The next this he knew he was running; running wildly, in panic in the open, running towards the stream" (Hemingway 1406). Macomber does "what most sensible men would do if faced by a lion" and he runs, but his wife promptly criticizes him for what she sees as weakness in her eyes (O'Conner 232).

             Another factor contributing to Francis Macomber's suffering self-esteem is that he must also withstand the constant disrespect from his own wife, Margot. She is the power in their marriage and refuses to let him show any type of influence in their relationship. Margot readily shows everyone around them how humiliated she is of her husband's actions even at the beginning of the safari when she shuns her husband's choice of drink. She maintains much control and is open with her affairs with other men. After the incident with lion and she witnesses Francis's terrified retreat from the lion, she blatantly "leaned forward over the low seat and kissed him on the mouth", referring to Robert Wilson (Hemingway 1406). She does not consider any of Francis's feelings. When he asks her where she has been when she finally returns in the middle of the night to their tent, she reply's "Out to get a breath of air", to which Francis reply's "That's a new name for it. You are a bitch" (Hemingway 1407). This seems to imply that this is not the first time she has been caught in an affair. She states that the reason for her behavior is the result of his cowardice. She turns to other men who demonstrate what she believes to be strength and bravery. She holds absolutely no respect for her husband, and insists on accompanying them on the safari even though even Wilson openly opposes her request and thinks to himself that "women are a nuisance on safari" (Hemingway 1409). .

             Francis Macomber, although wealthier and more prominent when compared to his safari leader, Robert Wilson, also lacks the strength and self-knowledge that Wilson seems to carry naturally in order to survive in the African wildlife.