Question

Read the excerpt from Hemingway’s A Farewell to Arms.

The major was a little man with upturned mustaches. He had been in the war in Libya and wore two wound-stripes. He said that if the thing went well he would see that I was decorated. I said I hoped it would go well but that he was too kind. I asked him if there was a big dugout where the drivers could stay and he sent a soldier to show me. I went with him and found the dugout, which was very good. The drivers were pleased with it and I left them there.

What effect does Hemingway’s limited use of adjectives have?

Answer 1

Hemingway's limited use of adjectives creates a simple, direct and unembellished prose style. It allows the reader to focus more on the action and dialogue in the story, rather than on descriptive language. This technique also contributes to the overall spare and understated tone of the novel.