Abstract
Ernest Hemingway, a modern novelist, was the sixth winner of Nobel Prize for Literature in American literary history, due to his mastery of the art of modern narration. Hemingway has exerted a strong influence on both American and world literature. The Sun Also Rises, Hemingway’s first yet the most profound novel. Portrays the image of a whole generation, the Lost Generation, who are caught in war and cut off from old values yet unable to come to terms with the new era. Hemingway manages to achieve a vitriolic, yet manifestly impartial portrait of the colony of expatriates in Europe. However its aim is to build up a new way of life: disciplining and controlling oneself to exercise grace under pressure. The novel displays a cold twilight of beauty while describing the characters’ action.
During his writing career, Hemingway strictly adheres to the iceberg principle, whether consciously or not. This literary technique is crucial to the understanding and appreciation his works. The Sun Also Rises is a good illustration. The iceberg principle is applied to every aspect of the novel: the theme, the structure, the style, as well as the descriptive details. This thesis approaches the theme through analyzing the background of the novel and the characters’ mental development, exploring what is submerged in the novel. Form is subject to content. Hemingway innovates so much in structure, style and language to better demonstrate the theme. The Sun Also Rises breaks through the tradition of American literature, remains one of the genuine classics of modern American fiction and an outstanding contribution Hemingway has made to world literature.
Key words: the iceberg principle, theme, structure, style, image
Contents
Abstract in English
Abstract in Chinese
Preface 1
1. Introduction 2
1.1 A Brief Introduction to Hemingway 2
1.2 A Brief Introduction to The Sun Also Rises 3
2. Explanation of Hemingway’s Iceberg Principle 4
3. Analysis of Artistic Characteristics in The Sun Also Rises 6
3.1 The Surface Structure 6
3.2 The Deep Structure 6
3.3 The Harmonious Unity of the Theme and Structure 7
3.4 Style and Image 8
3.4.1 Style 8
3.4.2 Image 10
4. Conclusion 11
References 13
Acknowledgements 14
