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| Ernest Hemingway, 1918 Portrait by Ermeni Studios |
The story opens in a snow covered military hut. The major retires to his room while his adjutant, Tonani, continues to busy himself with paperwork. When Pinin, the major's orderly enters, the major calls for him. The 19-year-old Pinin enters the major's room and is questioned about his romantic life. After the major demonstrates that Tonani cannot hear their conversation through the wall, he continues to press the orderly with additional personal questions. The major appears to be propositioning the young man but when he is gently rebuffed, he backs off. The conversation ends with the major suggesting that Pinin could return to his platoon if he wished but if he stayed he might avoid being wounded.
This story seems a bit of a departure from Hemingway's other writings which are focused on all of the trappings of masculinity. While another of his short stories includes a gay storyline (Mother of a Queen, published in the story collection Winner Take Nothing in 1933), A Simple Inquiry's straightforward telling doesn't moralize about the characters' behaviors.
In June 1918, 18-year-old Ernest Hemingway arrived in Italy to serve as an ambulance driver at the Italian Front during World War I. The genesis for this story may have come from his observations or experiences during the war.
What is commonly termed 'situational homosexuality' presents itself throughout history in all male environments (like the military). As well, Italy has a long reputation of being more permissive around issues of male same-sex activity. In fact, it was considered a normal part of adolescent sexual education, particularly in southern Italy. In 1889 the Zanardelli Code decriminalized same-sex acts in all of unified Italy. This cemented Italy's reputation among Europe's homosexuals of tolerance and enlightenment on legislating these matters.
Bibliographies & Ratings: Cory (IV); Mattachine Review (IV) ; Young (1754*)
