Hemingway's Use of Economy In The End of Something

Hemingway's Use of 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 r...

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...way has used an economical title and

themes in the story not just to comment on the actions in Horton's Bay

but the whole of America at that time and because of this he has used

Horton's Bay as a microcosm for the change in society.

To conclude, Hemingway uses economy cleverly in the story "in The End

of Something". He manages to comment and allude to a lot without

having to spell it out to the reader; in fact the subtle style

increases the readers role in interpreting the story. He uses

economical techniques such as metaphor and sentence length to suggests

the doom of their relationship, and he foreshadows their break-up with

the description of the town. He also manages to use economy to comment

on America as a whole, and uses the people and setting of the story as

a microcosm of society of post first world war USA.