Ernest Hemingway 1899-1961
American Writer
Ernest Hemingway is remembered today as one of America's best writers. He grew up in Illinois, but his experiences in World War I shaped much of his most well-known writing in books like A Farewell to Arms.
Hemingway's style of writing was unusual in his time. He wrote simple sentences and conversations. Many of Hemingway's novels have violence, perhaps because of his experiences during the war. He loved sports and hunting and also wrote about them. Hemingway is famous for his male characters, or Hemingway heroes. These characters often face dangerous situations with courage.
In 1928, Hemingway moved to Key West, Florida, where he lived and wrote for more than ten years. People can visit the Hemingway Home and Museum in Key West today. There are beautiful gardens, a large swimming pool, and over 60 cats at the author's home.
Hemingway received the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1954 for his short novel The Old Man and the Sea. Even today, writers try to imitate Hemingway's style of writing. People still enjoy reading Hemingway's novels, and many students read them in school.
Critical Thinking
What effect did World War I have on Hemingway's writing?