Blog prose from Adelia Andaruni
Abstract
In this writing, the
writer tries to analyze the intrinsic elements of the “Old Man at the Bridge”
by Ernest Hemingway. The purpose of this
writing is to understand the intrinsic elements of the short-story. The writer uses theories of the intrinsic
elements with close reading method. The
writer finds that the intrinsic elements can build a story. In conclusion, the intrinsic
elements can ease the reader to understand the short-story.
Keywords: theme, plot,
point of view, setting, character, characterization, Ernest Hemingway
1.
Theme
This short-story
has a “War” theme.
“It
was my business to cross the bridge, explore the bridge-head beyond and find
out to what point the enemy had advanced.” (Hemingway:1)
2.
Plot
This short-story uses the progressive plot and there are
three stages:
·
The First Stage
“An old man with steel rimmed spectacles
and very dusty clothes fat by the side of the road” (Hemingway; 1)
·
The Middle Stage
I am seventy-six years old. I have come
twelve kilometers now and I think now I can go no farther.” (Hemingway 2)
·
The Last Stage
“There was nothing to do about him.” (Hemingway 2)
3.
Point of View
This short-story
uses the first person point of view: “I” not as the major character. “He looked
at me very blankly and tiredly, then said, having to share his worry with
someone, …” (Hemingway: 2)
4.
Setting
·
Time setting
o
At the war.
“Yes. Because of the artillery.”
(Hemingway:1)
·
Place setting
o
Side of the road.
“An
old man with steel rimmed spectacles and very dusty clothes sat by the side of
the road.” (Hemingway:1)
5.
Characters
There
are some characters in this short-story:
·
The Old Man (Major)
“But
the old man sat there without moving.” (Hemingway: 1)
·
I (Minor)
“I
did this and returned over the bridge.” (Hemingway:1)
6.
Characterization
·
The Old Man
o
76 years old (Physical)
“I’am
seventy-six years old.” (Hemingway: 2)
o
Crumpled (Physical)
“An
old man with steel rimmed spectacles and very dusty clothes sat by the side of
the road.” (Hemingway:1)
o
Tired (Physical)
“He
looked at me very blankly and tiredly, …” (Hemingway: 2)
o
Friendly (Psychological)
“From
San Carlos/ he said, and smiled.” (Hemingway: 1)
o
Pure (Psychological)
“I
am without politics, he said.” (Hemingway: 2)
o
Care (Psychological)
“Yes,
certainly they’ll fly. But the others.” (Hemingway: 2)
·
I
o
Responsible (Psychological)
“It
was my business to cross the bridge, explore the bridge-head beyond and find
out to what point the enemy had advanced.” (Hemingway: 1)
o
Care (Psychological)
“If
you can make it, there are trucks up the road where it forks for Tortosa.”
(Hemingway: 2)
Bibliography