Publication Date

1984

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

First Advisor

Bass, Abraham Z.

Degree Name

M.A. (Master of Arts)

Legacy Department

Department of Journalism

LCSH

Hemingway; Ernest; 1899-1961; Esquire magazine--History; Journalism--United States--History

Abstract

As a writer of literary journalism, that is, journalism that reads like fiction, Ernest Hemingway used many techniques that are used today by writers who work in the journalistic mode called the "new journalism." This master's thesis analyzes these techniques for two basic reasons: 1) to show that the new journalism really is not new, 2) to show that Hemingway's literary journalism, as exists in seventeen articles published in Esquire magazine in the 1930s, serves as a valuable resource for new journalism writers. Chapter One features definitions of the various journalistic techniques to be studied as well as brief synopses of the seventeen Esquire articles. Chapter Two discusses how Hemingway and writers of the new journalism treat form, tone, language, and facts. Special emphasis is made on the casualness of form and tone as well as how language idiosyncrasies, such as the use of profanity and slang, are carried out in books and articles. Chapter Three explores characterization techniques, while Chapter Four examines techniques of narration. Characters often are sketched, or drawn from many sources, so as to represent a type of person rather than a specific individual. And articles are structured with two parallel narrative elements instead of one main story line. Chapter Five discusses three types of subject matter common to Hemingway's articles and the new journalism. Technical subjects and specifically how technical information is adapted to literary techniques merit special attention. Subjects which involve violence, death, and perpetual crisis are also explored. Chapter Six admits that there are viable criticisms of the new journalism, four of which find their reflection in Hemingway's Esquire pieces. The journalist's exhibitionism as well as his childishness and his exploitation of certain facts are considered. Finally, Chapter Seven concludes that Hemingway's articles and the new journalism are very similar, and it suggests that because Hemingway influenced the major writers of new journalism literature, his work is worthy of consultation by today's writers. Two suggestions for further research also are offered: What role does Esquire magazine play in the development of the new journalism? and Which writers influenced Hemingway's literary journalism?

Comments

Bibliography : pages 151-153.

Extent

iv, 153 pages

Language

eng

Publisher

Northern Illinois University

Rights Statement

In Copyright

Rights Statement 2

NIU theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from Huskie Commons for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without the written permission of the authors.

Media Type

Text

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