Comments on A Moveable Feast

Comments on A Moveable Feast

a) Write a paragraph in which you comment on the character development of ONE of the following people you've met:

Scott Fitzgerald is a close friend of Hemingway throughout A Moveable Feast, and the two seem to share a very close relationship. Hemming has nothing but praise for Fitzgerald, especially in his writing. He compliments him in Hawks Do Not Share on it, stating “You’ve written a fine novel now.” (182). However, Fitzgerald is clearly kept from his true potential by Zelda, his jealous wife. Hemingway sees this, especially the joy she gets when Scott cannot write, and tries to dissuade Fitzgerald from her. However, Scott is too much in love with her, so his character remains rather steadfast throughout the novel.

b) Select three of Hemingway’s writing tips and explain why each is useful/helpful advice.

            ‘Write the best story that you can, and write it as straight as you can.” (183)

This is an excellent line, and it rings true for everyone who writes. The scourge of all literature, writers block, can be removed if you focus hard enough on writing the best of your abilities.

“It was necessary to write longer stories now as you would train for a longer race” (75)

I feel a connection to this line; as I can vouch for the trouble that you go through if you need to write longer pieces of literature. Taking it step by step really helps the process speed up.

            “What did I know best that I had not written about and lost?” (76)

This is a deep sentence. Hemingway tries to convey that the each time you write about something, you’re pouring in a bit of your own issues in there.

c) Based on Hemingway's description, what place would you like to visit in Paris? Explain why. Quote the book directly to support your opinion. Attach a relevant image.

Out of all the places Hemingway mentions, I would certainly like to visit Shakespeare and Company the most. Hemmingway describes it as “a warm, cheerful place” (35), and this is an enticing image. I am a literature boy, and I love a good bookshop. The rental system there also entices me, acting as a library as well as a store. Who knew those existed? I mean, nowadays, we can get everything we want online with the click of a mouse and a few typed keys. Books are no exception to this rule. So what’s the harm in wanting to go back tot old days, where we could sit back by a roaring fire with a good book, safe from the troubles of the world? I suppose Gill had something going on that whole nostalgia thing… (Come to think of it, can we bring back the 90’s?)

('tis a lot of books. O.o)