Why This

My intent here is to force my interpretations of Ernest Hemingway's short stories into articulated thoughts, rather than leaving them floating around like shapeless abstractions that can be sensed but not realized. It seems that we can understand things to varying degrees of depth, depending on our experiences, cognitive processes, logic, and the time and effort and spirit we are willing to devote to whatever it is we are trying to understand.

At the most superficial level literature is limited to being read and felt in the sense that we relate to the mood, the atmosphere, and the moral sense expressed by the author. The other end of the spectrum might take the same work and apply such a sophisticated analysis that the author's intention becomes apparent, and flaws might even be exposed in the author's style or thinking. I hope to go beneath the surface to understand everything that I can possibly draw from each story.

I chose to undertake this project when my sister, Amy, suggested that we read the same book as a way for us to stay in touch and have something common to draw from while we live so far apart. I aim to read all of Hemingway's many short stories, and make substantive comments after analysing the text. Hopefully, at the end, I'll have enjoyed some good fiction while improving my critical thinking and writing. If anyone reads this, I hope they will comment if they should find anything that interests them.

The version of short stories used is the "Finca Vigia Edition."