Symbolism is when one object or image represents an abstract idea beyond its literal meaning. For example, the doors in the story function as literal doors but they often symbolize transition or boundaries. An open door might indicate an openness to communication or connection while a closed door might symbolize a character being closed off to an idea, person, or experience.

Hemingway’s concise use of language may seem as if it lacks description, but because it is so precise, his word choice becomes even more important. Hemingway believed that a good writer could omit details they were sure of, and the strength of the writing would convey those missing details to the reader with the same clarity as if the writer had written them directly. He wanted what was going on at the heart of the story to be omitted from the surface of the story and left to the reader to infer.

The story relies heavily on dialogue for presenting images and characterization. The characters’ dialogue is very natural and brief, written in a realistic manner that reflects natural conversation. Hemingway reveals the nature of his characters’ relationships as much through what they don’t say as what they do (see Iceberg Effect above).