Big Two-Hearted River

by Ernest Hemingway

Big Two-Hearted River: Style 1 key example

Part II
Explanation and Analysis:

Hemingway’s writing style in “Big Two-Hearted River” is extremely minimalist, meaning his language is simple and direct, rather than poetic or lyrical. Take the following passage, for example, which comes after Nick has pitched his tent and is settling into his spot in the woods for the night:

He dipped the sandwiches in the cold water. The current carried away the crumbs. He ate the sandwiches and dipped his hat full of water to drink, the water running out through his hat just ahead of his drinking.