The Short, Happy Life of Francis Macomber Summary

"The Short, Happy Life of Francis Macomber" is written by Ernest Hemingway. The story begins with Francis Macomber, his wife, Margaret, and Robert Wilson sitting at their camp preparing lunch in the African jungle. The Macomber family is of a wealthy background and Francis decides to go on a safari and bring along his wife. Robert Wilson is the paid expert hunter on the safari. As they sit at camp, they are talking about a previous hunt that morning. The topic seems rather awkward among the three because Francis runs away during a lion hunt. This makes Francis feel embarrassed, Margaret feels ashamed, and Wilson, who tries to give reassurance to Francis, feels little respect towards Francis. While they talk about this hunt, Margaret makes numerous sarcastic remarks toward Francis. Later the same afternoon, Francis and Wilson go on another hunt, and Francis tries to redeem himself by impressively shooting impalas. His attempt does not return his self-esteem, however. That same night Francis lies in bed recollecting that same morning. The story flashes back to the incident. In the flashback, it tells how Francis was bothered the night before by the lions roaring noise. When they wake the next morning, he tells about the lion and Wilson recommends hunting the lion. The three set out for the lion in a car. When they find the lion, the hunters get out of the vehicle and Francis shoots the lion twice. The lion runs away and Francis and Wilson run after the beast. When they find the lion, the lion charges the two and Francis cowardly runs away while Wilson kills the lion. When they return to the vehicle, Francis realizes Margaret sees the whole incident. She kisses Wilson and Francis feels like his wife has no respect for him. This kiss shows trouble in the marriage, but it has not been the first sign before. Francis finally falls asleep, but reawakens after a nightmare involving the lion. He looks around and realizes his wife is not in her cot. After a few hours, she returns to her cot where it is apparent she has been with Wilson. The next morning Wilson realizes Francis knows of the affair, however, Wilson has no regret. After breakfast, the three go out to hunt buffalo. Francis Macomber's anger makes him become excited for the hunt. He kills the largest of the three buffalo and kills another that was wounded by Wilson. This brings confidence to Francis who becomes a new man. His wife, however, attempts to hurt his confidence by stating that they illegally killed the buffalo by using a motor car, but this has no effect on Francis. This creates a new respect from Wilson towards Francis. Francis Macomber's clearly in control of his relationship at this point in the story and Margaret is clearly scared about her husband's change. Like the case of the lion, the third buffalo runs off and is wounded. Wilson tells Francis the best shot for the buffalo. When the animal charges the two, this time, Francis is ready and starts shooting at the buffalo. The buffalo is nearly on top of him when he is shot by his wife in the head killing him instantly. Apparently, it seems as though she is shooting at the buffalo, however, Wilson believes it was intentional. The story ends with Margaret crying and Wilson informing her that he believes it was murder, but she will get by with it.