer continues to inspire and influence writers today, reminding us of the importance of economy and elegance in writing.
The contribution of Hemingway to the novel's creation is shown in it. Iceberg theory not only makes Hemingway’s writing rich in hidden thoughts, deep emotions, and more powerful and effective; but also shows the writer’s belief of art and a lofty realm of art. Therefore, succinct words, deeply implied expression and symbolic technique perfectly epitomise Hemingway’s iceberg theory. Hemingway shows us an eternal artistic world of his own unique style. Through his works, we can not only feel the charm of his words, but also understand the deep connotations of his works.
# References:-
Kandilat Khan, Isupova. "The Iceberg Theory" in Earnest Hemingway's Literary Creativity, vol. 1, no. 8, p. 5, https://openaccessjournals.eu/index.php/ijdpp/article/download/915/874/2400.
Shipra. The Iceberg Theory and Earnest Hemingway, https://www.ijfmr.com/papers/2023/1/1646.pdf.
Young, Philip. “Ernest Hemingway | Biography, Books, Death, & Facts.” Britannica, 27 March 2024, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Ernest-Hemingway. Accessed 25 April 2024.
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