Untitled Document

Children at Play

Photographs of the Hemingway children during their leisure time highlight games between Settlers and Indians, and the children’s desire to be in costume. Boys like Ernest and Leicester Hemingway were able to harness their savageness and aggression through games such as Indians vs. Settlers. The use of toy guns represents the masculine impulses imposed by society at this time. Mothers were expcted not to coddle, love, or rear their little boys too much because such parenting could lead to softness, femininity, and overall branding of a “sissy.” Although girls were expected to focus on developing into adult women at a young age, the Hemingway girls often took part in the costume games as well.

Children at Play Photographs of the Hemingway children during their leisure time highlight games between Settlers and Indians, and the children’s desire to be in costume. Boys like Ernest and Leicester Hemingway were able to harness their savageness and aggression through games such as Indians vs. Settlers. The use of toy guns represents the masculine impulses imposed by society at this time. Mothers were expcted not to coddle, love, or rear their little boys too much because such parenting could lead to softness, femininity, and overall branding of a “sissy.” Although girls were expected to focus on developing into adult women at a young age, the Hemingway girls often took part in the costume games as well.

Ursula and Ernest Hemingway play with a friend. B&W 4x6	Carol and Leicester (at 14 months) play dress up as indians. Sepia 4x6	Ursula, Ernest and Marcelline play. B&W 4x6

Baby Les with sister Carol Hemingway, dressed as an Indian. B&W 4x6	Baby Leicester and the toy gun. B&W 4x6	Leicester with Carol playing in the yard. B&W 4x6

	Baby Leicester on a scooter.B&W 4x6