Ernest Hemingway has created a masterpiece of mystery in his story "The Short Happy Life of Francis Macomber". The mystery does not reveal itself to the reader until the end of the story, yet it leaves a lot to the imagination. At the end of the story

Margaret Macomber kills her husband by accident, in order to save him from being mauled by a large Buffalo while on a safari in Africa. The mystery is whether or not this killing was truly accidental, or intentional. If it was to be considered intentional, there would certainly have to be evidence in the story suggesting such, with a clear motive as well. What makes this mystery unique is that Hemingway gives the reader numerous instances that would lead the reader to devise an acceptable motive, yet human nature tells the reader that this killing could not have been intentional. From a purely objective analysis of the story, the reader would see far more evidence supporting the theory of an intentional killing rather than an accidental one.

The clues supporting the idea that Margaret killed Francis intentionally can best be seen when observing and studying the background information on both Francis Macomber, and Margaret herself. (Hemingwa

Robert Wilson seems to be right in his descriptions of the couple, and their relationship throughout the story. If this is true, and none of his presumptions about the couple are false, then he gains more credibility towards the end of the story. It is at this point that he becomes the advocate of Margot actions, despite the fact that they were intentional. It is Wilson that gives the reader the best description of the relationship between Francis and his wife. It is his insight into Margot, however, that is the most detailed, and which seems to suggest that she might be capable of such an act.

"Please, let's not talk. I'm so sleepy, darling."

In Hemingway's The Short Happy Life of Francis Macomber, the author demonstrates his undeniable ability to bring characters to life by introducing the reader in great detail to the main character, Francis Macomber, through varying literary mechanisms. The reader learns immense detail about Francis, as well as the other two primary characters, Margaret and Mr.Wilson, through creative description that includes each character's thoughts, their actions, and their reactions towards the events of the story. Francis Macomber's interior characteristics and impressions are revealed through such omniscient statements as:

y 1402). What is also important is that Margot and Francis have very different personalities. This is clearly seen when the narrator states, (Hemingway 1402).

One of the most important passages in the story occurs in the moments just before Francis and Robert Wilson go into the bush after the buffalo. After Margot fires the fatal shot, further evidence is given by Robert Wilson that supports the assertion that the killing was intentional Hemingway 1411). Wilson, who seems to be accurate in his assessment of the relationship, seems a credible witness to the killing and due to these facts, his opinion as to the motive of the killing is credible to the reader as well.. story.

Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 1872
Approximate Pages = 7 (250 words per page double spaced)