ERNEST HEMINGWAY

Ernest Hemingway was an American author and journalist known for his concise and
understated writing style. He was born on July 21, 1899, in Oak Park, Illinois, and had
a significant impact on 20th-century literature. Hemingway's experiences as a journalist
during World War I and his passion for adventure influenced his writing and shaped his
distinctive literary style.

Hemingway aimed to capture the essence of human experience and portray the
realities of life with honesty and clarity. He believed in writing that was
straightforward, economical, and devoid of unnecessary ornamentation. His works
often explore themes of courage, masculinity, existentialism, war, and the fragility of
human existence.

Hemingway's writing style is characterized by short, declarative sentences, concise

dialogue, and a focus on sensory details. He employed a technique known as "the
iceberg theory" or "the theory of omission," where he conveyed deeper meaning
through what was left unsaid rather than explicitly stated. His prose was marked by a
sense of immediacy, capturing the essence of a moment with precise and vivid
language.

Hemingway's intent with his writing was to strip away artifice and capture the truth of
human experience. He aimed to depict the human condition, often exploring themes of
isolation, suffering, and the search for meaning in a chaotic world. His works, such as
"The Old Man and the Sea," "A Farewell to Arms," and "For Whom the Bell Tolls,"
continue to be celebrated for their literary craftsmanship and their profound exploration
of the human psyche.

THE KILLERS

 multi-layered short story that revolves around themes of fear, resignation, and
the inevitability of violence

 The story is divided into three parts, each offering a unique perspective on the
events that unfold.

 Part I introduces the readers to the setting of a small-town diner, where the two
mysterious hitmen, Al and Max, enter.
 - The men are described as wearing identical outfits,with hats that do not
fit.

- Hemingway notes that Henry’s diner used to be a saloon, but was converted
into a diner (possibly due to Prohibition).
This creates yet another situation in which appearances are at odds with reality (it
appears to be a saloon but actually doesn’t serve alcohol), which creates tension
and frustration.

- Max and Al’s matching clothes indicate that they belong to some kind of
organized crime syndicate, but the fact that they’re ridiculous and ill-fitting hints
that they might not be as good at criminality as they think.

- Max and Al use sarcasm to express their frustration with the situation:
they could not order the food they wanted, they cannot trust the clock (they
wanted to order dinner but dinner isn’t served till 6 pm ,they both remarked how
the clock stroke 5:20 pm but it is then revealed the clock is 20 minutes ahead)
and they cannot order alcohol in what was once clearly a saloon.

- When George unexpectedly becomes sarcastic towards them in return, they

strip him of his masculinity and authority by calling him a “boy,” putting him on
the same level as the younger and more naïve Nick.

- Max and Al want to seem like they are in control of the situation and
know what they are doing, but their confusion over who ordered what reveals
how easy it is to fluster them (and shows them to be either a little stupid or
unobservant—an inauspicious beginning for criminals). Frustrated by this
confusion, they again emasculate George to put him in his place as their inferior.

- The dialogue-driven narrative style creates a sense of tension and

impending danger.

- The theme of fear is evident as the killers assert their dominance and
instill fear in the diner's occupants, particularly George (the owner of the
diner) and Nick, who become witnesses to the impending violence.

- The ticking of the clock serves as a symbol of the characters' increasing

anxiety and the inevitability of their fate.

 Part II shifts the focus to George, the owner of the diner, and Sam, the cook.
- looking at Nick, Max and Al tell the “bright boy” to go behind the counter
with his “boy friend” George.
 - Nick asks why, and they dodge the question, repeating their order and
asking who is in the kitchen. George says that the cook, Sam, is in the kitchen

- Al orders George to go get Sam

- Max asks the owner George about Ole’s habits ( Max asks if Ole Anderson
comes at the diner) reveal that the killers don’t know much about the situation
and about the person they want to kill as they want to appear.

- furthermore, George isn’t encouraging about Ole’s odds of showing up, but
Max and Al seem to interpret “sometimes” as confirmation that they are correct
that Ole comes in every day. This shows them expecting the world to conform to
their expectations (rather than dealing with reality), which will ultimately derail
their plan.

- Al ties Nick and Sam, ultimately getting hostages while ordering George
to take care of any customers who may enter the diner

- Ole Andreson, a former boxer , is revealed to be the real target of the

killers.

- George tries to trick the killers into revealing the time is 6:15 already ,
trying to make the killers believe it’s too late and that Ole won’t come
- at 7:05, Max tells Al that they “better go,” but Al says they’ll wait five
more minutes. Another customer comes in, but leaves when George tells him that
the cook is out ,therefore the killers leave

 Part III follows Nick Adams, a young man working at the diner, as he sets out to
warn Ole about the hitmen's arrival.

- George steps back into his position of authority in the diner, assigning
Nick the task of warning Ole Andreson.

- Nick, recognizing an opportunity to win the respect of the older men and
to prove his bravery, immediately agrees to be the one to warn Ole.
- Sam, however, tries to convince Nick that it’s a bad idea, possibly
because his own experiences have shown him how dangerous playing the hero
can be.

- The fact that George tells Nick to warn Ole instead of warning Ole
himself suggests that George might be somewhat cowardly—clearly he doesn’t
think it’s a safe thing to do, even if he thinks it’s important Nick's search for Ole
 takes him to a rooming house, where he discovers Ole ALREADY knew about
the killers but is resigned to his fate.

- Ole expresses no desire to escape or confront the hitmen, revealing a

sense of fatalism and acceptance.

- The narrative takes on a reflective tone as Ole contemplates his past and
the choices that led him to this point. The theme of resignation emerges as Ole
accepts his impending fate and refuses to take any action to save himself.

 The ending of "The Killers" is open-ended and leaves readers with a sense of
resignation and hopelessness. Hemingway portrays a world where violence and
danger are ever-present, with characters like Ole resigned to their fate. The story
serves as a commentary on the brutal nature of existence and the inability to
escape one's circumstances.

 In the end, "The Killers" leaves readers with a sense of hopelessness and a stark
depiction of violence's pervasive influence. Hemingway's masterful storytelling
exposes the human capacity for cruelty and raises profound questions about the
complexities of morality and the consequences of our choices.

THEMES

Throughout the story, Hemingway employs a minimalist writing style,

characterized by concise dialogue and sparse description, which serves to
heighten the tension and maintain a relentless pace.
The narrative unfolds with a sense of urgency, capturing the reader's attention and
creating an atmosphere of impending doom.
Symbolism is subtly woven into the story, particularly through the motif of
darkness.
The dimly lit diner and the encroaching evening darkness symbolize the
impending violence and the characters' vulnerability. The shadows cast by the
hitmen reflect the moral ambiguity and sinister nature of their actions.

1. Fear and Power:

The theme of fear is pervasive throughout the narrative. The presence of the two
hitmen instills fear in the characters and creates a sense of power imbalance. The
fear experienced by George, Nick, and others reflects the oppressive force of
violence and the vulnerability of individuals in the face of ruthless power.
 2. Resignation and Existential Crisis:
The theme of resignation emerges as characters, particularly Ole Andreson,
confront their impending fate with a sense of acceptance and fatalism. Ole's
resignation reflects a deeper existential crisis, where individuals grapple with
their own insignificance and the unpredictable nature of life.

3. Loss of Innocence:
The story explores the loss of innocence as characters are exposed to violence
and moral ambiguity. Sam, the cook, represents an innocent and moral
perspective, highlighting the contrast between the brutality of the world and the
purity of individuals untouched by violence.
Sam's perspective provides a contrasting voice of innocence and moral
questioning in the face of violence. The theme of loss of innocence is evident as
Sam is confronted with the brutal realities of life and the moral ambiguity of his
role as a bystander. The symbolism of the road and the passing train represents
the transient nature of life and the inability to escape one's fate.

4. Fate and Determinism:

Hemingway examines the theme of fate, emphasizing that some events are
inevitable and beyond human control. The characters' choices and actions seem
inconsequential in the face of an immutable destiny, reinforcing the notion of
predetermined outcomes.

5. Moral Ambiguity: the story raises questions about moral responsibility and the
complexities of human behavior. Characters like George and Nick wrestle with
their moral obligations and the consequences of their choices in the face of
violence. The story challenges notions of right and wrong, highlighting the gray
areas of human morality.

6. Isolation and Loneliness: The characters in "The Killers" experience a

profound sense of isolation and loneliness. This theme is depicted through their
disconnected relationships and their inability to find solace or connection with
others. The desolate setting of the diner and the characters' individual struggles
amplify feelings of isolation and despair.

 By exploring these themes, Hemingway prompts readers to contemplate the

darker aspects of human existence and grapple with questions of power, morality,
and the fragility of life. The story's themes resonate with universal experiences
and offer a thought-provoking exploration of the human condition.
 The story serves as a poignant commentary on the human condition and the
inevitability of violence in a world that can be both brutal and unforgiving.

 Through its point of view and the progression of its three parts, "The Killers"
presents a bleak view of human nature and the harsh realities of life.
Hemingway's spare and direct prose style adds to the story's impact, emphasizing
the underlying tension and inevitability of violence.