Pamplona in July by Ernest Hemingway

Ernest Hemingway, similar to Mark Twain in that their presence was essential throughout the history of writing, was an American author, whose stories played a huge influence on fictional writing throughout the 20th century. He begins this essay with the trouble he went through when arriving in Northern Spain, and how every local in the town tries to benefit from the thousands of people that flood into Pamplona in July.  The hotel host was trying to make as much money off of Ernest and his crowd as she could, only adding to this adventure that he went through in 1923.  After describing the many different events that he witnessed throughout his trip, one analogy he used, which made his picture of Pamplona very vivid, was when he said "All the carnivals I have ever seen paled down in comparison.  A rocket exploded over our heads with a blinding burst" (Pamplona in July 98,99).  After effectively achieving his purpose, Hemingway's additional use of imagery placed me in Pamplona with him.  His purpose to make me aware of the culture of the bullfighting capital of the world was seemed to be achieved too easily by Hemingway.  He keeps the reader engaged by using subtle hints of humor.  When Ernest is writing on why there are little accidents during this festival, he says it is because everyone relies on the steers to guide the bulls safely throughout the streets (101).  Adding to the list of vivid essays that captivate the reader, allowing them to be placed in Ernest's shoes, Pamplona in July successfully conveys to the audience eager of learning about the world what exactly Pamplona is like in July.  Hemingways effective use of imagery, analogies, and diction kept me engaged, and placed me in Pamplona.  His purpose to show me the culture, and to entertain me of his past events was done with grace, never leaving me at a pause while reading the essay.

PHOTO: Callum Graham,  The thousands of people turn Pamplona in July into the chaotic city Hemingway described.