The Complete Short Stories of Ernest Hemingway Chapter Summary & Analysis - "The Undefeated" Summary

"The Undefeated" Summary

Manuel Garcia approaches Retana to get a job as a bullfighter. Retana gives him a last-minute substitute position during the night show for a low fee. Manual is desperate and takes it. He goes to a cafy in search of Zurito, a picador. He wants Zurito to be his picador during the bullfight. Zurito eventually agrees. The two of them enter the ring to perform for a slightly bored audience. Manuel handles the bull well, although the newspaper critic in the audience is unimpressed. During the final stage, Manual is almost trampled by the bull but manages to escape. He continues fighting the bull, suffering many injuries until he is successful.

"The Undefeated" Analysis

Manuel Garcia's dream of bullfighting is undercut by the reaction of all of those around him. While Retana sees it as a business, the audience and the newspaper critic are generally bored by the sport itself. Manuel goes through...
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