The Short Happy Life of Francis Macomber

The Short Happy Life of Francis Macomber Group

Question:

jakethomas
jakethomas
Student
Community / Jr. College

Do you think there is any symbolism in the lion that was roaring in the bush that was killed by the two men and the dying marriage of the couple?

Everything in a short story is there for a reason. Could it be that there is also symbolism in the story related to the lion and dying couple?

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Posted by jakethomas on Thursday May 10, 2007 at 9:33 AM and tagged with symbolism.

Answers:


  1. gbeatty Teacher
    College - Freshman

    A fine question. Yes, I definitely think there is a relation between the two. The lion is wounded and in pain, and everyone knows it. It tries to hide its pain, but can't. It comes out all the time, even when it isn't strictly seen. It also ended up where it did due to some fumbling.

    The same is true for the couple. Their marriage is wounded, due in part to fumbling, and, while they try to keep up a good front, they are always crying out in pain, pain that eventually becomes literal/physical with the shooting at the end.

    Sources:
    http://www.enotes.com/short-happy/

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    Posted by gbeatty on Thursday May 10, 2007 at 11:21 AM

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