The Short Happy Life of Francis Macomber by Ernest...

It is the mainstay of many pieces of classic American literature, especially those that fall into the category of pulp, to have thin, cardboard-cutout characters with obvious emotions and intentions for which their only purpose is to drive the story to a predetermined end. The seductive and dangerous femme fatale; codgerly old men; the badgering and nagging housewife, adorned with dress and apron; and etc... These characters, and the many like them, are set into a story to play a specific role—namely as a reactor—and force the protagonist in some direction. After all, what would a hero do if there was nothing heroic to be done? Sit around? Twiddle their thumbs...? These characters are, in some degree, necessary for the purpose of†¦show more content†¦In the story he plays the guide and is an experienced safari goer and hunter. He, as described, is â€Å"[...]about middle middle height with sandy hair, a stubby mustache, a very red face and extremely cold blue eyes[...]†(The Short Happy... Pg. 01) Throughout the story, Wilson is the person we most hear the thoughts of, scattered through the narrative are his opinions and comments, presented mentally, and although minor, lead to important understandings in the story. Wilson, in his experience, has probably learned to keep his own affairs private, and as well, to keep out of others. He does a commendable job of trying to help Francis forget about his blunder against the lion, and remove strain in situations involving both Mr. and Mrs. Macomber. He is a diplomat, though as the story will prove, not a very consistent one. He holds a lukewarm contempt for women, especially American women, whom he deems â€Å"cruel† (and perhaps, once we look at Margot, this is not without merit). He is socially introverted, and as so tries to keep away from the personal affairs of the Macombers, but in the end fails and sleeps with Margot Macomber after her many flirtations and a late night seduct ion in his tent. Wilson is strikes as a person of regret and self abasement. He seems to truly love what he does, hunting for sport, but is known, as the story tells, to break a few of the tenets ofShow MoreRelatedThe Short Happy Life Of Francis Macomber By Ernest Hemingway1296 Words   |  6 Pagesthe darker parts of their nature and the insecurities they hide within. The short story â€Å"The Short Happy Life of Francis Macomber† by Ernest Hemingway depicts the struggles between people caused by their weaknesses, yet are built upon the inner workings of gender roles, and how losing their fears could have let them break away from their cycle. The story starts with the wife, Margot Macomber, trying to join the men, Francis and Wilson, in conversation but they both quickly kick her from her wants inRead More Analysis of The Short Happy Life of Francis Macomber by Ernest Hemingway909 Words   |  4 PagesAnalysis of The Short Happy Life of Francis Macomber by Ernest Hemingway Ernest Hemingway is known for producing novels and short stories with ambiguous endings. In his short story, The Short Happy Life of Francis Macomber, he definitely leaves his readers guessing. The question is whether Margot kills her husband, Francis, intenionally, or if she accidentally shoots him in an effort to save his life. There are many points that could be argued for both conclusions, but my observationsRead MoreThe Short Happy Life of Francis Macomber by Ernest Hemingway Essay1229 Words   |  5 PagesThe Short Happy Life of Francis Macomber by Ernest Hemingway Death is not the biggest fear we have; our biggest fear is taking the risk to be alive. 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Ernest Hemingway’s short story, â€Å"The Short Happy Life of Francis Macomber,† is the quintessentialRead MoreErnest Hemingway: A Brief Biography 1210 Words   |  5 PagesErnest Hemingway was born in Oak Park, Illinois in 1899. He was a writer who started his career with a newspaper office in Kansas City when he was seventeen. When the United States got involved in the First World War, Hemingway joined with a volunteer ambulance unit in the Italian army. During his service, he was wounded, and was decorated by the Italian Government. Upon his return to the United States, he was employed by Canadian and American newspapers as a reporter, and sent back to EuropeRead MoreAnalysis Of Ernest Hemingways Portrayal Of Margot Macomber1112 Words   |  5 PagesErnest Hemingway’s Portrayal of Margot Macomber In the short story â€Å"The Short Life of Francis Macomber, Hemingway portrays many emotions and motivating forces behind his characters’ intentions. Ernest Hemingway experienced many historical events in his lifetime, in which, he endured humiliation and disappointment such as wanting to join the military, but being unable to due to a health condition (Young). Hemingway also underwent a divorce four times (Young). These experiences help influence Hemingway’sRead MoreThe Short Happy Life of Francis Macomber Essay801 Words   |  4 Pageshave nothing to fear, but fear itself.† Known by many, this common phrase has few words, but a intense meaning. In Ernest Hemingway’s short story, â€Å"The Short Happy Life of Francis Macomber,† the overcoming of fear is shown throughout the story. Francis Macomber and his wife Margaret Macomber are on an African safari with a man name Robert Wilson. Hemingway portrays Francis Macomber as wealthy and beautif ul, yet cowardly. 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One instance where Hemingway explores racismRead MoreThe Killers And The Short Happy Life Of Francis Macomber1731 Words   |  7 Pages The Killers and The Short Happy Life of Francis Macomber By: Ernest Hemingway When analysing Ernest Hemingway s work in both â€Å"The Killers† and â€Å"The Short Happy Life of Francis Macomber† you come across many forms of literary devices that hemingway used throughout both novelas and how his application of the elements used in both stories. In both stories we see him use the themes of violence and grace when faced with violence as well as demonstrating the power relations between the characters ofRead More Margots Intentional Killing in Hemingways The Short Happy Life of Francis Macomber511 Words   |  3 PagesErnest Hemingway is known for writing novels and short stories with unresolved endings. In his short story, ?The Short Happy Life of Francis Macomber?, he definitely leaves his readers guessing. The question is whether Margot kills her husband, Francis, intentionally, or if she accidentally shoots him, because she tries to save his life. There are many points that could be argued for both conclusions, but my observations have led me to believe that Margot did indeed shoot her husband intentionally