When authors refer to other great works, people, and events, it’s usually not accidental. Put on your super-sleuth hat and figure out why.
Historical References
- Hemingway's allusion to a "War Memorial" in the first paragraph is a pointed allusion to World War I. Memorials like these, dedicated to the young men from a particular town who died in battle, were erected after the war in numerous towns and cities, large and small, throughout Europe. Don't forget—these memorials might be nearing a century old today, but back when this story takes place, the destruction and tragedy of the war was still fresh in everyone's mind.