The Short Happy Life of Francis Macomber is suddenly invigorated with energy to start afresh. Margot picks up the gun to defend her husband, trying to save him in the face of danger. For once in their lives, husband and wife are both on the same side, shooting at the same bull. It is tragically ironic, of course, as she kills the man she is trying to save, but such is Hemingway’s commentary on life. The good things we gain are the sweetest, and the most short-lived. A third interpretation of Margot’s shot is that she is trying to regain dominance over her husband by killing the
The Short Happy Life of Francis Macomber time does Wilson take responsibility for his part in the adultery. He even provides a double cot in his tent in order to provide better service. He is merely satisfying men and women's glorification of him as "the white hunter." The gun-bearers report that the first buffalo has not died and has gone into the tall grass. Wilson dismisses the sexual trifle and quickly refocuses on Macomber and helps him track the wounded buffalo, paralleling the circumstances of the previous day's lion hunt. Macomber, however, is confident this time, courageous. Wilson is, again, proud. When they find the buffalo, it