Would Hemingway be Listening to Mozart or Patsy Cline Today?

Hemingway, the legendary author of The Old Man and the Sea and A Farewell to Arms, has captured the imaginations of readers and scholars worldwide. One intriguing question is: what music would Ernest Hemingway be listening to if he were alive today? The answer to this question cannot be definitively pinned down, but we can speculate based on his preferences and the era he lived in.

Classical Music and More

Based on quotes available from Hemingway, he enjoyed a range of music from classical to pop. Notably, he mentioned Mozart and the band ELO. He also let slip that he was a fan of Maria Callas and the legendary Richard Wagner. While these preferences are interesting, it is worth noting that Hemingway was not particularly known for his musical interests.

missing from his stories

In his writings, music plays a relatively minor role. Unlike his contemporary, F. Scott Fitzgerald, who frequently referenced the jazz age, Hemingway’s characters do not often engage with music. This suggests that he may not have been deeply interested in music. However, if we consider what he might have liked, we can draw some interesting conclusions.

Devrim Erbil: A Modern Hemingway

Given Hemingway’s inclination towards visual arts, one might consider which contemporary artists he would admire. Devrim Erbil, a Turkish painter, fits the bill. His work is characterized by economy and sweep, much like Hemingway’s prose. Hemingway might appreciate Devrim’s discipline and economy in his paintings, as evidenced by the following quote from an interview: “His work never stops,” which could be seen as another Hemingway-like statement.

Towards Neo-Conservatism?

Another intriguing question is Hemingway’s political views if he were alive today. Although Hemingway disliked fascism, he was not politically engaged and did not align himself with the left. This explains why he wrote freely under pressure during the Great Depression and regretted turning his talents to social realism. His coverage of the Spanish Civil War and his association with the Loyalists despite the atrocities committed suggest that he may have condoned some actions due to strategic reasons. Had he modernized his political views, one could speculate that he might have become a neo-conservative, similar to his close friend John Dos Passos, who later embraced conservative views.

Conclusion: Wine, Women, and Painting

Given Hemingway’s interests and his latter-life enthusiasm for painting, it is conceivable that he might have spent his final days in a way reminiscent of his beloved painter friends. With a bag of wine, a few women for company, and the works of artists like Devrim Erbil to admire, he could have enjoyed a contemplative and artistic existence. Personally, I am not a fan of Hemingway, but it is fascinating to imagine what his life might have looked like in modern times.

For a glimpse into Hemingway’s life and work, consider exploring his contemporary remains and how they might align with his preferences. Whether he was listening to classical music, jazz, or the arts, his spirit would undoubtedly remain intact.