“The Snows of Kilimanjaro” is among Ernest Hemingway’s most impressive short stories. While the fascinating and mysterious African background forms an almost adventurous or dangerous setting, the story itself deals with the major motifs of human life: Love, death, loss, culture versus wilderness or self-realization and sense of life are just some of these. The existentialistic text about many secrets of human life with its ironic as well as deeply serious messages however reveals also the author behind the story, Ernest Hemingway. He himself called his literary works biographic and according to many critics, “The Snows of Kilimanjaro” can be seen as his most autobiographical one where he deals with issues having concerned him during all of his life. Not only his relationship to women but also topics like war, death, love, sex, nihilism, existentialism, travelling, hunting, wilderness and his fear of losing his talent are some of the themes Hemingway coped with during his adventurous and colourful life – and they also play an important role in his African short story. This term paper firstly examines the main themes in “The Snows of Kilimanjaro”. Three themes will be considered, each theme followed by possible interpretations. The second part will then concentrate on symbols in the text and their possible meanings. However, the main focus of the term paper will be on the autobiographical elements in the story: It will bring out parallels between Hemingway’s real life and elements in “The Snows of Kilimanjaro”. Thus, situations or traits of characters in the novel will be compared to similar experiences Hemingway made during his adventurous life. The examination of all these similarities between the life of ‘Papa’ and the text will then be the basis for a short conclusion. The term paper might help us to better understand the author behind the story as a man with his sorrows, thoughts, problems and motives. Knowing the short story with its symbols and themes as well as its autobiographical background may lead us to a more comprehensive approach to the fascinating world of the literature and life of Ernest Hemingway.
Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction
- 2. Themes in the Story and their Interpretation
- 3. Symbols in the Story and Their Possible Meanings
- 4. Autobiographical Elements in the Story
- 5. Conclusion
Objectives and Key Themes
The objective of this paper is to analyze Ernest Hemingway's short story "The Snows of Kilimanjaro," exploring its major themes, symbols, and autobiographical elements. The paper aims to understand how Hemingway's personal life and experiences influenced the story's narrative and meaning.
- Salvation and Redemption
- Death and Life
- Self-Realization and Failure
- The Contrast Between Culture and Wilderness
- The Significance of Symbols
Chapter Summaries
1. Introduction: This introductory chapter establishes the context for analyzing Hemingway's "The Snows of Kilimanjaro." It highlights the story's setting in Africa, its exploration of major human motifs like love, death, and self-realization, and its connection to Hemingway's own life. The chapter outlines the paper's structure, indicating an examination of themes, symbols, and autobiographical elements to provide a deeper understanding of the author's intentions and the story's meaning.
2. Themes in the Story and their Interpretation: This chapter delves into the multifaceted thematic landscape of "The Snows of Kilimanjaro," acknowledging Hemingway's "Iceberg Theory" and the resulting complexities of interpretation. It focuses on the theme of salvation, exploring the ambiguity of Harry's final plane ride – whether it represents genuine redemption or a final, ironic dream. The chapter also examines the interplay between death and life, contrasting Harry's life review with his impending demise. The central theme of self-realization is analyzed through Harry's perceived failures as a writer, stemming from moral shortcomings and dependence on his wife's wealth. The chapter concludes by considering the broader existential questions raised by the story, such as the meaning of life and the possibility of redemption after death, placing them within the context of modernist thought.
3. Symbols in the Story and Their Possible Meanings: This chapter focuses on the symbolic elements within "The Snows of Kilimanjaro." It interprets the leopard as a potential symbol of salvation or redemption, contrasting it with the hyena representing decay and ruin. The chapter explores the symbolic significance of the vultures, foreshadowing Harry's death. It further examines the contrast between the majestic snowy heights of Kilimanjaro ("Ngaje Ngai") and the harsh reality of Harry's infected leg, illustrating the dichotomy between spiritual aspiration and physical decay. The chapter connects these symbols to Hemingway's personal struggles and experiences, reinforcing the autobiographical elements of the story.
Keywords
Ernest Hemingway, The Snows of Kilimanjaro, autobiographical elements, themes, symbols, salvation, death, self-realization, Iceberg Theory, modernism, existentialism, Africa, wilderness, culture.
Frequently Asked Questions: Ernest Hemingway's "The Snows of Kilimanjaro" Analysis
What is the purpose of this document?
This document provides a comprehensive preview of an academic analysis of Ernest Hemingway's short story, "The Snows of Kilimanjaro." It includes a table of contents, objectives, key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords, offering a structured overview of the analysis.
What are the key themes explored in the analysis?
The analysis explores several major themes in "The Snows of Kilimanjaro," including salvation and redemption, death and life, self-realization and failure, and the contrast between culture and wilderness. The significance of symbols within the story is also a central focus.
What are the main objectives of the analysis?
The primary objective is to analyze "The Snows of Kilimanjaro," focusing on its major themes, symbols, and autobiographical elements. The analysis aims to understand how Hemingway's personal life and experiences influenced the narrative and meaning of the story.
What are the chapter summaries?
The analysis is structured into chapters: An introduction setting the context and outlining the paper's structure; a chapter dedicated to interpreting the story's themes, including the ambiguity of salvation and the interplay between death and life; a chapter focusing on the symbolic elements, such as the leopard, hyena, vultures, and Kilimanjaro itself; and finally, a conclusion (not detailed in the preview).
What symbols are discussed in the analysis?
The analysis interprets various symbols within the story, including the leopard (potentially representing salvation or redemption), the hyena (representing decay and ruin), the vultures (foreshadowing death), and the contrast between the majestic Kilimanjaro and Harry's decaying leg (representing the dichotomy between spiritual aspiration and physical decay).
How does the analysis connect Hemingway's life to the story?
The analysis examines the autobiographical elements present in "The Snows of Kilimanjaro," exploring how Hemingway's personal experiences and struggles influenced the story's narrative and thematic development. This connection is highlighted throughout the analysis, particularly in the interpretation of symbols.
What keywords are used to describe the analysis?
Keywords include: Ernest Hemingway, The Snows of Kilimanjaro, autobiographical elements, themes, symbols, salvation, death, self-realization, Iceberg Theory, modernism, existentialism, Africa, wilderness, and culture.
What is the "Iceberg Theory" and its relevance to this analysis?
The "Iceberg Theory" refers to Hemingway's writing style, where much of the meaning is implied rather than explicitly stated. The analysis acknowledges this complexity in interpreting the story's themes and symbols.
What is the overall approach of this analysis?
The analysis adopts a structured and professional approach, examining the story's themes, symbols, and autobiographical elements in a detailed and nuanced manner to provide a deeper understanding of Hemingway's intentions and the story's meaning within a modernist and existentialist context.
- Quote paper
- Jörg Vogelmann (Author), 2004, Autobiographical Elements in "The Snows of Kilimanjaro" by E. Hemmingway, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/114476
