Ernest Hemingway is one of the most influential writers of the 20th century. He’s widely regarded as the pioneer of American literature. His fictional works have reached millions of readers around the world. However, Green Hills of Africa by Ernest Hemingway is a little different and a lesser-known work. It is part non-fiction and is based on the writer’s hunting adventure in East Africa alongside his wife. Furthermore, it’s a fascinating book that elaborates on the writer’s experience of the whole account with some literary themes. So, let’s further discuss the book and how it takes the reader on the safari journey of 1933-34.
Green Hills of Africa By Ernest Hemingway
Hemingway chose Africa as a nation and a hunting activity. These two are the highlighted themes of the book. During the 1930s, hunting was one of the most sought-after sports among people. It allowed them to explore the vast terrains of unforeseen continents. Moreover, it was the best time for explorers to record their adventures to share with the world. Thus, Hemingway intended to combine travel writing while contemplating life and hunting as a sport.
Style of Green Hills of Africa By Ernest Hemingway
The book is a combination of different writing styles. It is part memoir with some philosophical insights; meanwhile, the rest is a hunting journal. So, for the reader, it is a complete mystery, but the next page will unveil it. However, Hemingway’s writing and narrative style are similar to those of his other works. He’s sparse, direct, and vivid in his storytelling as usual. In addition to his style, there is a heavy use of dialogue and descriptive passages, which bring life to his account in Africa.
Themes in The Green Hills of Africa
The book has a lot of themes, and the reader can find many crucial and relatable details from the whole account. It explores the act of hunting and finding the balance of sport and reverence for wildlife. Additionally, hunting is used as a metaphor for writing and artistic struggle, which does not always end in pleasure.
- Man and Nature
- The Pursuit of Excellence
- Mortality and Heroism
- Colonial Landscape
- Companionship and Rivalry
There is also a significant emphasis on the confrontation with death and courage in the act of hunting. Considering the past, hunting animals was no joke for normal people. Still, the writer dared to do what he feared to some extent. Moreover, you can also find colonial observations and interactions with the natives, which can be inappropriate in today’s time.
Personal Reflection and Discussion Points
The book combines adventure with the writer’s literary criticism of the self. The hunting is a metaphor for Hemingway’s ability to write and art in general. Therefore, there is a constant tension between the admiration of the activity and nature, and the toll of killing the animal. Furthermore, the book raises a lot of questions in readers’ minds around the ethics of hunting and the representation of Africa.
Passages and Interpretations of Hunting Activities
Green Hills of Africa by Ernest Hemingway has several hunting encounters and anecdotes. As a whole, the book contains scenes of tracking and hunting along with the writer’s reflection on the place. One such act is the Kudu hunt, which is very significant to the whole story..
Reception and Criticism
The book was published in 1935 and had a mixed reception among the critics. On one side, it was praised for the style, but on the other, it was criticised for the self-indulgent nature. But then it’s memory, and it’s expected in this way. Again, for modern readers, the book can have a different interpretation because of conservation, colonialism, and relative values.
Final Thoughts On Green Hills of Africa By Ernest Hemingway
Green Hills of Africa is a memoir of Ernest Hemingway that captures one of the most adventurous moments of his life. It is a book that explores a new place with the most common activity of that time: hunting. Moreover, the book gives details of the writer’s thought process about the act and how it influenced his life. Thus, it’s a book that reveals more than a story; it reveals about the writer and his mind. So, if you’re a big Hemingway fan, chances are you’ve already read it because it’s worth the time.
FAQs
What is the theme of the Green Hills of Africa?
The highlighting theme of the book revolves around competition, ego, comparison, anecdotes, and identity.
Where is Green Hills of Africa set?
The whole book is based on the writer’s hunting adventure in East Africa.
Who is Pop in Green Hills of Africa?
He’s the expert British safari hunter with Hemingway who helps him to know the place and hunt the animals.