Ernest Hemingway's "The Short Happy Life of Francis Macomber" (reprinted in Thomas R. Arp and Greg Johnson, Perrine's Literature: Structure, Sound, and Sense, 8th ed. [Fort Worth:Harcourt, 2002]77), is different than a typical Hemingway story. Hemingway is known for rugged outdoorsy characters, not women playing the strong role in a relationship (allHemingway.com).
             Francis Macomber is not the typical hero of a piece of work by Hemingway. Macomber is a wealthy American and is totally inept when it comes to recognizing the needs and wants of his wife, Margot. Margot has total control of the marriage. It could even be said that she wore the pants in the relationship. She even ridicules Francis for his weaknesses. The title of the story is also very significant. The "Short Happy Life" represents the moment Francis is relieved of his cowardly tendencies and finally feels at peace with himself.
             The story is set on an African Safari. Francis and his wife, Margot are joined by their British tour guide, Wilson and his crew. On his first hunt, Francis killed a lion, but when they went to retrieve it out of the tall grass, he runs in fear. Wilson was appalled with Francis' poor sportsmanship. When they arrived back at camp, Margot ridiculed Francis for his cowardice. That night Margot slips out of their tent and into Wilson's. It didn't take long before Francis caught on. The next morning he built up the courage to confront his wife. So when time came for the buffalo hunt, Francis was excited.
             Throughout the story Margot is the strong character. She controls the marriage in every aspect except money. Money is the only reason she is with Francis. She doesn't even fear him finding a new wife because she knows he lacks the social skills when it comes to women. Francis on the other hand doesn't know what to do with himself. His
             wife is with him for money, he gets scared every t...