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The Snows Of Mt. Kilimanjaro Symbolism

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The Snows Of Mt. Kilimanjaro Symbolism
Symbolism is the way we create ideas out of imagery. Ernest Hemingway was a well-traveled and an adventurous writer. He traveled to many places, including a trip to the African Sahara and to Mt. Kilimanjaro. His story “The Snows of Mt. Kilimanjaro” was inspired by one of Hemingway’s trips to Africa. This story introduces you to the characters Harry and Helen. Harry has developed a necrotic injury after getting scratched up on a hike and they are stranded, waiting for help to come. Symbolism is important to “The Snows of Mt. Kilimanjaro” because, it helps the reader understand the true struggle of Harry’s character.
Ernest Hemingway came from a reasonably well off family. He was born in Oak Park, Illinois on July 21, 1899. He found his passion at a young age, when he volunteered to write for his school paper. After graduating from high school, Hemingway pursued a carrier as a journalist for the Kansas City Star. Ernest went on to serve in World War 1 as an ambulance driver. After an injury occurred he met his first love interest, Agnes. She was a nurse. He proposed, but after moving back to the United States he found out she had left him for another man. Ernest Hemingway had many love interests and wives throughout the course …show more content…
The hyena crying and the buzzards described in the story symbolize his life ending, as the animals wait to feast upon him. The gangrene leg is used to symbolizing everything rotting away in Harry’s life. Hemingway also supports the idea of death when he uses vultures as imagery within his work. James Hartman supports this idea of symbolism by saying, “Harry has been confined to a cot because of a severe gangrene infection in his leg, and the putrid smell of bacteria has wafted into the air. When his wife tells him that he is not going to die, Harry replies, '"I'm dying now. Ask those bastards" ("Snows" 40). His response suggests that Harry is convinced these vultures are here solely for him.”
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