Iceberg Emerged: A Textual Analysis of the Iceberg Principle
in “A Clean, Well-lighted Place”
Abstract
Ernest Hemingway is one of the best-known American authors in the 20th century. He is famous for his romantic experiences and unique artistic style all over the world. In his writing, Hemingway cuts out all unnecessary words and complex sentence structures concentrating only on concrete objects and actions, leaving just one-eighth of his letters visible above water, which becomes characteristic of the Hemingway style, as well as, the most influential style of the twentieth century; the Iceberg style. The Iceberg style, also called the Iceberg Principle, characterized by concise style, vivid images, abundant emotion and profound thoughts, is adequately embodied in his most often reprinted short story “A Clean, Well-lighted Place”.
This essay analyzes how the Iceberg Principle is reflected in Hemingway’s “A Clean, Well-lighted Place”, Presented in four parts: a brief introduction to the whole essay; major contents of the Iceberg Principle; a textual analysis of the short story in terms of style, images, emotions and thoughts, and a summary in the final part.
Contents
中文摘要……………………………………………………………...…………i
Abstract…………………………………………...……………………………..ii
Acknowledgements…………………….………………………………………iii
Introduction…………………………………...………………………………....1
I. The Iceberg Principle………………………………………..……………...…3
II. The Iceberg Principle Reflected in “A Clean, Well-lighted Place”5
A. Concise Style………………………………...……………………….…5
B. Vivid Images…………………………...…..……………………………6
C. Abundant Emotions….…………………….…………………………..10
D. Profound Thoughts………………………………………………….…14
Conclusion………………………………………………….………..………...18
Notes…………………………………………………………………………...19
Bibliography……………………………………………………...……………21
