One true sentence
A common motif found in the novel is the idea that when the writer has to face a writer’s block, he tells himself that he will escape it by writing one true sentence. By telling himself that, the author continues to write, hoping that he will find his inspiration and hoping that he will overcome the struggles he faces.
Symbol for wealth
In the third chapter, Hemingway reveals that in the beginning, he did not have the financial means to but himself books. For him and his wife, owning books was a luxury they could not afford and thus they chose instead to borrow books from the library. He hoped however that one day he will be able to buy himself books and he linked this with the idea of financial stability and prosperity. Thus, the books Hemingway hoped to own are used as a symbol for wealth and prosperity.
Good weather
Another common motif in the novel is the link between Hemingway’s good spirits and warm and good weather. When the weather is bad and when it is rainy outside, Hemingway seems to be more depressed than usual and hopeless. This changes however when the weather becomes warmer and sunnier. In those moments, Hemingway has a positive outlook on life and seems more inclined to hope for better days.
Italian
When Hemingway wins enough money at the horse races, he decides to dine out with his wife at an expensive restaurant where various author liked to spend their free time. While at the restaurant, Hemingway sees Joyce with his family, eating quietly at another table. He then notes that the whole family talked Italian among themselves and he appreciated them for that. For Hemingway, Italian is a symbol for sensibility and if a person talked in Italian, then that meant that they were sensible and intelligent people.
Horse racing
Another common motif in the novel is the idea that Hemingway and his wife always managed to get out of tough financial situations by betting on horse races. Whenever the pair had money troubles, they would go to the racing tracks and bet on different horses. Almost every time, the bets they were making would turn up wining and they would have once more enough money to survive for some time.
