Analysis of the Snows of Kilimanjaro The Snows of Kilimanjaro, a story by Hemingway, expresses an incredibly solemn, but at the same time thoughtful, theme of death and of regret. The story's main character, a man named Harry, develops an infection after venturing into Africa and his health worsens from there. As the man lies dying, he begins to reflect on his life, his past decisions, and all that he has not yet accomplished. Hemingway seems to use death, in this piece, representing how it can enhance our aspirations for greatness, especially as it emphasizes our mortality and indicates how significant it is to achieve our goals while we can. The author deals with this theme through numerous symbolic references to death, such as the mention of "buzzards" and "vultures". He further exemplifies his message through the setting, which plays a very significant role in the story. Finally, Hemingway's depiction of marital conflict seems to express Harry's dissatisfaction with his life. In Hemingway's work, The Snows of Kilimanjaro, death is used to emphasize the brevity of life and the meaning of fulfillment through the use of clever symbolism, allegorical settings, and domestic conflicts. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original EssayOne of the most powerful literary elements used by Hemingway are his constant allusions to death. As the story begins, Harry notices some vultures and hyenas surrounding his camp. He mentions the breakdown of his truck, the frozen carcass of a leopard and the deadly smell it gives off. All of these symbols refer to the decay of Harry's life and writing career. Its infection also strengthens this vehicle of putrefaction. Hemingway also uses these symbols of waste to further suggest the life that Harry took for granted, seeming to make the reader more aware of how short life is and how one should get what they can, while they can. Towards the end of the story, Harry feels death closing in on him, seeming like a creature getting closer and closer to him. This emphasizes the idea that death seems to loom like a shadow and awaits its victim. The personification here once again exemplifies Hemingway's message, as death could strike at any moment, ending anyone's life and therefore their quest for greatness. The story certainly represents this point: "He came even closer to him and now he could not speak to him, and when he saw that he could not speak he came a little closer, and now he tried to send him away without speaking, but he moved towards him so that his weight was all on his chest, and as he crouched there and he couldn't move or speak…” (page 14) a significant aspect of the literature used in this story is the setting. plot begins in a small camp in Africa. Here the main character achieves and further develops his infection. However, the author describes this place as "... a pleasant camp under large trees against a hill, with good water, and nearby, an almost dry pool of water where the grouse flew in the morning." (page 2). Despite the aesthetic characteristics of the place, there seemed to be multiple references to death, perhaps suggesting that death awaits those who live a wasted life, for how luxurious. When Harry dies at the end of the piece, he dreams of being rescued and flown to Mount Kilimanjaro, which can be translated as "home of God". Using this mountain as a setting
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