Parallels and contrasts in the world views of Ernest Hemingway and Ernest Gaines

Abstract

World views refer to how man perceives the world in which he lives which affects his behavior, his relationship with people and his actions. It is determined partly by what he learns, Observes and experiences. Writers of different periods like Hemingway and Gaines can possibly have similarities and differences in the way they perceive the world in which they live, and the manner by which each responds to it. This study entitled," Parallels and Contrasts in the World Views of Ernest Hemingway and Ernest Gaines" is focused in bringing out the contrasts and parallelisms in terms of world views, biographical elements and writing style that these authors share since Gaines has been influenced by Hemingway. It also aimed to show the existing truth and realities about life that emerged not only from the novels but from the life of the authors as well. Specifically, this study sought to answer the following questions. 1.How does the worldview of Hemingway compare with Gaines's in terms of man's struggles and sufferings, dignity and pride as reflected in their novels? 2.What biographical elements account for the parallels and contrasts of the two novels? 3. How does Hemingway contrast from Gaines in terms of style? After a thorough and in-depth scrutiny, analysis and interpretation of the two novels, the researcher arrived at the following findings: 1. Both writers dealt with the concepts of struggles, suffering, dignity and pride as reflected in their novels. These concepts, however, differ in how they were presented in the discussion. a. Both of the novels address the concept of suffering. Nevertheless, there is a difference in their notion of suffering. Hemingway's "The Old Man and the Sea" deals with external suffering while the novel of Gaines, "In my Father's House" illustrates emotional suffering. b. Dignity in the novel "The Old Man and the Sea" emerges from man's physical achievement while dignity in the novel "In My Father's House" comes from man's position and righteous living. c. Sense of pride become a factor in man's achievement but when viewed negatively becomes a tool for self-destruction. 2. The life experiences of the two novelists: their suffering [emotional and physical] and war experience [cold war and civil war] account for the parallel and contrasts of their worldviews. 3. Each writer has a unique writing style such as the use of symbols, images, understatements and allusions which distinguishes them from one another. Based on the interpretation and findings of the two novels, the following are concluded: 1. Ernest Hemingway and Ernest Gaines both exhibited parallels and contrasts in their concept about life or about the world. 2. The experience of Hemingway and Gaines were reflected in their literary works: Hemingway in the novel The Old Man and the Sea and Gaines in his novel In My Father' House 3. Although both writers had been compared, no two novelists have exactly the same style in writing novels. This was seen in their use of contrasting images, understatement and allusion in both of their novels. Based on the conclusions, the following are the recommendations of the researcher for future studies. 1. A study on the other factors such as socio-political and socio-cultural that account for the parallels and contrasts of the two novels be undertaken. 2. To enrich our literary culture further, novels of other prominent authors of other cultures (including that of our country) should be examined further through comparative approach. 3. Other literary theories and approaches should be included in the analysis of the literary piece. 4.0ther Recommendations b. A comparative study on the parallels and contrasts in the concept of suffering between Ernest Hemingway's other novels and John Bunyan's "Pilgrim's Progress" be conducted. c. A survey on parallels and contrast of Ernest Hemingway and Ernest Gaines' other novels should be undertaken through the use of worldviews, plot structure, point of view and other fictional elements. d. Themes of Gaines and Hemingway be adopted in literary competitions. e. Curriculum for English majors should include comparative literary studies. f. Literature teachers should include the use of comparative approach in the study of literary pieces. g. Teachers and Instructors should find time to introduce Gaines and Hemingway in their lesson plan, curriculum and organization of English writers, h. Teachers in coordination with their respective libraries and librarians should find time to introduce these writers to their students and readers.