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 but the first is only wounded and retreats into the bush. Macomber now feels confident. They all three drink whisky in celebration. Margot even shows appreciation for Francis' kill, though, she quickly becomes unsettled as pointed out by Wilson, who again in interior monologue, turns his critical eye on Margot. He senses a shift in her viewpoint toward her husband. In his point of view, she now fears her husband's growing confidence. Wilson is proud of Francis and feels his job is done. He's helped Francis stand up to his adulterous wife. He’s helped him kill a buffalo. At no