1、Iceberg TheoryThe Iceberg Theory is a writing theory stated by American writer Ernest Hemingway, as follows:“ If a writer of prose knows enough about what he is writing about he may omit things that he knows and the reader, if the writer is writing truly enough, will have a feeling of those things a
2、s strongly as though the writer had stated them. The dignity of movement of an iceberg is due to only one-eighth of it being above water. A good writer does not need to reveal every detail of a character or action. ”In other words, a story can communicate by subtext; for instance, Hemingways Hills L
3、ike White Elephants never once mentions the word “abortion,“ though that is what the storys characters are discussing.This statement throws light on the symbolic implications of art. He makes use of physical action to provide an interpretation of the nature of mans existence. It can be convincingly
4、proved that, while representing human life through fictional forms, he has consistently set man against the background of his world and universe to examine the human situation from various points of view.What characterizes Hemingways writing style?Hemingway pioneered a new style of writing that is a
5、lmost commonplace today. He did away with all the florid prose of the 19th century Victorian era and replaced it with a lean, clear prose based on action rather than reflection. He also employed a technique by which he would leave out essential information of the story under the belief that omission can sometimes add strength to a narrative. It was a style of subtlety which contrasted greatly (and in a way enhanced) the themes he wrote about.war, blood sports like bullfighting or boxing, crime, etc. It is hard to find anyone writing today who doesnt owe a debt of influence to Hemingway.
