Hunters in the Snow

by Tobias Wolff

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Student Question

How do off-scene women influence characters in Hunters in the Snow?

Quick answer:

Although the female characters in the story are generally off the scene, their presence is felt by the male characters. The men's behavior is influenced in a variety of ways. Frank feels guilty about leaving his wife. Tub seems to be confused about how to view women and their bodies. Even Todd, who prefers to eat and sleep rather than pursue women, has a lustful thought about Roxanne (as illustrated in his "camel" line). On a general level, Hunt explores how men treat women: They want youth and beauty but are willing to leave faithful wives for it (Frank), they don'

Expert Answers

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In the story, the female characters that are generally off the scene are Frank's wife (Nancy), Roxanne Brewer (the babysitter Frank is supposedly leaving Nancy for), Juliet Miller, and Juliet (presumably from Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet).

Nancy: In the story, we learn that Frank is thinking of leaving Nancy. He mentions that she's a good wife who has been faithful for many years. For his part, he hasn't told Nancy about his intentions to leave her. So, even though Nancy isn't an active part of the story, her behavior still impacts Frank. He wants to leave her but feels guilty. There is nothing in Nancy's behavior that justifies Frank's callous actions.

Roxanne Brewer: Roxanne is the babysitter Frank is having an affair with. We are told that she is fifteen and will be sixteen in a matter of months. Again, Roxanne isn't an active part of the story. However, her beauty and youth inspire Frank's lust for her and his motivation to leave Nancy.

Juliet Miller: We get only a brief mention of Juliet Miller in the story. During the conversation between Frank and Tub, the latter confuses Juliet Miller with Juliet from Shakespeare's play. Tub mentions that Juliet Miller is still a child who hasn't yet developed a woman's body. Here, the mention of Juliet Miller highlights Frank's selfish and creepy behavior in pursuing the young Roxanne as a love interest.

Juliet (Shakespeare): In the story, Frank mentions Juliet from Shakespeare's play to justify his pursuit of Roxanne. He tells Tub that Juliet was only thirteen in Shakespeare's play. Of course, Tub misunderstands Frank. As for Frank, he maintains that Roxanne is "something special" and has opened up "whole worlds" to him. Basically, Frank uses a fictional character in a play to justify his lust and his desire to leave his wife and children.

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