How Does Hemingway use Economy In

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Josh Ruegger

How Does Hemingway use Economy In “The end of something”

Hemingway is renowned for his brief, simple and economical writing style. This is present in the story “The end of something”, but how does he achieve this and what effect does it have on the story.  

Hemingway has an economical writing style, which is achieved through the repetition of words. An example of this is the use of the word “said” after any dialogue between Marjorie and Nick. This can seem quite juvenile in style, many authors would be more descriptive, but by repeating this simple and plain word Hemingway is commenting on the tediousness of their relationship. This is reinforced later when Nick remarks “it isn’t fun anymore”. When Nick talks to Bill later Hemingway drops the use of the word suggesting their relationship is more interesting. The use of the word “said” also conveys the lack of emotion between the couple.

Another way that Hemingway achieves economy is through sentence length. When describing nature and motion Hemingway uses long descriptive, interesting sentences with imagery, however when the subject is Nick and Marjorie’s relationship short, abrupt sentences are used. This could be seen as another way that Hemingway conveys the boring side of their relationship. The description is so detailed when they are fishing, “ ran the second line out the same way”, that it gives the impression that they are focused on their jobs in order to avoid having to focus on their failing relationship. There is short dialogue throughout the story between the couple, it often being no longer then 4 or 5 words. This also shows abruptness and hints at their unsuccessful relationship and the fact they have run out of things to talk about. Through these means Hemingway is hinting at the boring side of their relationship without directly commenting on it, which is economical.

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There are several lines and words in the story that have double meanings and it is for us the reader to interpret them. An example of this is the word “Lying” in the following sentence “’Yes’ Nick said lying, his face on the blanket”. Lying could mean one of two things, lying face down or not telling the truth. If we take the former meaning he could be lying because he doesn’t want to look at Bill because he feels guilty, if we take the latter then it suggests that Nick is embarrassed about his actions and doesn’t want ...

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