Introduction

Psychology shares many of its domains with other branches of science, such as

anatomy, sociology, philosophy, statistics, and even economy. Literature, which reveals

human feelings, emotions and inner life, belongs to them as well. It is not uncommon

for a writer to use psychological theories in creating his fictional characters. Moreover,

it so happens that a psychologist, when he wants to prove his hypotheses, cites the

words of a widely appreciated writer. Ernest Hemingway is a writer who can be used as

an example of connection that exists between psychology and literature and their mutual

influence . It is known to his biographers that he was acquainted with some of Sigmund

Freud’s works and those of other psychologists and that some of Hemingway’s

characters portray psychological concepts introduced by them. On the other hand, many

psychological researches have been conducted on Ernest Hemingway’s life and many of

his novels. Such analysis show how he was able to write novels that are considered as

belonging to the greatest novels in American history of literature.

The purpose of my thesis is to reveal the connection between Hemingway’s

psychological development and women that he lived with and created in his novels.

Chapter 1 presents a psychological paradigm used to create Hemingway’s

psychobiography. Psychodinamic approach was chosen and main points of Sigmund

Freud’s theory, later developed by Ellyn Kaschack, are discussed. The role of Oedipus

complex and its impact on the development of man’s psyche is stress as this complex

had a pivotal role in forming Hemingway’s attitude towards women in general.

Chapter 2 contains facts concerned with Hemingway’s childhood and gives a

detailed picture of his mother, Grace Hemingway, who, although was a controversial

person, was mistreated and wrongly accused by her son. This chapter introduces events

prior to Hemingway’s first marriage and their background necessary to estimate his

psychological development.

Chapter 3 is devoted to Hemingway’s as an adult and his relations with women. It

stresses the fact that unsolved Oedipus Complex had an influence on Hemingway’s

attitude towards women in such a way that he preferred partners that resembled his

mother. His feelings toward Gertrude Steine are presented as a clear evidence

supporting the thesis. Besides, there are facts verify Ellyn Kashack theory which

extended Freud’s ideas.

My thesis was based on Hemingway’s novels such as For Whom the Bell Tolls,

Farewell to Arms, Across the River and into the Trees and short stories The Doctor’s

Wife and The Soldier’s Home. Biographical data comes mostly from Hemingway’s

biographers but also from his relatives who met him personally. Some information was

taken from the book of Hemingway’s brother, Leicester Hemingway, titled My Brother,

Ernest Hemingway. Psychological discussions come mostly from Sigmund Freud’s

works.