Symbolism in The Snows of Kilimanjaro

Introduction

Ernest Hemingway's short story, "The Snows of Kilimanjaro," is like a treasure chest of symbols that digs into themes like death, regret, and what it means to be human. The story is about Harry, a writer staring down death due to gangrene during an African safari. With symbols like Mount Kilimanjaro’s snowy peak, the hyena, and the leopard, Hemingway dives deep into life's tangled web and Harry's existential crisis. This essay will break down these symbols to give you a better grip on what this story is really about.

Symbolism in "The Snows of Kilimanjaro"

The snow-topped peak of Mount Kilimanjaro stands out as the biggest symbol here, showing off both what's beyond reach and what's awe-inspiring. Kilimanjaro is often tied to purity, enlightenment, even immortality. It's called the "House of God," hinting at something spiritual that goes beyond our physical world. For Harry, it stands for the high artistic and moral ground he dreamed of reaching but never quite did. As he's lying there dying, he's thinking back on a life full of missed chances and dreams left hanging. The untouched snow on Kilimanjaro sharply contrasts with his rotting leg from gangrene—it's like purity versus the mess inside him.

On the flip side, there's the hyena—a symbol of death and decay. It hangs around Harry's camp like a bad omen for what's coming next: his death. Hyenas are seen as scavengers that feast on what's already dead or dying, kinda like how Harry feels his morals and artistic spark have decayed. Facing his own end, the hyena seems more important—it’s all about how death's unavoidable and regrets feel pointless now. Its cries in the night? A loud reminder that he can’t escape what’s coming.

Then there's the leopard. At the start of the story, Hemingway throws in this detail about a frozen leopard carcass near Kilimanjaro's summit. Leopards aren’t like hyenas; they stand for nobility, bravery, chasing after something bigger than yourself. Why was this leopard way up there? We never find out for sure—maybe that's part of its magic. For Harry though, it represents living life with purpose and courage—a sharp contrast to his own average Joe kind of life filled with cowardice. The leopard being on Kilimanjaro quietly points out how Harry missed living up to his goals.

Hemingway mixes these symbols into the story’s look at existential questions. Harry’s past reflections are loaded with lost opportunities and unrealized potential. Symbols like Kilimanjaro, the hyena, and the leopard highlight his inner battle and humanity's larger struggle between dreams versus reality. Through them, Hemingway digs into life's messiness showing tension between our ideals and life's harsh truths.

Conclusion

In wrapping up, Ernest Hemingway’s "The Snows of Kilimanjaro" masterfully uses symbolism to explore deep aspects of being human. The snowy peak of Mount Kilimanjaro, alongside the hyena and leopard each become strong symbols highlighting key themes around mortality, regret, plus searching for meaning in life itself—not just telling us about Harry’s battle but nudging us readers to think over our own lives too! Mixing these symbols enriches everything making bold comments on complex human existence stuff as Harry faces looming death while reminding us about balancing dreams vs reality; purity vs corruption; life vs death.

References

• Baker, C., & Baker J.C., (1981). Hemingway: The Writer as Artist. Princeton University Press.
• Benson J.J., (1990). The Short Stories of Ernest Hemingway: Critical Essays. Duke University Press.
• Meyers J., (1985). Hemingway: A Biography. Harper & Row Publishers.