EPISODE · Feb 5, 2024 · 11 MIN
A Canary for One - Short Takes: An Aural Journey (Short Stories for all)
from Short Takes: An Aural Journey - Short Stories for all! · host Tommy Dwight
Ernest Hemingway’s stories were often semi-autobiographical and today’s story, ‘A Canary For One’ is no exception. In early 1926, Hemingway’s wife, Hadley Richardson, became aware that Ernest was having an affair with Pauline Pfeiffer. In the midst of writing this story later that year, Hadley filed for divorce which became finalized in 1927. Hemingway went on to marry Pfeiffer that same year. This is another classic example of Hemingway’s ‘Iceberg Theory’, sparse dialogue, symbolism, and tension beneath the surface that leaves much unsaid. It also explores the themes of loneliness and isolation, control (or lack of it), and discontent. The fact that, ‘The Sun Also Rises’ had just been published and was on the verge of making Hemingway a major literary figure, makes this seemingly simple story all the more impactful. The three characters on a train ride to Paris will experience very different destinations once they arrive. If you're enjoying 'Short Takes: An Aural Journey', please share! Also, reviews are HIGHLY appreciated and will help me to spread the word! If you like the show and want to support me in another way, you can ‘Buy Me a Coffee’! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/tommy1take Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6JZwKrl1XHOR0mwBDlSWul Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/short-takes-an-aural-journey/id1716182141 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/5253e73c-5d54-4af7-b1e5-c1ddea5043aa/short-takes-an-aural-journey?ref=dm_sh_ytT0FtHt3y4Sm8vQNifjwuTac iHeart: https://iheart.com/podcast/127955483/ Castbox: https://castbox.fm/vc/5667805 Visit me at tommydwight.com Text version: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Yf317xiHFXhpVyptFb1rwf3NtrK-tVm8-CKTP3BO51A/edit?usp=sharing #ShortStories #ShortTakes
What this episode covers
Ernest Hemingway’s stories were often semi-autobiographical and today’s story, ‘A Canary For One’ is no exception. In early 1926, Hemingway’s wife, Hadley Richardson, became aware that Ernest was having an affair with Pauline Pfeiffer. In the midst of writing this story later that year, Hadley filed for divorce which became finalized in 1927. Hemingway went on to marry Pfeiffer that same year. This is another classic example of Hemingway’s ‘Iceberg Theory’, sparse dialogue, symbolism, and tension beneath the surface that leaves much unsaid. It also explores the themes of loneliness and isolation, control (or lack of it), and discontent. The fact that, ‘The Sun Also Rises’ had just been published and was on the verge of making Hemingway a major literary figure, makes this seemingly simple story all the more impactful. The three characters on a train ride to Paris will experience very different destinations once they arrive. If you're enjoying 'Short Takes: An Aural Journey', please share! Also, reviews are HIGHLY appreciated and will help me to spread the word! If you like the show and want to support me in another way, you can ‘Buy Me a Coffee’! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/tommy1take Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6JZwKrl1XHOR0mwBDlSWul Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/short-takes-an-aural-journey/id1716182141 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/5253e73c-5d54-4af7-b1e5-c1ddea5043aa/short-takes-an-aural-journey?ref=dm_sh_ytT0FtHt3y4Sm8vQNifjwuTac iHeart: https://iheart.com/podcast/127955483/ Castbox: https://castbox.fm/vc/5667805 Visit me at tommydwight.com Text version: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Yf317xiHFXhpVyptFb1rwf3NtrK-tVm8-CKTP3BO51A/edit?usp=sharing #ShortStories #ShortTakes
NOW PLAYING
A Canary for One - Short Takes: An Aural Journey (Short Stories for all)
No transcript for this episode yet
Similar Episodes
Mar 26, 2026 ·1m
Jan 2, 2026 ·47m
Dec 21, 2025 ·46m