“The Snows of Kilimanjaro” by Ernest Hemingway: A Critical Analysis

Introduction: “The Snows of Kilimanjaro” by Ernest Hemingway

“The Snows of Kilimanjaro” by Ernest Hemingway, first published in 1936 in the collection The Snows of Kilimanjaro and Other Stories, demonstrates Hemingway’s masterful storytelling and distinctive writing style, which explores themes of mortality, regret, and the human condition. The narrative’s non-linear structure and use of symbolism, particularly the snow-capped Kilimanjaro, add depth and complexity to the tale. The story’s good qualities include its concise yet powerful prose, well-developed characters, and thought-provoking exploration of the human experience, making it a celebrated classic in American literature.

Main Events in “The Snows of Kilimanjaro” by Ernest Hemingway

1. Introduction to Kilimanjaro: Hemingway sets the scene of Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain, and introduces the theme of mortality through the image of a frozen leopard carcass.
2. Dialogue on Pain and Death: A conversation between two characters, one suffering from gangrene, reflects on pain, death, and the human condition.
3. Reflections on Writing: The protagonist reflects on his past, his unfulfilled writing aspirations, and his regrets about wasted talent.
4. Tension in the Relationship: Tension arises between the protagonist and his companion as they discuss their past decisions and relationship dynamics.
5. Themes of Love and Betrayal: The protagonist reflects on his relationships with women, the nature of love, and the compromises he made for comfort and security.
6. Facing Mortality: As the protagonist’s health deteriorates, he confronts his imminent death and reflects on the choices that led him to this point.
7. Resolution and Acceptance: Despite moments of bitterness and regret, the protagonist finds acceptance and appreciation for the kindness of his companion as he faces his final moments.
8. Reflecting on Relationship Dynamics: The protagonist contemplates the destructive nature of quarrels in relationships, acknowledging how past conflicts with loved ones led to the deterioration of their connections.
9. Solitude and Longing in Constantinople: Memories of loneliness in Constantinople resurface, prompting the protagonist to seek solace in fleeting encounters with women. A confrontation with a British gunner highlights his inner turmoil and search for connection.
10. Haunting Memories of War:
11. Recollections of wartime experiences, including witnessing shocking scenes of death and destruction, haunt the protagonist. These memories contribute to his difficulty in discussing his past with others.
12. Seeking Comfort in Paris: Returning to Paris, the protagonist finds comfort in the familiarity of his surroundings and his relationship with his wife. However, the specter of war still looms large, affecting his emotional well-being.
13. Unwritten Chapters of Life: The protagonist reflects on the stories left untold from various chapters of his life, including his experiences in Paris, on the ranch, and with the people he encountered. Regrets about not documenting these aspects of his life weigh heavily on him.
14. Confronting Mortality: As death draws nearer, the protagonist grapples with his mortality, feeling its presence grow stronger with each passing moment. Despite facing death, he maintains a sense of curiosity and introspection.
15. Final Moments of Reflection: In his last moments, the protagonist reflects on his life, acknowledging his regrets and desires. The impending end prompts a deeper introspection into his choices and experiences.
16. Symbolic Journey to Kilimanjaro: The story concludes with the protagonist being airlifted to safety, with the sight of Kilimanjaro representing his final journey towards death. This symbolic imagery encapsulates the protagonist’s acceptance of his fate and the closure of his narrative.

Literary Devices in “The Snows of Kilimanjaro” by Ernest Hemingway

Literary Device	Example	Explanation
Allegory	The hyena’s cries symbolize impending death.	Hemingway uses the hyena as a symbolic representation of death, foreshadowing the protagonist’s demise.
Alliteration	“ with this woman, while with the women”	Alliteration creates rhythm and emphasizes the landscape’s vastness, contributing to the story’s vivid imagery such as “w” sound here.
Allusion	“Compton in slacks, a tweed jacket and a brown felt hat.”	Hemingway alludes to Compton’s British colonial background through his attire, adding depth to his character.
Anaphora	“The plain… And then… And then…”	Anaphora emphasizes the sequence of events, intensifying the narrative’s pacing and building anticipation.
Assonance	“Great, high, and unbelievably white…”	Assonance enhances the description of Kilimanjaro, creating a sense of awe and emphasizing its grandeur.
Consonance	“The rain so thick it seemed like flying through a waterfall.”	Consonance in the repetition of “th” reinforces the intensity of the storm, heightening the story’s tension.
Foreshadowing	The protagonist’s dialogue about death approaching.	Hemingway hints at the protagonist’s fate, building suspense and preparing readers for the story’s conclusion.
Hyperbole	“And then he knew that there was where he was going.”	Hyperbole exaggerates the protagonist’s realization of his impending death, intensifying the moment’s significance.
Imagery	“Clumps of trees… purple brown, bumpy with heat…”	Hemingway’s descriptive language paints vivid mental images, immersing readers in the story’s setting.
Irony	The protagonist’s longing to write but facing death.	Irony arises from the contrast between the protagonist’s desire to write and the reality of his impending demise.
Metaphor	“The party’s over and you are with your hostess now.”	This metaphor compares death to a hostess, implying a transition to a different phase or realm beyond life.
Onomatopoeia	“The hyena stopped whimpering in the night.”	Onomatopoeia replicates the sound of the hyena, enhancing the story’s auditory experience and mood.
Paradox	“How little a woman knows. What is that? Your intuition?”	This paradoxical statement highlights the complexity of human understanding and relationships.
Personification	“The rain so thick it seemed like flying through a waterfall.”	Personification attributes human characteristics to rain, creating a vivid and sensory description.
Repetition	“The plain… And then… And then…”	Repetition emphasizes the protagonist’s journey, creating a sense of rhythm and building anticipation.
Simile	“And in the air, like the first snow in a blizzard…”	This simile compares the locusts’ movement to snowfall, vividly capturing their swarm and its impact.
Symbolism	The hyena’s cries representing death.	The hyena serves as a symbol for death, conveying deeper meanings about mortality and the protagonist’s fate.
Synecdoche	“The boys had picked up the cot and carried it…”	Synecdoche refers to the boys’ action of carrying the cot, representing their involvement in the rescue effort.
Tone	The protagonist’s resigned acceptance of death.	The tone conveys the protagonist’s emotional state, characterized by acceptance and introspection.
Understatement	“Thanks. I’ll just have some tea.”	Understatement downplays Compton’s response, adding a touch of humor and highlighting his nonchalant demeanor.

Characterization in “The Snows of Kilimanjaro” by Ernest Hemingway

• Harry (Protagonist)
  • Harry is a writer who is dying from an infected wound while on safari in Africa.
  • He is depicted as regretful and reflective, contemplating his life choices and missed opportunities.
  • Hemingway portrays Harry’s inner conflict between his artistic ambitions and his indulgent lifestyle.
  • Through Harry’s memories and interactions with other characters, his complex personality and relationships are revealed.
• Helen (Harry’s wife)
  • Helen is portrayed as caring and supportive, attending to Harry’s needs as he lies dying.
  • She is depicted as loyal but also somewhat distant, hinting at underlying tensions in their marriage.
  • Hemingway explores Helen’s sense of resignation and sorrow as she confronts Harry’s impending death.
• Compton (Harry’s friend)
  • Compton is depicted as a fellow writer and friend who accompanies Harry on the safari.
  • He serves as a contrast to Harry, embodying discipline and dedication to his craft.
  • Hemingway highlights Compton’s practicality and resourcefulness in contrast to Harry’s disillusionment and self-pity.
• The Hyena
  • The hyena symbolizes death and decay throughout the story.
  • Its presence near Harry’s camp serves as a constant reminder of his mortality.
  • Hemingway uses the hyena to underscore the protagonist’s existential struggle and impending demise.
• Other Minor Characters
  • The presence of other minor characters, such as the porters and the pilot, adds depth to the story’s setting and atmosphere.
  • These characters provide glimpses into Harry’s past and present circumstances, contributing to his overall characterization.
  • Through brief interactions with these characters, Hemingway subtly reveals aspects of Harry’s personality and background.

Major Themes in “The Snows of Kilimanjaro” by Ernest Hemingway

1. Mortality and Regret: One of the central themes in “The Snows of Kilimanjaro” is the inevitability of death and the accompanying sense of regret for unfulfilled potential. Harry, the protagonist, grapples with his impending death from an infected wound while reflecting on his past. He harbors deep regret for the choices he made in life, particularly his failure to pursue his artistic ambitions wholeheartedly. This theme is exemplified through Harry’s introspective musings on lost opportunities and the realization of his mortality as he confronts his imminent demise on the African safari.
2. The Conflict Between Art and Commerce: Hemingway explores the tension between artistic integrity and commercial success through Harry’s character. As a writer, Harry laments the compromises he made in his career for financial gain, sacrificing his artistic vision in the process. This conflict is evident in Harry’s memories of writing for profit rather than passion, as well as his regret for not producing meaningful work. The theme highlights the existential struggle of artists torn between the pursuit of their craft and the demands of society.
3. Isolation and Alienation: Another prominent theme in the story is the theme of isolation and alienation. Harry’s physical isolation in the African wilderness mirrors his emotional detachment from those around him. Despite being surrounded by people, Harry feels disconnected and estranged, unable to communicate his inner turmoil effectively. This sense of isolation is compounded by his impending death, which accentuates his existential loneliness. The theme of isolation underscores the existential nature of Harry’s struggle and emphasizes the human condition’s inherent solitude.
4. The Quest for Meaning and Redemption: Throughout the story, Harry grapples with questions of meaning and redemption as he confronts his mortality. He seeks to find significance in his life and come to terms with his past mistakes before it’s too late. This quest for meaning is exemplified through Harry’s reflections on his relationships, his career, and his personal values. As he faces death, Harry searches for redemption and a sense of closure, hoping to find solace in the face of his impending demise. The theme of the quest for meaning underscores the universal human desire to find purpose and reconcile with one’s past before the end.

Writing Style in “The Snows of Kilimanjaro” by Ernest Hemingway

• Minimalism and Sparse Language: Hemingway’s writing style in “The Snows of Kilimanjaro” is characterized by minimalism and the use of sparse language. He employs simple, straightforward prose with concise descriptions and dialogue, allowing readers to infer deeper meanings and emotions. For example, Hemingway writes, “She looked at him with her well-known, well-loved face from Spur and Town and Country, only a little the worse for drink, only a little the worse for bed,” using minimal words to convey complex emotions and relationships.
• Stream-of-Consciousness Technique: Throughout the story, Hemingway utilizes the stream-of-consciousness technique to provide insights into the protagonist’s inner thoughts and reflections. The narrative often shifts seamlessly between present events and Harry’s memories, blurring the lines between past and present. This technique allows readers to delve into Harry’s psyche and experience his fragmented, introspective musings firsthand. For instance, Harry’s memories of his past experiences in Paris and Constantinople are interspersed with his current predicament, offering glimpses into his complex emotional landscape.
• Symbolism and Imagery: Hemingway employs rich symbolism and vivid imagery to evoke the story’s themes and atmosphere. The snows of Mount Kilimanjaro serve as a powerful symbol of death and the protagonist’s impending demise. Additionally, the African landscape and wildlife are depicted in vivid detail, contributing to the story’s immersive setting. For example, the image of the hyena lurking outside the tent symbolizes death’s presence and foreshadows Harry’s fate.
• Dialogue and Subtext: Hemingway’s dialogue is often characterized by its brevity and understatement, with much left unsaid and conveyed through subtext. The characters’ conversations are laden with tension and unspoken emotions, adding depth to their interactions. For instance, the exchanges between Harry and his wife, Helen, reveal underlying tensions and unresolved conflicts in their relationship. Hemingway’s skillful use of dialogue enhances the story’s realism and allows for nuanced character development.

Literary Theories and Interpretation of “The Snows of Kilimanjaro” by Ernest Hemingway

Literary Theory	Example from the Story	Explanation
Existentialism	Harry’s existential crisis and contemplation of mortality are central themes in the story. He grapples with the idea of facing death without having fulfilled his potential as a writer. For example, he reflects on the wasted opportunities in his life and regrets not pursuing his true artistic calling. This existential dilemma is epitomized in his final moments as he confronts the inevitability of death on the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro.	Through an existential lens, “The Snows of Kilimanjaro” explores themes of alienation, mortality, and the search for meaning in an indifferent universe. Harry’s internal struggles mirror the existentialist notion of confronting the absurdity of existence and the individual’s responsibility to create their own purpose. His journey serves as a poignant portrayal of the human condition and the quest for authenticity in the face of mortality.
Modernism	Hemingway’s narrative style and structure in the story align with modernist literary principles. The fragmented narrative, nonlinear timeline, and use of stream-of-consciousness technique reflect the modernist approach to representing the complexity of human experience. For instance, Harry’s memories are interspersed with present events, blurring the distinction between past and present. This narrative technique mirrors the fractured nature of memory and subjective perception.	“The Snows of Kilimanjaro” embodies modernist aesthetics by challenging traditional narrative conventions and experimenting with form and structure. Hemingway’s innovative storytelling techniques invite readers to engage with the text on multiple levels and encourage active interpretation. The fragmented narrative mirrors the fragmented nature of reality and highlights the subjective nature of human consciousness.
Feminist Literary Criticism	While “The Snows of Kilimanjaro” primarily centers on Harry’s existential crisis, feminist literary criticism can offer insights into the portrayal of female characters in the story. Helen, Harry’s wife, is depicted as a supportive but ultimately passive figure, whose role revolves around caring for Harry and tending to his needs. For example, she tends to Harry’s wounds and tries to comfort him in his final moments. However, her character lacks agency and is overshadowed by Harry’s narrative arc.	From a feminist perspective, Helen’s portrayal reflects traditional gender roles and the marginalization of women’s voices in male-dominated narratives. Her character serves as a reflection of the limitations imposed on women within patriarchal society, where their identities are often defined in relation to men. By examining Helen’s role through a feminist lens, readers can explore the dynamics of power and gender within the story and uncover underlying themes of oppression and inequality.

Topics, Questions, and Thesis Statements about “The Snows of Kilimanjaro” by Ernest Hemingway

Topic	Questions	Thesis Statements
Existential Crisis	1. How does Harry’s confrontation with mortality shape his existential crisis?	Harry’s existential crisis in “The Snows of Kilimanjaro” is a reflection of the human condition, highlighting the struggle to find meaning and purpose in the face of mortality and the inevitability of death.
	2. What role do Harry’s regrets and unfulfilled aspirations play in his existential dilemma?	Harry’s regrets and unfulfilled aspirations serve as catalysts for his existential crisis, prompting him to confront the disparity between his idealized self-image and the reality of his life choices.
Nature vs. Civilization	1. How does the natural setting of Mount Kilimanjaro contrast with the civilized world inhabited by Harry and Helen?	The juxtaposition of nature and civilization in “The Snows of Kilimanjaro” underscores the tension between the pristine, untamed wilderness of Africa and the corrupting influence of human civilization.
	2. What symbolic significance does the snow-covered summit of Kilimanjaro hold in relation to Harry’s existential journey?	The snow-covered summit of Kilimanjaro serves as a symbolic threshold between life and death, representing both the pinnacle of human aspiration and the ultimate reckoning with mortality.
Gender Roles and Relationships	1. How are gender roles portrayed in the relationship between Harry and Helen?	The portrayal of gender roles in “The Snows of Kilimanjaro” reflects the traditional dynamics of male dominance and female subordination, highlighting the constraints imposed by societal expectations on individual agency and fulfillment.
	2. What insights can be gained from examining Helen’s character in the context of feminist literary criticism?	Through a feminist lens, Helen’s character in “The Snows of Kilimanjaro” can be seen as a reflection of the patriarchal norms that limit women’s autonomy and perpetuate unequal power dynamics within relationships.
Artistic Integrity and Authenticity	1. How does Harry’s struggle with artistic integrity and authenticity contribute to his existential crisis?	Harry’s internal conflict between commercial success and artistic integrity in “The Snows of Kilimanjaro” reflects the tension between conforming to societal expectations and staying true to one’s creative vision.
	2. What commentary does the story offer on the commercialization of art and its impact on the artist’s pursuit of authenticity?	Hemingway’s exploration of the commercialization of art in “The Snows of Kilimanjaro” underscores the compromises artists face in a capitalist society, highlighting the tension between artistic integrity and commercial success.

Short Questions/Answers about/on “The Snows of Kilimanjaro” by Ernest Hemingway

• Question: How does Hemingway use the motif of the hyena in “The Snows of Kilimanjaro”?
•  Answer: Hemingway employs the hyena as a symbol of death and decay, lurking in the periphery of Harry’s consciousness, representing his impending demise and the vultures of regret that encircle his life.
• Question: What is the significance of the leopard carcass in “The Snows of Kilimanjaro”?
• Answer: The leopard carcass symbolizes Harry’s wasted potential and the decay of his creative spirit. It serves as a poignant reminder of the consequences of squandered opportunities and unfulfilled aspirations.
• Question: How does Hemingway explore the theme of cultural alienation in “The Snows of Kilimanjaro”?
• Answer: Hemingway depicts Harry’s sense of cultural alienation through his disconnection from the African landscape and its indigenous inhabitants. This alienation reflects Harry’s existential isolation and his inability to find solace or meaning in his surroundings.
• Question: In what ways does “The Snows of Kilimanjaro” challenge conventional narrative structure?
• Answer: Hemingway’s nonlinear narrative structure in “The Snows of Kilimanjaro” disrupts traditional storytelling conventions, mimicking the fragmented nature of memory and consciousness. This unconventional approach invites readers to piece together Harry’s fragmented recollections and introspections, mirroring his disjointed mental state.

Literary Works Similar to “The Snows of Kilimanjaro” by Ernest Hemingway

1. “A Clean, Well-Lighted Place” by Ernest Hemingway: Like “The Snows of Kilimanjaro,” this short story by Hemingway explores themes of existentialism, isolation, and the search for meaning in a seemingly indifferent world.
2. “The Dead” by James Joyce: Similar to Hemingway’s work, Joyce’s short story delves into themes of mortality, regret, and the passage of time, as the protagonist confronts the emptiness of his life during a holiday gathering.
3. “The Swimmer” by John Cheever: In this short story, Cheever examines the disintegration of suburban American life and the protagonist’s journey of self-discovery, paralleling the introspective elements found in Hemingway’s work.
4. “The Yellow Wallpaper” by Charlotte Perkins Gilman: Like “The Snows of Kilimanjaro,” this short story delves into the psychological unraveling of the protagonist, exploring themes of confinement, mental illness, and the struggle for autonomy.
5. “Babylon Revisited” by F. Scott Fitzgerald: Fitzgerald’s short story shares thematic similarities with Hemingway’s work, as it explores the consequences of past actions, the search for redemption, and the fleeting nature of happiness in the aftermath of the Jazz Age.

Suggested Readings about/on “The Snows of Kilimanjaro” by Ernest Hemingway

• Hemingway, Ernest, and Stacy Keach. The snows of Kilimanjaro. Houghton Mifflin Company, 1936.
• Hemingway, Ernest. The short stories of Ernest Hemingway. Simon and Schuster, 1995.
• Benson, Jackson J., ed. New critical approaches to the short stories of Ernest Hemingway. Duke University Press, 2013.
• Simpson, Paul. “Teaching stylistics: analysing cohesion and narrative structure in a short story by Ernest Hemingway.” Language and Literature 1.1 (1992): 47-67.
• Hemingway, Leicester. My Brother, Ernest Hemingway. Crossroad Press, 2016.
• https://daily.jstor.org/hollywoods-version-of-the-snows-of-kilimanjaro/
• https://americanliterature.com/author/ernest-hemingway/short-story/the-snows-of-kilimanjaro-summary

Representative Quotations from “The Snows of Kilimanjaro” by Ernest Hemingway

Quotation	Context	Theorization
“Kilimanjaro is a snow-covered mountain 19,710 feet high, and is said to be the highest mountain in Africa…”	This opening passage sets the scene, introducing the titular snow-capped mountain and its mysterious allure.	The description of Kilimanjaro as both a physical and symbolic presence foreshadows the themes of mortality and existential reflection that permeate the story.
“The marvellous thing is that it’s painless,” he said. “That’s how you know when it starts.”	The protagonist reflects on the onset of death, remarking on its painless nature.	Hemingway’s portrayal of death as a tranquil, almost indifferent process underscores his existentialist themes, emphasizing the inevitability and acceptance of mortality.
“He lay then and was quiet for a while and looked across the heat shimmer of the plain to the edge of the bush…”	The protagonist reflects on his surroundings, observing the African landscape.	Through vivid descriptions of the natural world, Hemingway contrasts the protagonist’s internal turmoil with the serene beauty of the external environment, highlighting the theme of man’s relationship with nature.
“It was not her fault that when he went to her he was already over. How could a woman know that you meant nothing that you said; that you spoke only from habit and to be comfortable?”	The protagonist reflects on his relationship with his companion, acknowledging his emotional detachment.	Hemingway explores themes of love, disillusionment, and emotional alienation, revealing the complexity of human relationships and the consequences of emotional dishonesty.
“He had traded it for security, for comfort too, there was no denying that, and for what else? He did not know.”	The protagonist reflects on his decision to sacrifice his artistic ambitions for a life of material comfort.	This quotation encapsulates Hemingway’s critique of materialism and the consequences of forsaking one’s true calling for the sake of security, highlighting the existential dilemma faced by the protagonist.
“It was strange, too, wasn’t it, that when he fell in love with another woman, that woman should always have more money than the last one?”	The protagonist reflects on his romantic relationships and their financial implications.	Hemingway delves into themes of love, desire, and wealth, exploring the protagonist’s complex motivations and the role of money in his romantic pursuits.
“Suddenly, she had been acutely frightened of being alone.”	The narrator reflects on the motivations behind the woman’s pursuit of the protagonist.	Hemingway explores themes of fear, loneliness, and the quest for companionship, revealing the woman’s vulnerability and the human desire for connection and security.
“It came with a rush; not as a rush of water nor of wind; but of a sudden evil-smelling emptiness and the odd thing was that the hyena slipped lightly along the edge of it.”	The protagonist experiences a sudden realization of his impending death.	Hemingway employs vivid imagery and symbolism to depict the protagonist’s existential crisis and the ominous presence of death, underscoring the story’s themes of mortality and existential despair.