How Hemingway able to stay creative - Essay Example

Either way, His work provides readers with the concept of life expressed in literature. The characters are always in search for happiness amidst the depressing conditions, for purpose in the midst of futility, and for inspiration in the midst of disillusionment (Oliver & Oliver, 2007, p.14). These existential journeys evident in his fictional characters are symbolical of the author's personal experiences (Dempsey, 2007, p.251) and search for his own happiness, purpose, and inspiration --- a journey that kept his literary juices flowing.

Hemingway's search for happiness is shown in how he deals with his characters, or in how he makes them deal with depressing events. Because of the war, people in the 1920s are agitated and the need to establish solid relationships became a need. Yet it remains interesting that no matter how his characters attempt to find happiness, it seems to be always elusive. The dark side of relationships always overshadow the bright side (Wagner-Martin, 2007, p.17-9). This is one of Hemingway's creative points --- where he is able to present the wishes of the heart, but does not leave out the reality of life.

In “Snows of Kilimanjaro,” “Hills Like White HEMINGWAY AND CREATIVITY 3 Elephants,” and “A Farewell to Arms,” and even “A Moveable Feast” all talk about how perfect happiness cannot truly exist. They talk about how human nature will always present its ugly head (Wagner-Martin, 2007, p.12). For example, in “Hills Like White Elephants,” Hemingway demonstrates how the even simple differences in communication styles will always present a barrier between a man and a woman. The American says that “[he] does not want anybody but [her and that everything] is perfectly simple” (Oliver & Oliver, 2007, p.33). The directness and straightforward approach of the male and his insistence in disregarding mushy emotions is something that Jig, the female, cannot accommodate, which end in fights, crumbling the foundation of what is supposedly a strong bond.

This leads to the man reacting with the thought that “his lies are more successful with women than when he tells them the truth” (Fantina & Strychacz, 2007, p.116). Though two people may love each other in a relationship, something will always occur that will push each involved individual to resort to their human nature that will eventually destroy the relationship (Oliver & Oliver, 2007, p.49). The search for purpose in the midst of futility can be seen in his works that mainly deal with the war.

In “A Farewell to Arms,” Frederic tries to hold on, despite the inner knowledge that somehow, his hope will not last. The imagery of permanent rain reveals how Hemingway provides the audience with the knowledge of what is to come, as he lets his character endure the intricate details that will eventually lead him to futility (Wagner-Martin, 2007, p.44). Frederic's efforts to save people who are important to him eventually become useless as fate's powers are beyond his control. One could say that Hemingway shows this in his real life, as even though he attained fame, “married women he liked” (Fantina & Strychacz, 2007, p.116), gained wealth, and survived war (Wagner-Martin, 2007, p.6), he is still depressed with how purposeless his life