The Complete Short Stories of Ernest Hemingway Chapter Summary & Analysis - "The Short Happy Life of Francis Macomber" Summary

"The Short Happy Life of Francis Macomber" Summary

Ernest Hemingway's journalistic style makes many of his short stories seem more fact than fiction. Concentrating on his experiences during World War I, World War II, and the Spanish Civil War, Hemingway describes the unforgiving nature of war and the lasting effects it has on those involved. Exploring his fascination with other versions of manhood, he writes detailed descriptions of hunting, fishing, bullfighting, and other confrontations between man and nature. His crisp style presents events objectively while it underscores the inability of his characters to forge deep relationships.

Francis Macomber and his wife, Margot, are on safari in Africa, led by their guide, Wilson. Francis and Margot's marriage is constantly on the rocks, and this safari trip has been no exception. During a lion hunt, Francis gets scared and retreats after wounding a lion. He uses many bullets to finally kill the lion, and ends up disfiguring the corpse. The...
(read more)