Hemingway

             "The Short Happy Life of Francis Macomber," by Ernest Hemingway is a short story that subtly merges two plots. The story of an African safari takes center stage. Hemingway writes about this safari from personal knowledge, as he had taken many. In one of the safaris, his plane crashed on the way home and he was thought to be dead. Later, in keeping with his reputation, he emerged from the woods grasping a bottle of whiskey.
             The other plot line is the loveless marriage of Francis and Margot Macomber. As Hemingway tells us, "[Francis] was very wealthy, and would be much wealthier, and he knew she would not leave him ever now" (92).
             Conflict and characterization are very important in this story. There are quiet a few conflicts in this story between Francis Macomber, his wife and, the safari guide, Mr. Wilson. Characterization is important because as we get to know Mr. and Mrs. Macomber, as well as Mr. Wilson, motives become more apparent. The conflict and characterization in this story provide a twisted plot with a surprising ending.
             Francis Macomber is very who lives in America and is considered a well-respected man in his country. He is a "four letter man" which is someone who earned letters in football, basketball, baseball and track at the university. Francis has a reputation to uphold but does not do a good job because he is somewhat of a coward. When given the chance to be strong and shoot a lion, he panics and runs away. This is Hemingway's version of a weak character. He is a strong man on the surface but cowardly inside. He also is aware of his wife's infidelities. After his wife sleeps with Wilson, the safari guide, Francis pleads with her, "there wasn't going to be any of that. You promised there wouldn't be" (94). Francis is afraid of everything, including his wife, at the beginning of the story. As the plot develops, he gains courage, beg...

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Hemingway. (1969, December 31). In MegaEssays.com. Retrieved 04:45, March 28, 2024, from https://www.megaessays.com/viewpaper/17137.html