The Short Happy Life of Francis Macomber Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What did Robert Wilson say he would have to drink when Macomber asked?

A gimlet

Where is Francis Macomber?

He is on an African safari

What is the name of Francis Macomber's wife?

Margot

When Margot realizes that her husband is a coward by the way he runs from a lion, she decides to do what?

Have an affair with the safari guide, Robert Wilson Signup and view all the answers

Margot feels what type of way towards her husband?

Contemptuous, scornful Signup and view all the answers

Why does Margot feel bitterness towards her husband Francis Macomber?

Because he is a cowardly man which is shown by his failure to shoot the lion Signup and view all the answers

At the end of the short story, what is the act that shows Macomber's bravery?

Macomber stands up to a water buffalo Signup and view all the answers

When Francis Macomber stands up to another water buffalo and Margot aims to shoot, what does she actually shoot?

Margot shoots her husband Francis Macomber Signup and view all the answers

Where did Francis get shot?

He got shot in the back of the head Signup and view all the answers

The short story is told from what point of view?

3rd person omniscient point of view Signup and view all the answers

Who is the protagonist?

Francis Macomber Signup and view all the answers

Who are the antagonists?

Margaret Macomber (Francis's wife), Robert Wilson (the safari guide) Signup and view all the answers

What is the conflict in the story?

Francis's fear of dealing with Margot and allowing her to manipulate and control him, symbolized by Macomber's fear of the lion and his failure to shoot it Signup and view all the answers

What is the resolution?

The conquest of fear as Francis Macomber faces the buffalo resolves Francis's fear of Margot Signup and view all the answers

Describe Francis Macomber at the beginning of the story.

At the beginning of the story, Francis is fearful and runs away from the lion Signup and view all the answers

Who is Margaret Macomber?

She is selfish. All she cares about is money, enough to kill her husband for it Signup and view all the answers

Who is Robert Wilson?

A professional hunter who tries to help Francis on the hunt and does not tease him Signup and view all the answers

What is the setting of the story?

An African hunting safari Signup and view all the answers

What is the theme of the story?

Courage is the resistance to fear, not the absence of fear Signup and view all the answers

What is a dynamic character?

Francis goes from fearful on the lion hunt to brave during the buffalo hunt Signup and view all the answers

What does the flashback in the story refer to?

The lion hunt is told in a flashback to build suspense Signup and view all the answers

How does Francis Macomber's personality change at the end of the story?

At the end of the story, Francis is courageous as shown during the buffalo hunt. Signup and view all the answers

Have Macomber's many accomplishments prepared him for what he faces on the safari?

No. Although Macomber is a trim, fit man who holds a number of big-game fishing records, he has just demonstrated that he is a coward. Signup and view all the answers

Is the Macomber marriage a perfect match or a big, old disaster?

It is a disaster waiting to happen. Margot has been contemptuous of Francis Macomber for some time. Signup and view all the answers

What exactly does Wilson have against Americans?

Robert Wilson writes Margot off as a cruel, but attractive (and therefore typically American) woman and her husband is a weak coward. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Robert Wilson sleep with Margot?

Wilson carried a double size cot on safari to accommodate any windfalls he might receive, allowing him to entertain women. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Characters

Francis Macomber: Protagonist who starts as fearful and cowardly but displays courage by the end of the story.
Margot Macomber: Francis's wife; contemptuous of him, has an affair with Robert Wilson, values wealth, and symbolizes manipulation.
Robert Wilson: The safari guide; experienced, respects Francis, writes Margot off as typical of American women.

Setting

The story unfolds during an African safari, emphasizing the themes of fear and courage in a wild, dangerous environment.

Major Themes

Courage vs. Cowardice: True courage is depicted as the resistance to fear rather than the absence of fear.
Manipulation in Relationships: Margot's contempt for her husband leads to infidelity, showcasing toxic dynamics in their marriage.

Plot Points

Francis is initially portrayed as a coward after fleeing from a lion, which deepens Margot's disdain for him.
The climax occurs when Margot unintentionally shoots Francis instead of the buffalo, marking a tragic turn in the storyline.

Character Dynamics

Margot's Contempt: Her bitterness towards Francis stems from his cowardliness during the lion hunt.
Robert Wilson's Perspective: Views both Margot as a seductive manipulator and Francis as weak, influenced by cultural stereotypes.

Important Events

The lion hunt is a flashback, building suspense and illustrating Francis's initial fear.
The resolution occurs as Francis confronts a buffalo, symbolizing his newfound courage and overcoming personal fears.

Symbolism

The Lion and Buffalo: Represent challenges and fears; Macomber’s handling of each reflects his growth as a character.
Margot's Actions: Her decision to shoot Francis instead of the buffalo signifies the culmination of her contempt and the disastrous nature of their relationship.

Character Development

Francis transitions from a fearful figure to one who confronts danger, highlighting the theme of personal growth through challenge.
Margot remains static, emphasizing her selfish motivations and lack of empathy.

Conclusion

The Macomber marriage is depicted as a disaster, with underlying tensions and animosity predicated on notions of masculinity and female dominance.
The story explores complex relationships through themes of courage, fear, and emotional manipulation, concluding with a tragic yet impactful resolution.

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Description

Test your knowledge of Ernest Hemingway's short story, 'The Short Happy Life of Francis Macomber,' through these flashcards. Explore key characters, settings, and themes as you engage with the material in a fun and interactive way.