I think Hemingway's stories are better than his novels because they tend to be more experimental. He can play around with different narrative voices and structures more freely in a short story. In a story, he can start in the middle of an action or use a very unique point of view. In his novels, he has to be more cautious as he has to build a larger world and keep the reader engaged over a much longer span. This sometimes restricts his creativity in comparison to what he can do in a short story.
In my opinion, yes. The stories are better. Hemingway was a master of the concise form. In his stories, he can cut straight to the heart of the matter. His use of dialogue and description is more impactful in the shorter format. Novels have their own charm, but when it comes to pure, distilled Hemingway, his stories are often the superior works as they pack a punch in a shorter space.
Short stories are better because they are concise. They can deliver a complete and impactful narrative in a shorter span. For example, you can finish a short story in one sitting and still get a fulfilling experience. Novels, on the other hand, often require more time commitment. Also, short stories usually focus on one main idea or event, which makes them more straightforward and easier to understand compared to novels that may have multiple sub - plots.
Short stories are often better because they can be read in one sitting, giving a quick and satisfying literary experience.
Short stories are great because they focus on a single idea or moment and deliver a powerful impact without the need for extensive world-building and character development like novels do. They get straight to the point and leave a lasting impression.
Persona and SMT stories tend to have a more focused and streamlined narrative compared to novels. Novels can sometimes be overly long - winded or meander in their plots. In contrast, these stories usually have a clear goal, like saving a world or uncovering a mystery. They also often have a strong emphasis on character growth within a relatively concise framework, which can make them more appealing as they are more digestible and still offer deep and meaningful stories.
One reason is that novels have the space to build a rich and detailed story universe. They can include multiple subplots and diverse characters, providing a more comprehensive reading experience. Also, they often have a greater emotional impact as you spend more time with the story and characters.
His love for the outdoors is one aspect. You can see it in the way he describes nature in his stories. For instance, in 'Big Two - Hearted River', the detailed account of fishing in the river shows his own passion for fishing in real life. Another aspect is his struggle with mental health. His characters sometimes experience a sense of despair or inner turmoil, which could be related to his own battles with depression. Also, his time in different countries is reflected. His stories are set in various locations around the world, mirroring his own travels and stays in different places.
In his stories, we can see Hemingway's love for adventure which was also part of his real life. For example, in 'The Old Man and the Sea', the old man's battle with the marlin reflects Hemingway's own experiences at sea and his admiration for the tenacity of life. His stories often feature war, just like his own participation in World War I. The brutality and disillusionment he witnessed in the war are presented in his works, such as 'A Farewell to Arms'. Also, his relationships with women are sometimes mirrored in his characters' interactions, as he had complex romantic relationships in his life.
Some writers might be better at short stories than novels because short stories require a more concise and focused approach. In a short story, the writer can quickly get to the heart of the matter without having to develop complex, multi - layered plots and a large cast of characters like in a novel. They can focus on a single moment or idea and convey it powerfully in a shorter space.
His first wife, Hadley Richardson, had a significant influence. For example, in some of his early works, the sense of adventure and the descriptions of European settings might have been inspired by their life together in Paris. Hadley provided a stable and loving environment in the early days, which perhaps allowed Hemingway to focus on his writing and draw on their shared experiences for his novels.