The novel Adios Hemingway written by Leonardo Padura, explores the experiences of a police detective, Mario Conde, who lives in Cuba after the revolution. This book is also closely tied to the life of Ernest Hemingway, in particular, his last days in Havana. This literary work presents a peculiar representation of gender; to some degree, this representation reflects the values advocated by Hemingway in his literary works. This paper is aimed at examining the way in which male bonding and masculinity are portrayed in the novel. Furthermore, it is important to show how this conception of masculinity affects the behavior of Mario Conde as well as Hemingway.
In this book, Leonardo Padura draws parallels between the main characters. Overall, it is possible to argue that Leonardo Pandura describes masculinity, which is based on the rejection of one’s weaknesses or at least their concealment. Moreover, male bonding is the key value for the main characters, and in some cases, these people prefer to turn a blind eye to the truth. These are the main arguments that should be discussed more closely in this essay.
When discussing the peculiarities of masculinity, one should first focus on the personality of Mario Conde since the inner world of this person is closely examined by Leonardo Padura. To a great extent, he is very disillusioned person. He is disappointed with the outcomes of the Cuban revolution and the behavior of other people who accepted this revolution as well as the policies of the state. He once strived to be a writer, but eventually became a police detective. This work, which once seemed noble to him, has also disappointed him. This person understands that in many cases, he could be used by the state as an instrument of injustice. His experience in the police can be best described with the following quote, “I’ve seen too many people turning into bastards when their job should be making life fucking difficult for real bastards” (Padura 52).
So, he is keenly aware of the injustice existing in Cuba (Padura 52). This is one of the reasons why he finds it difficult to work as a police officer. Overall, this background information is important for understanding some of his actions and attitudes toward friends, colleagues, and people who he admires.
To some degree, Mario Conde’s notion of masculinity can be described as the ability of a person to withstand hardships without complaining. The protagonist is willing to devote “his time just to thinking, reminiscing, and watching the calm, peaceful sea” (Padura 2). Seclusion can be viewed as a shield that protects him against injustice and hypocrisy. The main character does not want to take part in social relations. This is one of the details that should be taken into account. It should be noted that the protagonist wishes to be a writer. To a great extent, he has been inspired by Hemingway, whose books he often reads. Nevertheless, this person understands that he is not likely to achieve any literary success. Furthermore, his literary works may never be published. This is one of the points that can be considered.
One should remember that Conde does not try to seek empathy for other people. Instead, he tries to defend his “solitude” (Padura, 106). Therefore, it is possible to say that Conde’s notion of masculinity is closely tied with such values as sternness, stoicism, and unwillingness to speak about one’s failures and weaknesses. Moreover, it is possible to say that this form of masculinity is self-destructive. The problem is that this person is not able to change his lifestyle and improve one’s relations with others. This issue is important if one speaks about Conde’s relations with the woman he loves. These are some of the main details that should be considered.
Overall, Conde’s values are closely linked with the behavior Hemingway as well as the fictional characters that this writer created. It should be noted that this writer often tried to emphasize his masculinity. This famous author was willing to show that he could face danger and overcome severe challenges. Additionally, one can speak about his ability to gain the sympathy of women. The main issue is that this writer did not want to demonstrate any signs of weakness. These issues are explored in Padura’s novel. For example, the fictional Hemingway does not want to admit that his creative talent is waning. This approach to masculinity is also adopted by Conde, who does not want to look pitiable. The main problem is that this impression is very deceitful. Deep in heart, Conde understands that his life has been wasted on the things that he does not like. This is one of the reasons why drinking becomes habitual for him.
The author of the novel describes the protagonists’ behavior in the following way, “Conde finished his drink, feeling sorry for himself” (Padura 10). Nevertheless, he does not want to discuss these issues with others (Padura 10). So, Conde’s masculinity often involves pretense and even unwillingness to accept reality. This issue is critical for the analysis of this character and the action that he takes.
Additionally, it is important to remember that friendship is one of the things which are critical for the protagonist. Leonardo Padura notes that the protagonist prefers “peace and quiet and the conversation of a couple of friends” (Padura 19). One can say that communication with these people keeps him alive. These are the main aspects that can be distinguished. It is also possible to speak about Hemingway’s behavior. The fictional character portrayed by Leonardo Padura has passed beyond the age of his youth, and he also seeks solitude. However, he also values the friendship of some people. For example, one can mention such a writer as John Dos Passos. The main tragedy is that fictional Hemingway once mistreated his friend, and this memory is tormenting him. Furthermore, male bonding is important for explaining the murder case that Conde tries to unravel.
In particular, one should speak about the death of an FBI agent in which fictional Hemingway might have been involved. Conde suspects that this investigation may reveal some of the details that may compromise the mythical representation of Hemingway. However, Conde eventually decides that his devotion to Hemingway as a writer is more important than the actual result of the investigation. In this case, one can speak about the bond existing between the detective and the famous writer. In some cases, Conde prefers to rely on his convictions, rather than facts. Thus, it is possible to say that male bonding plays a critical part in Leonardo Pandura’s novel.
Apart from that, one can examine the literary elements which are used in the novel. In particular, it is necessary to focus on the structure of the plot. In particular, Leonardo Pandura draws parallels between the lives of Conde and Hemingway. This approach helps the writer examine the inner world of the main character is evolved. Moreover, readers can see how this person becomes disillusioned. So, this literary element enables the author to make the novel more engaging.
Furthermore, much attention should be paid to the way in which women are represented in this novel. Overall, the main character understands that his beloved woman can have a profound influence over him. This person does not want to admit his dependence on her since this behavior can be regarded as a weakness. This is why Conde does not formalize the relations with the woman who he loves for a long time. It seems that the protagonist is simply afraid of taking this step. So, Conde’s masculinity is partly aimed at concealing one’s weaknesses, but this behavior is not productive. This is one of the key aspects that can be distinguished.
On the whole, this discussion indicates that Leonardo Padura’s novel presents a compelling description of a person who is extremely disillusioned with his life and other people. The protagonist’s masculinity is largely based on the denial of his weaknesses, failures, and fears. This behavior reflects Hemingway’s values and his charisma. Nevertheless, this perception of masculinity is destructive in many cases because it prevents a person from solving his psychological problems. This argument is particularly applicable to Conde and the fictional Hemingway. These are the main points that can be made.
Works Cited
Padura, Leonardo. AdiĂłs Hemingway, New York: Canongate US, 2005. Print.