Analysis of Pamplona in July (Ernest Hemingway)

In Pamplona in July, Ernest Hemingway recounts his summer visit to the town, Pamplona, in Northern Spain, renown for hosting a bullfighting festival every July (98). Throughout the piece, Hemingway vividly narrates his experiences and describes the traditions, people and culture of the town, and the riveting bullfights he attended. The essay, published in 1923, was not the first of Hemingway’s successes. While writing as a journalist, he also published many short pieces and two books featuring his works. This trip was the first of many to the festival, which served as inspiration for his first novel, The Sun Also Rises. During the piece, Hemingway not only informs the reader of what occurred on his trip, but brings the reader on a journey into the little town with him. He writes to paint a descriptive picture of his experience around Pamplona and at the bullfights themselves. To those who enjoy unique adventures and who may be interested in attending the festival, he tells his story, using strong diction, straightforward phrases and asyndeton, giving a descriptive glimpse of his experience. He gives the piece a candid tone, using strong diction and straightforward phrases. With short, descriptive phrases, he pulls the reader into the loud arena with him. He states, “Then the bull charges and bags another man. The crowd roars with delight” (102). His strong diction and short phrases help him inform the reader and give an honest recount of what occurs. To provide a better understanding of the context, he emphatically uses asyndeton. While talking of a skillful bullfighter, he says,  “He handled them all. Did it all. Cape play easy, graceful, confident” (105). By excluding conjunctions, he highlights the ease of the man’s actions, giving an exciting, wondrous mood to the piece. With his interesting craft, Hemingway achieved his goal. I felt like I was sitting alongside the Hemingways in the roaring arena, and after reading, I knew much more about bullfighting and the festival. Ernest Hemingway’s essay, Pamplona in July, illustrates his journey through another culture, and gives a direct glimpse into this exquisite world.

Terri - bull Safety
 The bulls run freely through the streets and crowds of Pamplona to the arena, where the fighting takes place.
Source: PBS.org