The Short Happy Life of Francis Macomber

             Ernest Hemingway's short story The Short Happy Life of Francis Macomber was written in 1936, during the Great Depression. The writer will discuss Hemingway's use of character, theme and symbol.
             Francis and Margot Macomber are spoiled rich Americans, far removed from the realities of their day. Margot is described as "an extremely handsome and well-kept woman of beauty and social position" (p. 257) and Francis is described as a great American boy-man, "with his American face that would stay adolescent until it became middle-aged" (p. 259). Mr. and Mrs. Macomber are on a private guided hunting expedition in Africa, which is lead by Englishman Robert Wilson.
             Francis is generally characterized as inept, weak, cowardly, and lacking sexual prowess or a strong personal code. But Hemingway portrays Francis with sympathy, acknowledging that Francis "did not know the Somali proverb that says a brave man is always frightened three times by a lion" (p.262). Afraid and alone the night before the lion hunt, Francis recalls, "There was no one to tell he was afraid, nor to be afraid with him." (p.262).
             Robert Wilson, in opposition, is characterized as agile, strong, brave, and possessing sexual prowess and a strong personal code. He is portrayed with great admiration for his strong yet unconventional beliefs, but Hemingway reveals moments of sensitivity. Wilson has a great deal of respect for the animals he hunts and he expresses this by saying "a damned fine lion", "we'll have champagne for the lion" and "here's to the lion".
             Margot is characterized as cruel, contemptuous, manipulative, and ambitious, having used her looks to achieve her goals. Margot feels triumphant when she thinks the buffalo hunt will "be just like the lion" (p. 275) and Francis will reinforce his cowardice, but her triumph turns quickly to fear when she see
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The Short Happy Life of Francis Macomber. (1969, December 31). In MegaEssays.com. Retrieved 00:44, March 29, 2024, from https://www.megaessays.com/viewpaper/8161.html