principles, violating an unwritten agreement with the unforgiving yet significant natural world, and contradicting everything he represented throughout his life. These words come across as more of a moral lesson inserted by the author, which can make them feel inauthentic. Some critics have interpreted these final words as Hemingway's plea for unity among the oppressed working class. Although this might have been the author's intention, it seems insincere when considered alongside Harry's earlier thoughts and behavior.

When analyzing To Have and Have Not through the perspective of notable last words, it's important to recognize that the concluding statement is made not by Harry, but by his wife. Readers familiar with Ulysses may find it hard to ignore the similarities between Marie's soliloquy and Molly Bloom's stream of consciousness at the conclusion of Joyce's novel. This connection between the two works is not as unlikely as it might first seem. In 1922, Hemingway was in Paris, soliciting subscriptions for Joyce's new book and even devised a plan to smuggle forty copies into the United States (although his own copy had its pages cut only in the first half and the final soliloquy). In a recurring theme throughout Hemingway's most celebrated works, Marie's quiet display of sorrow echoes Frederic Henry in A Farewell to Arms, who sees people's lives mirrored in the frantic and aimless movements of ants on a burning log, endlessly fleeing towards false safety. Yet, much like Molly's life-affirming "Yes," Marie's despair transitions into a resigned acceptance that life must go on—even if we lack the presence of our loved ones. As Ecclesiastes reminds us, "The sun also rises," and Hemingway's characters consistently struggle with adapting to this truth.

To Have and Have Not presents itself as a narrative striving to capture the essence of a proletarian novel, yet it falls short of effectively embodying this ambition. While some classify it among the pioneering works of the "tough guy" fiction genre, it doesn't fully achieve success there either. Instead, the novel’s most compelling aspect is its exploration of the moral superiority inherent in existential stoicism. This theme is vividly embodied by the protagonist, Harry Morgan, whose actions and demeanor consistently reflect a stoic resilience.

Harry Morgan’s character serves as a testament to this philosophy, as he navigates the trials and tribulations that life throws his way. His stoicism is not merely a facade but a way of being that imbues him with a sense of moral fortitude. This is particularly poignant in the way he faces challenges, maintaining a steadfast resolve that seems to transcend his circumstances.

Marie, Harry’s wife, also becomes a vessel for this existential stoicism, particularly as she grapples with the aftermath of Harry’s death. In her struggle, she instinctively taps into a similar well of stoic strength, suggesting that this moral superiority is not exclusive to Harry but is a potential within all individuals faced with existential crises. Her journey mirrors Harry's in its quiet determination, underscoring the pervasive influence of stoic principles throughout the narrative.

Within the narrative of "To Have and Have Not," the character of Harry Morgan stands in stark contrast to the various strata of the upper class. Harry is a man of action, embroiled in a life where survival hinges on his ability to fight and even kill, not out of desire but necessity. His existence is marked by a rugged resilience and an ability to endure both physical and emotional pain. Hemingway crafts him as a symbol of raw courage and unwavering independence, attributes that define his masculine identity.

This portrayal of Morgan is set against the backdrop of a decadent upper class that comprises two distinct groups. The first is the idle rich, whose lives are characterized by leisure and a detachment from the struggles of ordinary existence. The second group comprises intellectuals who, rather than engage with social conflicts, prefer to use them as platforms to showcase their cleverness. These individuals approach life from a standpoint of privilege, their actions driven by profit, politics, or sheer bloodlust.

Through this stark dichotomy, Hemingway not only underscores the inherent toughness of Morgan but also uses it to highlight a broader existential theme. Harry's resilience is his response to life's challenges, an attitude deeply rooted in the necessity of survival. In contrast, the upper class's indulgence and intellectual posturing serve to emphasize their disconnection from the visceral realities that define Morgan's world. Ultimately, Harry Morgan’s character serves as a critique of the upper class's detachment and decadence, embodying a life lived on the edge and driven by the fundamental need to endure against all odds.

Much like Hemingway, Morgan holds a deep admiration for skill in its purest form. Whether it's the finesse of fishing, the precision of baiting hooks like Wesley, or the brutal efficiency in combat, the act itself becomes its own reward. This intrinsic appreciation for skill eludes the wealthy, who are entrenched in a cycle of buying and selling rather than doing. In a society where crime and injustice reign, the concepts of law and order ring hollow. Survival hinges on power, money, and the ability to act independently. If surviving means outmaneuvering others, so be it.

For the impoverished, skills become a necessity and a source of pride. Often, this pride is their sole recompense, yet it provides a glimmer of satisfaction. Despite the relentless challenges they face, they press on with resilience, meeting each day with a stoic perseverance until their existence quietly fades away. This narrative underscores a world where endurance is both a daily struggle and an admirable testament to human spirit.

The novel, initially suggesting the potential for cooperation and collective strength common to proletarian narratives, ultimately veers in a different direction. Rather than celebrating the power of the poor, it delivers a somber message: the isolated individual stands little chance in the modern world. This theme of desperation and despair threads throughout the story, casting a shadow over the protagonist’s journey.

Harry Morgan, the central character, embodies some of the tenacious and self-reliant spirit of America’s early pioneers. Yet, his personality is laced with a grim realism that underscores his experiences. He navigates a world where hope is elusive, and neither socialism, Communism, nor capitalism offers a viable solution to his plight. For Harry, the truth is stark: everyone is essentially alone, grappling with their struggles in solitude.