What is the significance of relationships with other people? Why do our conversations define and contribute to our life so much? This week’s readings were about four different acquaintances of Ernest Hemingway. Some friendships were very solid, some were only bearable, and some had to come to an end.

In “A Birth of a New School”, Hemingway recalls a conversation he had with a critic named Harold. While writing in his home café, Hemingway is interrupted by this man and badgered with questions and desperate attempts to strike up a conversation. Being short in temper, Ernest did not take this disruption lightly and did not hesitate in making his feelings clear. However, after talking, unwillingly, for some time, the two see eye to eye on the definition of their relationship. Although this is not something I would define as "friendship", it is a relationship that we can all identify with.

“With Pascin at The Dome” describes the odd relationship between Hemingway and a drunk painter, Pascin. While drinking at The Dome, Hemingway is caught up –uncomfortably – in a conversation between Pascin and a model, although prostitute would be more fitting. Pascin is very laid back and jokes about letting Hemingway have sex with her. This soon becomes too awkward for Hemingway to bear, so he leaves as soon as the opportunity arose. Sadly, this type of relationship is all too familiar with most of us as well, but it's something that we must all face daily.

“Ezra Pound and His Bel Esprit” is almost charming compared to the last chapter of this week’s reading. Ezra Pound is a fantastic writer and dear friend of Ernest. He is troubled by the fact that a talented poet, TS Eliot, is stuck working in a bank, and therefore never has time to write. He along with Hemingway and other begin raising money so that Eliot can quit the bank and pursue his true calling. The friendship and dedication between the two are admirable, and I love the fact that Hemingway trusts and believes in Ezra enough to help him.

Lastly, in “A Strange Enough Ending”, Hemingway’s long time friendships with Miss Stein comes to an end, and strange it was. Before leaving on a trip, Gertrude asks Hemingway to stop in and tell her goodbye. While waiting, Hemingway hears sounds he has never heard before. From the context you can assume that Gertrude is engaging in intercourse (with a woman). This is too much for Hemingway, and he leaves promptly. His friendship is never rekindled and he has no desire to pursue any new ones. I feel that this event showed Hemingway another side of Gertrude and he was not willing or ready to see. Although it is a tad dramatic, Ernest is traumatized and feels as if he cannot trust anyone like that again. Thus ending the friendship that began the whole book.