The Short and Happy Life of Francis Macomber,” Hemingway Literary Analysis - Yara Farhan PDF

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Yara Farhan Mrs.Hensely SHE 4th Period English 5 October 2020 The Inevitable Death Hunters feel a surge of adrenaline when they're about to take a shot or when an animal gets within range while hunting. Francis Macomber embarrassed himself when he cowardly got scared and didn’t shoot the lion. But he had a chance for redemption and proved everyone wrong by killing the next targeted animal. Macomber felt a thrill that he never felt before, when successfully hunting the buffalo. His inexpressible excitement was instantaneously ended when he was shot. When Francis finally felt accomplished with his life, his happiness was sadly ended very shortly after. The fitting title of “The short and Happy Life of Francis Macomber,” perfectly encompasses Hemingway's main character's ability to conquer his fears and find true happiness even though it was abruptly ended by his death. Francis Macomber transition from a coward to a “manly man” offers feelings of excitement that he's never felt before and he feels stronger as an individual proving to have a “Happy Life”. Consequently, “Francis Macomber’s true life is exquisitely short and happy. It lasts from his transformation within the hour” (Bloom 1). Francis dies shortly after he finally feels like a man which was a new emergence of life for him; therefore, killing the lion makes him feel complete. He finally takes full control of his life and realizes he didn’t need Margot to survive. Furthermore, this transformation continues even after the hunt when the character “‘expected the feeling he had had about the lion to come back but it did not. For the first time in his life he really felt wholly without fear. Instead of fear he had a feeling of definite elation”

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(Hemingway 17). Hemingway emphasizes Macomber's feelings and how elated he felt. He finally wasn’t considered a coward and started to view himself differently. This happiness helped Macmober reach the realization that he has full control of his life. Margot also realized she could no longer control her husband leaving her to kill him. Not only is Macomber's transformation apparent to himself, but also his mentor, Wilson. Wilson takes Francis out to hunt again for redemption and “When they approach the undergrowth where the bull has gone, Macomber’s heart is pounding again but with excitement, not fear” (Bloom 1). Macomber was ready to kill the bull. He had no hesitations and felt confident in himself. This excitement was a new feeling for Macomber and he felt that he could do anything with it. For once in his life he was in control and he thought nothing could stop it until he was shot. Before his death, Wilson was shocked with Macomber's transformation within the day, “Wilson looked at him appraisingly. Damned if this isn’t a strange one, he thought. Yesterday he’s scared sick and today he’s a ruddy fire eater”(Hemingway 18). Wilson found Macomber's transformation surprising and was in shock. He didn’t believe that Macomber went from a weak and cowardly boy to a full man. Macombers happiness was displayed to everyone, shocking everyone and is what led to his death. Macombers quick transformation inevitably led to his death. His happiness and control of his life was something that nobody could handle. Proving everyone wrong and finally being independent shocked everyone. Macomber's inexpressible happiness was something that he never felt before and will never feel again due to his death. Macomber’s new emergence in life was tragically cut short, Hemingway seems to conclude that masculine fortitude may not lead to triumph or freedom.

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Works Cited Bloom, Harold. “‘The Short Happy Life of Francis Macomber.’” Ernest Hemingway, ..........Chelsea House, 1999. Bloom's Literature, ..........online.infobase.com/Auth/Index? aid=16112&itemid=WE54&articleId=5795. ..........Accessed 25 Sep 2020.

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Hemingway, Ernest. The Short Happy Life of Francis Macomber and other stories / ……..Ernest Hemingway Penguin Books in association with Jonathan Cape ….....Harmondsworth, Eng 1963.

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