Analysis Of The Killers By Ernest Hemingway

Racism. Violence. Prohibition. Three words that sum up the 1920’s. Ernest Hemingway wrote “The Killers” in 1927, in his home town of Oak Park, Illinois. Hemingway is also the author of The Sun Also Rises and The Old Man and the Sea. Most of his stories are written with little interpretation and accustomed to a form of violence. Hemingway usually writes about a hero, distinguished by the way they act and react to different situations. He usually writes a very distinct, exact plot that could evolve into something much more complex. “The Killers” demonstrates the story of Nick Adams, and the choices he makes throughout an autumn evening, that could determine his fate. Hemingway portrays his characters using language and heritage to distinguish

Nick is the youthful, innocent character, while George has been around violence, and is less innocent. George is a server at Henrys, and makes sure not to let the hitmen bother him. George contradicts himself during the story. “George 's response to Nick is not to think about it, underscoring Georges own ambivalent attitude towards the situation” (“The Killers”). The word “ambivalent” means having mixed feelings for something. After the hitmen left the restaurant, George told Nick “Listen, you better go see Ole Anderson” (Hemingway). When Nick returned frightened from his meeting with Ole, George responded with “Well, you better not think about it” (Hemingway). He contradicts himself, and the author is suggesting that he is an indecisive character. Throughout the story, Nick is an innocent character. “He has never been confronted by gangsters before, nor has he been sent to warn a man that killers were out to get him” (Oliver). This phrase implies that Nick is innocent, and not used to violence that some of the other characters are used to. “Nick stood up. He had never had a towel in his mouth before” (Hemingway). This suggests that Nick is being introduced to the violence that Chicago brings. The author seems to be exploring the difference of characters crossing the threshold of violence in Summit,

He displays how when people are faced with death, some let fate control their destiny, which is applicable to real world situations. In the real world, one will make the choice whether to expect or avoid fate, which will lead to certain consequences. Hemingway’s writings were based on experiences and obstacles he overcame. People should invest more time to reading Hemingway’s stories, which can prompt action, and change some life decisions of the reader. His strong messages should get through to readers, to prompt better decisions. Taking his advice may prevent someone from making the wrong decision about their