Hemingway Facts (T/F)
He worked as a journalist before becoming a writer
True
“This lady is going to have a baby, Nick.” What serious situation is implied?
A dangerous childbirth / medical emergency
“He was too tired to go any farther.” What does this imply beyond physical exhaustion?
Loss of hope
How old is the old man at the bridge?
76
Hemingway was born in Spain
False
“He couldn’t stand things, I guess.” What action is this about?
The husband’s suicide
“I am seventy-six years old.” Why is his age important to the story’s meaning?
He is vulnerable
What holiday is mentioned in Old Man at the Bridge?
Easter Sunday
He had a world record at one point
True, he set the wrold record in 1938 after catching 7 marlins in a day
“Is dying hard, Daddy?” What experience caused Nick to ask this?
Witnessing death and the suicide
“I am without politics.” What larger idea about war does this show?
Innocent civilians suffer regardless of politics
Who performs the operation in Indian Camp?
Nick’s father (the doctor)
His brother founded a nation off the coast of Jamaica
True
“In the early morning… he felt quite sure that he would never die.” What deeper idea does this reveal about Nick?
Denial and innocence after witnessing trauma
“I was taking care of animals.” What does this repetition reveal about the old man?
His identity and purpose were lost
What were the animals the old man took care of
2 goats, a cat, 4 pairs of pigeons
He once kept a notebook where he recorded the exact number of words he wrote each day to compete with himself
False
The father performs surgery calmly with no anesthesia. What deeper emotion does this suggest?
Emotional detachment/control/suppression of feeling
“There was nothing to do about him.” What is strongly implied about the old man’s fate?
He will likely die there
What did Uncle George give the two indians
Cigars