Conceptual Workshop on “fun” in Hemingway’s in our time
		Introduction: The purpose of this workshop is to examine how a particular element (here a specific word or cluster of related words) is used to develop a series of ideas in a work and to examine the effects that this repeated element has on our reading of in our time. We’re going to begin with something that the average reader would probably overlook: the repetition of the words “fun” and “funny” and the ways in which Hemingway employs them in his text. We’ll look at the ways in which the context in which these words appear works with, and sometimes against, our expected meanings. By tracing the use of these words throughout in our time, we can get a sense of some of the bigger ideas contained within Hemingway’s text. PART ONE (to be completed in your Journal) 1. Look at the way the word “fun” is used on p. 34. What does it mean in this context? Is there anything unusual about the use of the word here? How does Nick’s use of this word affect your description of him? Are there other things that Nick says or does here or in “the Three Day Blow” that support or add to this description? What about his thinking about Marjorie (and “fun”) on pp. 47-49? 2. Look at the way the word “fun” is used on pp. 93 & 94. What does it mean in these contexts? Is there anything unusual about the use of the word here? 3. Now look through the story “My Old Man” (pp. 115-29). How many instances of the word “fun” or “funny” can you find? Do these words always mean the same thing? If not, what are some of the meanings that these words have? (Think about how are you able to determine these meanings) How does the narrator’s use of these words affect your description of him? Are there other things that he says or does here that support or add to this description? 4. Look at the way the word “fun” is used on p. 153. What does it mean in this context? Is there anything unusual about the use of the word here? What other words are used to describe fishing in this story (especially on p. 155)? How do they compare to the words “fun” and “funny”? How does Nick’s use of this word affect your description of him? Are there other things that Nick says or does here that support or add to this description? PART TWO (to be completed in your Journal) Look at the results of your analyses from Part I and consider the following questions: What are the common elements in the use of the words “fun” and “funny”? What are some of the differences? Are there any generalizations you can draw to describe the ways in which these words are used? Are there any other times these words appear in the text? How do these uses change or contribute to the generalizations you drew? The questions of Part I begin and end with Nick, but is he the same character on p. 34 that he is on p. 155? What has happened to him in the interim (look at pp. 111 and 63)? Are there any connections you can draw between the stories? How do they contribute to your overall understanding of the book? PART THREE Meet together in Discussion Section and discuss your findings for PARTS ONE and TWO.