" Hemingway is terribly limited. His technique is good for short stories, for people who meet once in a bar very late at night, but do not enter into relations. But not for the novel. "
- W. H. Auden

In simple terms, the quote suggests that Ernest Hemingway's writing style works well for short stories but isn't as effective when used for longer novels. This implies that while Hemingway excels at capturing fleeting moments and brief encounters between characters in his prose, such a technique may not be suitable for exploring complex relationships over an extended period in a novel format.

The deeper meaning of this statement reflects on the versatility and adaptability required in writing techniques to suit different narrative forms. W.H. Auden's critique highlights that Hemingway’s minimalist approach, often characterized by sparse dialogue and limited character interaction, works well when depicting isolated incidents or transient encounters. However, for longer narratives that require in-depth exploration of characters' evolving relationships over time, this style might lack the depth necessary to fully capture the nuances and complexities involved. This critique also underscores the importance of narrative technique in storytelling, emphasizing how a writer's chosen method can either enhance or detract from the overall effectiveness of their work.

W.H. Auden was a renowned English poet who made significant contributions to literature and criticism during his lifetime. He is known for his insightful analyses of various literary works and authors, including Hemingway. As an accomplished critic himself, Auden’s opinion carries weight in literary circles due to his extensive knowledge and analytical skills. His comments about Hemingway reflect a broader discussion on the limitations and strengths of different narrative styles within literature.