Sample Essay Outlines
Topic #1
Show how Hemingway uses setting to demonstrate his characters’ moral and
ethical standards.
Outline
I. Thesis Statement: Hemingway uses a variety of settings to demonstrate
various characters’ attitudes about life.
II. Paris
A. Excessive drinking
B. No religion
C. Idle rich
D. Abnormal sexual practices
III. Pamplona
A. Bullfighting
B. Cathedrals along countryside
C. Aficiónados
IV. Burguete
A. Fishing
B. Communing with nature
C. Harris
V. San Sebastian
A. Relaxation
B. Swimming
C. Bicycle race
VI. Madrid
A. All roads lead there
B. Comes to terms with Brett
C. Goes to Brett’s rescue
Topic #2
Show how Stein’s “lost generation” is represented in the novel. How does
Hemingway feel about them?
Outline
I. Thesis Statement: By focusing on various characters’ injuries, Hemingway
shows the lack of productivity and morals of the “lost generation.”
II. Jake
A. War injury
B. Impotent
C. Unable to satisfy his true love
III. Brett
A. Lost love
B. Alcoholic
C. Cannot find/keep true love
D. In abusive relationships
IV. Count Mippopolous
A. War injury
B. Self-satisfying
C. Shallow
V. Michael
A. War injury
B. Alcoholic
C. Financially bankrupt
D. Morally bankrupt
E. Mean to Robert
Topic #3
Show how Hemingway uses religion to demonstrate Jake’s code and his violation
of it.
Outline
I. Thesis Statement: Hemingway uses a religious framework to develop Jake’s
code and his violation of it.
II. Fishing in Burguete
A. Communion-like scene
B. Appreciation of nature
C. Simplicity of desires
III. Catholicism
A. On train to Burguete
B. Jake’s praying
C. Various cathedrals
D. Jake’s religion of record
IV. Pedro
A. Priest figure
B. Leader of three matadors
C. Aficiónado
D. Monastic room
V. Brett
A. Mary Magdalene figure
B. Sees she deserves Mike, not Romero
C. Tries to pray for Romero
D. Unable to make inner conversion
VI. Montoya
A. Laying on of hands
B. Secret with Jake
C. Aficiónado
D. Disapproves of Jake’s sin
VII. Bullfighting
A. Ritualistic
B. Spiritually awakening
C. Accompanied by extreme emotion
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