“THE KILLERS” -Ernest Hemingway

Ernest Hemingway's short story "The Killers" is a masterful exploration of the darker aspects
of human nature, encapsulated in a seemingly straightforward title. The choice of the title is
deliberate and impactful, setting the tone for the narrative's tension and impending danger. "The
Killers" does not merely denote individuals with lethal intent; it serves as a stark reminder of the
omnipresence of violence and the unpredictable nature of life.

The symbolism inherent in the title extends beyond the explicit threat of violence. It speaks to a
broader existential theme that permeates Hemingway's works—the inevitability of death and the
inherent struggle for meaning in a seemingly indifferent world. The killers, in this context,
become agents of fate, representing the inescapable forces that shape the characters' lives.

Hemingway employs a third-person omniscient narrative perspective, a choice that significantly

influences the reader's engagement with the story. The omniscient narrator functions as an
uninvolved observer, providing a detached lens through which the events unfold. This narrative
stance aligns with Hemingway's minimalist style, allowing for a presentation of facts without the
intrusion of overt emotions.

The narrator's role in "The Killers" is crucial in maintaining an air of suspense and mystery. The
detachment of the narrative voice mirrors the impersonal and unforgiving nature of the world
within the story. By avoiding direct access to characters' inner thoughts, Hemingway heightens
the sense of ambiguity, leaving readers to interpret and infer motivations and emotions.

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This narrative choice also underscores the story's existential undertones. The absence of a
subjective viewpoint forces readers to confront the events with the same uncertainty faced by the
characters. As the narrative unfolds, the omniscient perspective becomes a tool through which
Hemingway navigates the complexities of human existence, leaving the audience to grapple with
the broader questions of mortality and purpose.

The characters in "The Killers" are meticulously crafted to embody the harsh realities of the
world Hemingway depicts. The two hitmen, Max and Al, are introduced with a cold, calculated
demeanor, reflecting the impersonal nature of their profession. Their unflinching determination
to carry out their mission is presented without moral judgment, emphasizing the story's
exploration of the indifferent forces that shape destinies.

The protagonist, Ole Andreson, becomes a focal point for the existential themes embedded in the
narrative. His resigned acceptance of the impending threat from the killers mirrors the broader
human struggle against forces beyond one's control. Despite being the target, Andreson's passive
response prompts readers to contemplate the inevitability of facing one's fate, raising questions
about agency and the meaning of resistance in the face of a predetermined outcome.

The plot of "The Killers" unfolds with deliberate pacing, building suspense and tension. The
story begins in a diner, where Max and Al enter, setting the stage for the impending violence.
The dialogue-driven narrative serves a dual purpose—revealing the hitmen's intent and offering
glimpses into the characters' personalities.

Hemingway's narrative technique is evident in the omission of crucial details, leaving aspects of
the characters and plot open to interpretation. The hitmen's cryptic conversation with George, the
diner owner, adds layers of mystery, allowing readers to construct their own narratives and
contributing to the overarching theme of ambiguity.

The plot takes a twist when Ole Andreson's passive acceptance of his fate challenges traditional
notions of heroism. The climax, where the killers depart without fulfilling their mission, further
accentuates the narrative's departure from conventional resolutions. Instead of a clear resolution,
the story leaves readers contemplating the consequences of inaction and the broader implications
of living in a world indifferent to individual struggles.

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 Several quotes from "The Killers" encapsulate the story's themes and Hemingway's distinctive
style:

“The door swung open and they stopped and swung back and stood there. They looked in at the
three tables occupied. ‘That's him,’ George said. ‘That's the waiter.’ ‘He looks big,’ Al said.
‘Get him up,’ Max said. ‘Tell him to come here.”

This quote captures the abrupt and chilling entrance of the killers, setting the tone for the
impending conflict and introducing the reader to the story's central tension.

“I can’t stand to think about him waiting in the room and knowing he’s going to get it. It’s too
damned awful.”

George's emotional response to Ole's predicament highlights the story's exploration of the
psychological toll of impending doom and the moral complexities surrounding the act of killing.

In "The Killers," Hemingway employs subtle yet powerful symbols to enrich the narrative and
convey deeper meanings.

The Swede's Room: The empty room of Ole Andreson becomes a symbol of existential
emptiness and the inevitability of mortality. Its barrenness reflects the futility of resisting an
unknown and inescapable fate.

The Unopened Package: The unopened package delivered to Ole Andreson becomes a symbol of
unresolved tension and impending doom. Its mysterious contents mirror the enigma surrounding
the hitmen and Ole's past, leaving readers to speculate on the significance of the unopened
parcel.

The Dinner Table: The diner, a central setting in the story, symbolizes the transient nature of
human interactions. It serves as a microcosm of life, where individuals from various
backgrounds converge momentarily, emphasizing the randomness and unpredictability of fate.

"The Killers" is steeped in existential themes, exploring the absurdity of human existence and the
confrontation with an indifferent universe. Ole Andreson's passive acceptance of his fate reflects
the existentialist notion of confronting one's destiny in a world void of inherent meaning.

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The story presents a morally ambiguous world where the hitmen, although engaging in criminal
activity, are portrayed without explicit condemnation. This moral neutrality challenges
conventional notions of right and wrong, prompting readers to question the ethical implications
of the characters' actions.

Hemingway delves into fatalistic themes, suggesting that certain events are predestined and
inescapable. The killers, representing the inevitability of death, serve as instruments of fate,
emphasizing the idea that, in the face of certain outcomes, resistance may be futile.

In conclusion, "The Killers" stands as a compelling exploration of existential dilemmas, moral

complexities, and the unpredictable nature of life. Hemingway's minimalist style, coupled with
the deliberate use of symbols and themes, crafts a narrative that transcends the conventions of
traditional storytelling, inviting readers to contemplate the profound questions that define the
human experience.

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Bibliography:

1. Hemingway, Ernest. "The Killers."

2. Baker, Carlos. "Ernest Hemingway: A Life Story." Charles Scribner's Sons, 1969.
3. Baker, Carlos. "Hemingway's 'The Killers'." College English, Vol. 15, No. 8, 1954.
4. Benson, Jackson J. "Hemingway: The Writer's Art of Self-Defense." University of
Minnesota Press, 1969.
5. Holmes, Charles S. "The Nick Adams Stories: A Reconsideration." Studies in Short
Fiction, Vol. 9, No. 3, 1972.
6. Hotchner, A. E. "Papa Hemingway." The Paris Review, Fall 1966.
7. Mellow, James R. "Hemingway: A Life Without Consequences." Houghton Mifflin,
1992.
8. Reynolds, Michael. "Hemingway: The 1930s." W.W. Norton & Company, 1997.
9. Reynolds, Michael. "Hemingway's 'The Killers'." Explicator, Vol. 43, No. 4, 1985.
10. Smith, Paul. "Narrative Technique in 'The Killers'." American Literature, Vol. 47, No. 2,
1975.
11. Young, Philip. "Ernest Hemingway: A Reconsideration." University of Wisconsin Press,
1966.