Ernest Hemingway Summary
Ernest Hemingway by Mary V. Dearborn is a biography of the Nobel Prize-winning author and adventurer.
- The biography discusses Hemingway's relationships with family, friends, and literary associates, as well as the factors that led to the development of his larger-than-life persona.
- The book also covers Hemingway's many hunting and fishing expeditions, his activities as a war correspondent during the Spanish Civil War and World War II, and his suicide in 1961.
Summary
Author: Mary V. Dearborn
Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf (New York). 752 pp.
Type of work: Biography
Time: 1899–1961
Locales: Illinois; Italy; Paris, France; Spain; Key West, Florida; Cuba; Idaho
Mary V. Dearborn has crafted an intricate biography of Ernest Hemingway, a literary giant and Nobel laureate, exploring the profound connections and tumultuous events in his life. Her work delves deeply into his personal and professional relationships, while shedding light on the allure and eventual despair that marked his public and private worlds. This comprehensive biography not only chronicles Hemingway's life story but also examines the forces that shaped his legendary status and tragic end.
Key Figures in Hemingway's Life
Ernest Miller Hemingway, renowned novelist, short-story writer, and essayist
Grace Hall Hemingway, his mother
Hadley Richardson, his first wife
Pauline Pfeiffer, his second wife
Martha Gellhorn, his third wife and a prominent journalist
Mary Welsh, his fourth wife, also a journalist
Hemingway's Enduring Fascination
Mary V. Dearborn’s biography enters an already congested landscape of Hemingway studies, yet finds its place by presenting fresh insights. The prolific author was as much a public figure as he was a writer, unfurling his personal life in the same pages as his fictional works. From the moment his groundbreaking novel The Sun Also Rises (1926) captured the world’s attention, Hemingway never stepped out of the limelight. His romantic pursuits and adventurous lifestyle—from multiple marriages to daring safaris and war reporting—kept him in the public eye, and his dramatic suicide in 1961 made international headlines.
Biography Battles and Baker's Benchmark
Even in life, Hemingway was a subject of intense scrutiny, a fact he often resented. He famously opposed Philip Young's biography, "Ernest Hemingway" (1952), and obstructed Charles Fenton’s efforts on "The Apprenticeship of Ernest Hemingway: The Early Years" (1954). However, he allowed some latitude to Carlos Baker, whose biography, released after Hemingway’s death, set a factual benchmark, though it was criticized for not capturing the essence of Hemingway's character. Michael Reynolds’ exhaustive five-volume series and other biographies have since worked to paint a complete picture of Hemingway’s complex persona.
Dearborn's Distinctive Perspective
With so many life studies, one might ask why another biography is necessary. Dearborn answers this by offering a perspective unburdened by the male-centric legends surrounding Hemingway. Known for her biographies of Henry Miller and Norman Mailer, Dearborn seeks to present an evenhanded portrait that appreciates Hemingway’s literary contributions while candidly addressing his personal shortcomings. Her work provides a fresh lens through which readers can examine Hemingway’s life without the shadow of his hyper-masculine mythos.
Navigating Life and Literature
Biographers often face a choice: focus on the life or the work. Yet, Dearborn manages to weave both into her narrative, though primarily exploring Hemingway's life. Her biography is lengthy, echoing the comprehensive nature of Baker’s work, yet it's infused with her own focus on demystifying the Hemingway myth. By contextualizing Hemingway’s life within his web of relationships and global events, Dearborn offers a rich tapestry that reveals not just the man, but the world he inhabited.
Portraits of Friendship and Rivalry
Dearborn provides keen insights into Hemingway’s relationships with key literary figures of his time, such as Ezra Pound, Gertrude Stein, and F. Scott Fitzgerald. She also explores his interactions with less celebrated individuals who played roles in his narrative. A recurring theme is Hemingway’s difficulty with accepting kindness, often perceiving it as an affront to his independence, leading to a cycle of resentment and revisionist narratives that strained many of his friendships.
Complexities with Women
Hemingway's interactions with the women in his life receive a thorough examination,...
(This entire section contains 1092 words.)
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arguably the most insightful since Bernice Kert's "The Hemingway Women." Dearborn revisits Hemingway’s mother, Grace, revealing a more nuanced figure than previously depicted. The biography also dissects his relationships with his wives, offering a sympathetic view of these women while critically examining Hemingway’s role in the demise of his marriages. Through her narrative, the complexities of these relationships are brought to the forefront, challenging the simplistic portrayals of Hemingway's interactions with women.
The Marriages of Ernest Hemingway
Dearborn delivers a detailed account of Hemingway's four marriages. Hadley Richardson is portrayed as a patient and devoted partner, while Pauline Pfeiffer's dedication is highlighted despite her being left for Martha Gellhorn. Gellhorn, a formidable journalist, perhaps posed too much competition for Hemingway, whose aversion to rivals is noted. Mary Welsh, his final spouse, is given a fair examination as Dearborn navigates the turbulent waters of Hemingway's personal life with care and insight.
Legacy and Literary Critique
While Dearborn focuses on Hemingway's personal life, she does not neglect his literary legacy. Her assessments of his works align with mainstream interpretations, acknowledging the lasting impact of his early collections and major novels, while critically appraising his less successful endeavors. For instance, she discusses the enduring appeal of "The Sun Also Rises" and "A Farewell to Arms," while noting the missteps in works like "To Have and Have Not." Her insightful analysis enriches the understanding of Hemingway's contributions to literature.
A Resource for All Readers
Dearborn’s biography, though targeting a general audience, is invaluable to scholars as well. While it may not offer groundbreaking revelations, her narrative provides a critical evaluation of Hemingway’s life and achievements. Her meticulous documentation, including extensive annotations, ensures that her work stands as a credible resource. Dearborn acknowledges the contributions of her predecessors, creating a bridge between her biography and the wealth of existing Hemingway scholarship.
In summary, Mary V. Dearborn offers a balanced and insightful exploration of Ernest Hemingway, embracing the complexities of his life and contributions. Her biography, while adding to the vast body of Hemingway literature, promises to be a substantial resource for both casual readers and dedicated scholars, capturing the essence of a man who continues to fascinate and inspire.
Review Sources
- Adams, Matthew. “Ernest Hemingway: The Man behind the Cultivated Image of Hyper-Masculinity.” Review of Ernest Hemingway, by Mary V. Dearborn The Washington Post, 17 May 2017, www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/books/ernest-hemingway-the-man-behind-the-cultivated-image-of-hyper-masculinity/2017/05/17/c54e1aae-3b04-11e7-8854-21f359183e8c_story.html?utm_term=.b1667cb77326. Accessed 21 Sept. 2017.
- Reveal, Judith. Review of Ernest Hemingway, by Mary Dearborn. New York Journal of Books, www.nyjournalofbooks.com/book-review/ernest-hemingway-biography. Accessed 21 Sept. 2017.
- Rollyson, Carl. Review of Ernest Hemingway, by Mary Dearborn. SFGate, 10 June 2017, www.sfgate.com/books/article/Ernest-Hemingway-A-Biography-by-Mary-V-11208103.php. Accessed 21 Sept. 2017.
- Showalter, Elaine. “A Hemingway Tell-All Bares His Tall Tales.” Review of Ernest Hemingway, by Mary V. Dearborn. The New York Times, 25 May 2017, www.nytimes.com/2017/05/25/books/review/ernest-hemingway-biography-mary-dearborn.html. Accessed 21 Sept. 2017.
