Genre
A novel
Setting and Context
The story is a fictionalized account of Ernest Hemingway and Hadley Richardson’s marriage. The newlyweds move in 1921 to Paris, where the young writer pursues his dream.
Narrator and Point of View
The story is told from the point of view of Hadley Richardson. She is also the narrator.
Tone and Mood
The tone is thoughtful while the mood is slightly subdued and nostalgic.
Protagonist and Antagonist
Hadley Richardson is the protagonist. Ernest Hemingway is the antagonist.
Major Conflict
The major conflict is person vs. self. Hadley has to end the marriage, though she still loves Ernest.
Climax
Ernest and Hadley’s last phone talk is the climax of the story.
Foreshadowing
“He’s not bad, exactly. He is just young. He likes all women - all women, apparently.”
These words foreshadow the events of the story. Kate warns Hadley against Ernest and – as it turns out – she is absolutely right.
Understatement
„Listen. Kate is Kate. That’s all behind us now.”
Ernest doesn’t end their relationship properly and is sincerely perplexed with the fact that Kate might harbor some bitter feelings. He can’t understand either why Hadley is so worried over it, or why Kate is offended by him.
Allusions
The novel alludes to “A Moveable Feast”.
Imagery
The story includes images of Paris, of Hadley and Ernest’s apartments. Also, Hadley’s memories of her father and home are vividly visualized
Paradox
“We were surrounded by people on the platform, but also entirely alone”.
Parallelism
N/A
Metonymy and Synecdoche
“I like your spine.” (Spine is metonymy which means character.)
Personification
“Still another waited behind stacks jars of stewed fruit”. (Another is a flask.)
