Title
The Dark Humor of Hemingway’s "A Way You’ll Never Be"
Document Type
Article
Annotation
Manuscript study. Beall chronicles Hemingway’s extensive drafting and revision process, contending that the author carefully constructs the opening battle scene with Nick as a rational and detached military analyst to underscore his later manic loss of control, as evidenced in his rambling interior monologues and comedic lecture to the adjutant connecting American troops with plagues of locusts. Contrasts Nick’s comical monologues on locusts in “Big Two-Hearted River” with the sharper and edgier humor of his exchange with the adjutant. Reads the latter story’s conclusion as evidence of Nick’s resilience and ability to move forward despite his wounding.
Published in
Midwestern Miscellany
Volume
47
Date
2019
Pages
96-111
Citation
Beall, John. “The Dark Humor of Hemingway’s ‘A Way You’ll Never Be.’” Midwestern Miscellany 47 (Spring/Fall 2019): 96-111.