In the following essay, Johnston analyzes the character of Margot Macomber in "The Short Happy Life of Francis Macomber," pointing out evidence that paints her as more complicated than a one-dimensional villain.
Margot Macomber deserves her day in court of appeals. She so aroused the emotions and prejudices of her critics that, in a manner of speaking, they rushed her to trial, before the smoke and dust had settled, in a "drumhead court" on the field of battle. Without a thorough examination of the evidence, or of the motives of her chief accuser, they found her guilty as charged-guilty, or, at the very least, not innocent, of the murder of her husband, Francis Macomber.
Margot, of course, is no angel. And she is guilty--of infidelity; and of accepting the adolescent touchstone of manhood-standing firm before.....
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