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Ernest Hemingway (1899-1961) was an iconic American novelist and journalist, renowned for his succinct and powerful prose. His notable works include “The Old Man and the Sea” and “A Farewell to Arms.”
Biography
Attribute | Details |
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Full Name | Ernest Miller Hemingway |
Date of Birth | July 21, 1899 |
Date of Death | July 2, 1961 |
Nationality | American |
Occupation | Novelist, Short-story Writer, Journalist |
Writing Style | Economical, Understated |
Major Works |
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Nobel Prize | 1954 Nobel Prize in Literature |
Spouses |
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Residences |
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Early Life
Ernest Miller Hemingway, a renowned American novelist and short-story writer, was born on July 21, 1899, in Oak Park, a suburb of Chicago, Illinois. He was educated in the public schools and began nurturing his writing talent during his high school years, where he was notably active and outstanding. Hemingway's early life was significantly influenced by the summers he spent with his family on Walloon Lake, near Petoskey, Michigan. It was during these summers that he developed a profound love for nature, engaging in activities such as fishing, hunting, and camping. These experiences not only fostered his adventurous spirit but also deeply influenced his later writing. After graduating from high school, Hemingway decided to forgo higher education and instead embarked on a career in journalism. At the age of seventeen, he took on his first job as a cub reporter for the Kansas City Star, a position arranged by his uncle. Though his tenure at the newspaper was brief, lasting only six months, it left a lasting impact on his writing style and career.
Family
Relation | Name | Information |
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Father | Clarence Edmonds Hemingway | Clarence, also known as “Ed,” was a medical doctor. He played a significant role in Ernest's early life and education. |
Mother | Grace Hall Hemingway | Grace was a trained opera singer and music teacher. Her artistic influence was prominent in the Hemingway household. |
Sister | Marcelline Hemingway Sanford | Marcelline was the eldest sibling and shared a close relationship with Ernest. She also pursued writing. |
Sister | Ursula Hemingway | Ursula was the third child and had a less publicized life compared to her siblings. |
Sister | Madelaine Hemingway | Madelaine, often called “Sunny,” was known for her cheerful disposition. |
Sister | Carol Hemingway | Carol was the fifth child and maintained a low profile throughout her life. |
Brother | Leicester Hemingway | Leicester, the youngest sibling, was also a writer and authored a biography of Ernest Hemingway. |
Height, Weight, And Other Body Measurements
Measurement | Details |
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Height | 6 feet (183 cm) |
Weight | Unknown |
Waistline | 38 inches |
Other Notable Facts |
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Wife/husband / Girlfriend/boyfriend
Ernest Hemingway is not currently in a relationship as he passed away on July 2, 1961.
Wife / Girlfriend | Relationship Type | Marriage Date | Additional Information |
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Hadley Richardson | Wife | September 3, 1921 | Hadley was Hemingway's first wife and considered by many to be his true love. They had one son together, John Hadley Nicanor Hemingway. |
Pauline Pfeiffer | Wife | May 10, 1927 | Pauline was Hemingway's second wife. They had two sons, Patrick and Gregory. |
Martha Gellhorn | Wife | November 20, 1940 | Martha was a renowned war correspondent and Hemingway's third wife. Their marriage ended in divorce in 1945. |
Mary Welsh | Wife | March 14, 1946 | Mary was Hemingway's fourth and final wife. They were married until Hemingway's death in 1961. |
Details About Each Wife
Hadley Richardson
Hadley Richardson was born in 1891 and married Ernest Hemingway in 1921. She was Hemingway's first wife and is often considered his true love. They lived together in Paris during the early 1920s, a period that Hemingway later described as “a moveable feast.” They had one son, John Hadley Nicanor Hemingway, before divorcing in 1927.
Pauline Pfeiffer
Pauline Pfeiffer was a journalist and editor who became Hemingway's second wife in 1927. She was born in 1895 and met Hemingway while he was still married to Hadley. Pauline and Hemingway had two sons together, Patrick and Gregory. Their marriage ended in divorce in 1940.
Martha Gellhorn
Martha Gellhorn was a distinguished war correspondent and Hemingway's third wife. Born in 1908, she married Hemingway in 1940. They both covered the Spanish Civil War and World War II, but their marriage was strained by their respective careers. They divorced in 1945.
Mary Welsh
Mary Welsh was a journalist who became Hemingway's fourth wife. She was born in 1908 and married Hemingway in 1946. They remained married until Hemingway's death in 1961. Mary was with Hemingway during his final years and helped manage his estate and literary legacy after his death.
Career, Achievements And Controversies
Ernest Miller Hemingway became famous for his distinctive writing style, characterized by economy and understatement. His works often reflected his adventurous life and experiences, including his time as a war correspondent and his service in World War I. Hemingway's early fame can be attributed to his novel “The Sun Also Rises” (1926) and “A Farewell to Arms” (1929), which captured the disillusionment of the post-war generation.
Hemingway's career as a writer began with his work as a journalist. He served as a correspondent for the Kansas City Star, which influenced his concise writing style. His first major novel, “The Sun Also Rises,” established him as a leading voice of the Lost Generation. Some of his other popular works include:
- “A Farewell to Arms” (1929)
- “For Whom the Bell Tolls” (1940)
- “The Old Man and the Sea” (1952)
- “In Our Time” (1925) – a collection of short stories
- “Men Without Women” (1927) – another collection of short stories
Ernest Hemingway received numerous awards and honors throughout his career:
- Silver Medal of Military Valor (Medaglia d'Argento) for his service in World War I
- Bronze Star for his bravery as a war correspondent during World War II
- Nobel Prize in Literature in 1954 for “The Old Man and the Sea”
- Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1953 for “The Old Man and the Sea
Hemingway's life was not without its controversies. Some of the notable controversies include:
- Personal Life: Hemingway's turbulent personal life, including multiple marriages and divorces, often made headlines. He was married four times and had a reputation for being a difficult partner.
- Political Views: His political views and involvement in the Spanish Civil War, where he supported the Republicans, also sparked controversy. Some criticized his romanticized portrayal of war.
- Allegations of Plagiarism: Hemingway faced accusations of plagiarism, particularly regarding his novel “For Whom the Bell Tolls.” Some critics alleged that he borrowed heavily from other writers without proper acknowledgment.
- Alcoholism: Hemingway's heavy drinking and struggles with alcoholism were well-documented and contributed to his declining health and mental state in his later years.
Ernest Hemingway remains one of the most influential writers of the 20th century. His works continue to be celebrated for their stylistic innovation and profound insights into human nature. Despite the controversies surrounding his life, his literary legacy endures.
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