1. I N T R I N S I C E L E M E N T S
A N A LY S I S
I N E R N E S T H E M I N G WAY ’ S
“ O L D M A N AT T H E B R I D G E ”
A D E L I A N ATA LY A N D A R U N I
2. Abstract
In this writing, the writer tries to analyze the intrinsic elements of the “Old Man at the
Bridge” by Ernest Hemingway. The purpose of this writing is to understand the intrinsic
elements of the short-story. The writer uses theories of the intrinsic elements with close
reading method. The writer finds that the intrinsic elements can build a story. In
conclusion, the intrinsic elements can ease the reader to understand the short-story.
Keywords: theme, plot, point of view, setting, character, characterization, Ernest
Hemingway
3. Theme
This short-story has a “War” theme.
“It was my business to cross the bridge, explore the bridge-head beyond and
find out to what point the enemy had advanced.” (Hemingway:1)
4. Plot
This short-story uses the progressive plot and there are three stages:
• The First Stage
“An old man with steel rimmed spectacles and very dusty clothes fat by the side
of the road” (Hemingway; 1)
• The Middle Stage
I am seventy-six years old. I have come twelve kilometers now and I think now I
can go no farther.” (Hemingway 2)
• The Last Stage
“There was nothing to do about him.” (Hemingway 2)
5. Point of View
This short-story uses the first person point of view: “I” not as the major character. “He
looked at me very blankly and tiredly, then said, having to share his worry with someone,
…”
(Hemingway: 2)
6. Settings
• Time setting
At the war.
“Yes. Because of the artillery.” (Hemingway:1)
• Place setting
Side of the road.
“An old man with steel rimmed spectacles and very dusty clothes sat by the side
of the road.” (Hemingway:1)
7. Characters
There are some characters in this short-story:
• The Old Man (Major)
“But the old man sat there without moving.” (Hemingway: 1)
• I (Minor)
“I did this and returned over the bridge.” (Hemingway:1)
8. Characterization
The Old Man
• 76 years old (Physical)
“I’am seventy-six years old.” (Hemingway: 2)
• Crumpled (Physical)
“An old man with steel rimmed spectacles and very dusty clothes sat by the side of the road.”
(Hemingway:1)
• Tired (Physical)
“He looked at me very blankly and tiredly, …” (Hemingway: 2)
• Friendly (Psychological)
“From San Carlos/ he said, and smiled.” (Hemingway: 1)
• Pure (Psychological)
“I am without politics, he said.” (Hemingway: 2)
• Care (Psychological)
“Yes, certainly they’ll fly. But the others.” (Hemingway: 2)
9. I
• Responsible (Psychological)
“It was my business to cross the bridge, explore the bridge-head beyond and
find out to what point the enemy had advanced.” (Hemingway: 1)
• Care (Psychological)
“If you can make it, there are trucks up the road where it forks for Tortosa.”
(Hemingway: 2)
