Directions: Use the themes, questions and video clips below to teach and learn with portions of C-SPAN's American Writers program featuring Ernest Hemingway, and The Sun Also Rises. Link to the complete video clip list to identify clip descriptions and create your own lessons. Each theme contains questions and video clips appropriate for varying grade levels. Lesson Credit:
Curriculum Advisory Team Member, Koleta B. Tilson.

1. Through his high school years, Ernest Hemingway lived with his family, obtained a "fantastic" education at his high school in Illinois and spent family vacations in Michigan. Identify at least three activities and/or experiences of these formative years which may have influenced his career choice and the nature of his writing.
2. Do you think Ernest Hemingway was a child of privilege? Why or why not?
3. What was the result of his attempt to join the Armed Forces? What injury did he sustain as he worked as a reporter in Italy?
4. How was he received upon his return home? After Hemingway married Hadley Richardson, why did they go to Paris to live?
5. To what degree was Hemingway's early life influenced by the times in which he lived?

1. Hemingway was widely known as "Papa Hemingway." Who coined this label? What aspects of Hemingway's character encouraged the widespread acceptance of such a title?
2. What is an expatriate? Under what circumstances did the Hemingways travel to Paris? to Spain? to Cuba? What laws and restrictions influenced the lives of American citizens during the 1920's to encourage artists who were seeking freedom to find a less rule-oriented environment?
3. Hemingway's affinity for recreational activities, sports, and games served to influence where he lived and traveled. Discuss the places in which he lived and worked and the experiences which these locations likely enabled and encouraged.
4. What was the result of Hemingway having become an icon in his own time? How do you think his experiences as a reporter impacted his ability to manage this "celebrity" status? What consequences did Hemingway suffer (or enjoy) because of this mythic persona?

1. What was unique about Hemingway's writing? Consider both style and the content. What are some of the most common criticisms of Hemingway's writing? Do you believe these criticisms have merit? Can "good" writing contain foul language? Ethnic slurs? Bad behavior?
2. How do the writing and research skills demanded by journalism compare with those required by the craft of fiction? How do you think Hemingway's experience as a reporter impacted his success with short stories and novels?
3. How did Hemingway's appreciation for other cultures and geographies impact his writing?
4. The fiction of Hemingway has been said to evoke more emotion than understanding. What does this mean and do you agree? Support your opinion with some evidence from Hemingway's own life and times, as well as his literary works.
5. What evidence is there that Hemingway "networked" with other writers, publishers, editors? How did Hemingway maintain contact with his colleagues? Do you think his relationship with other members of his profession engendered opportunity and productivity for his work? Explain.