ABSTRACT

Ernest Hemingway (1899-1961) as a well-known writer in the 20th century, enjoys a high reputation in the literary circle. He is noted for his influential “Iceberg” writing style and his creation of code heroes. Scattered among his works are a group of old men, who are unwilling to accept the passage of time and frustration of their dreams, through whose imagery Hemingway conveys universal message of spiritual salvation, seeking value in life when facing death, despair and dilemma with grace and elegance. 

This paper will interpret the imagery of aging men in Hemingway’s The Old Man and the Sea, “A Clean Well-lighted Place”, “The Old Man at the Bridge” and “My Old Man”. Hemingway drew on the historic and social background of the time as well as his personal experiences and values in the creation of these images of the old men. In such an illusionary society, these aging heroes with glorious humanity serve as a remedy to the lack of social values, as well as spiritual legacy to the society.

Key words：Hemingway; old man image; spiritual salvation; glorious humanity

CONTENTS

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

ABSTRACT

摘要

Chapter One  INTRODUCTION-1

1.1Brief Introduction to Ernest Hemingway-1

1.2 Introduction to The Old Man and The Sea, “The Old Man and the Bridge”, “My Old Man” and “A Clean, Well-lighted Place”-1

Chapter Two  LITERATURE REVIEW-3

2.1 Brief History of Previous Studies on Hemingway’s Aging Heroes-3

2.2 Inadequacy of Past Studies-4

2.3 Significance of the Present Study-4

Chapter Three  IMAGERY OF HEMINGWAY’S AGING MAN-5

3.1 Respecting for and Sympathize with Life-5

3.2 Lacking “Potency” and “Ability”-7

3.3 Seeking Life Value and Spirit Salvation-8

Chapter Four  FORMATION OF HEMINGWAY’S AGING CHARACTERS-9

4.1 Historical Background-9

4.2 Personal Experiences-10

4.3 Individual Values...13 

4.3.1 Tragedy Complex-13

4.3.2 Nihilism Thoughts-14

4.3.3 Mental Crisis-15

Chapter Five CONCLUSION-17

5.1 The Limitation of Hemingway’s Depiction of Aging Men-17

5.2 The Enlightenment to Individuals and Social Development-17

WORKS CITED-19