The Snows of Kilimanjaro by Ernest Hemingway is about a writer named Harry and his wife, Helen, who go on an African safari. Gangrene, a dangerous illness that began in Harry’s leg, is killing him. He neglected to adequately care for a minor wound, which led to infection.

They are stranded in Africa’s plains, waiting for a rescue plane that may never arrive. The narrative combines Harry’s recollections of his past with current events. These recollections provide us insight into Harry’s past, regrets, and battles with his identity as a writer.

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The Present: Harry and Helen on the Safari

Harry and Helen are in their camp at the start of the narrative. Harry apologizes to Helen for the foul stench emanating from his gangrene-rotting leg. Vultures are hovering over them, anticipating Harry’s demise. Harry is resentful and cynical despite Helen’s best efforts to care for him and maintain her optimism. He regrets his life’s waste and feels as though death is near.

Helen and Harry quarrel over how they got into this predicament. Helen wishes this safari had never happened. In contrast, Harry is depressed and furious. He tells Helen that he has never really loved her, but he attempts to make it seem less harsh by claiming that he is simply frustrated. Their disagreements reveal the tension and complexity of their relationship.

After losing her first husband and kid, Helen, a rich woman, married Harry. She tries to make him happy and loves him, but Harry feels conflicted about her. The comfortable, opulent existence she has given him makes him feel imprisoned. He claims that this way of living has caused him to lose sight of his true interest, which is writing.

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Harry’s Regrets and Flashbacks

Harry begins to reflect on his history as his health deteriorates. Before his life got comfortable and monotonous, he recalled the thrilling and significant events he had. The numerous adventures Harry had but never wrote about are shown in these flashback recollections.

Traveling Through Europe:
Harry remembers hearing a diplomat downplay the threat of a snowfall in Bulgaria on a ride on the Orient Express. He is reminded by this recollection of his active and inquisitive past.

Helping a Soldier in Austria:
He recalls assisting a soldier with bloody feet who was attempting to flee while residing in a woodcutter’s home in Austria. The scene is striking, capturing the struggle and beauty of alpine living.

Christmas in Austria:
Another flashback transports him to Austria on a wintry Christmas day. The snow represented a simpler, more significant period of his life, but it was also so dazzling that it pained his eyes.

Life in Paris:
Harry reflects on his days spent drinking and debating with thinkers in cafés when he was in Paris. He also recalls the hardships faced by the underprivileged individuals he seen there. These recollections underscore his remorse for not documenting these impactful encounters.

Women in His Life:
Harry thinks back on the ladies he lost and loved. He reflects on his first real love, his previous marriage before Helen, and other short-lived partnerships. He laments how he diverted himself from his writing by utilizing women’s riches and passion.

World War I:
Harry recalls the mayhem and terror of World War I combat. He saw horrific events, such as the tragic death of a guy named Williamson in the trenches. Harry never recorded these occurrences, even though they may have made for compelling tales.

Other Missed Stories:
Harry considers various situations he could have written about, such as his grandfather’s log home or a ranch where a youngster unintentionally murdered a trespasser. He is reminded of the stories that will now pass away with him by every remembrance.

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The Relationship Between Harry and Helen

Helen makes an effort to be resilient and optimistic in the present. Harry doesn’t share her hope that a jet will arrive to help him. He cruelly remarks about her position and income while making fun of her beliefs. Harry is aware of his unfairness, though. Though he acknowledges to himself that these statements are false, he occasionally softens and tells Helen that he loves her. Even though he regrets injuring her, his resentment and sorrow drive him to act out.

In contrast, Helen is kind and patient. In the hopes that it may make Harry feel better, she goes hunting and brings back a ram for soup. Helen’s history shows that she has experienced grief and loss, yet she has remained strong. Despite the fact that Harry is frequently cruel to her, she truly loves him.

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The Hyena and the Vultures

The roar of a hyena and the vultures flying about the camp are used as metaphors for death throughout the narrative. These creatures, which Harry frequently sees, serve as a constant reminder that his life is limited. The hyena once approaches the campfire, hinting to Harry’s imminent demise.

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Harry’s Final Hours

Harry’s situation gets worse as night falls. His need to write becomes stronger, but it’s too late. Harry understands that he will never have the opportunity to put down the stories in his brain, and Helen is unable to take dictation. His recollections are more rapid and jumbled. He reflects on more of his prior experiences, such as his mountain exploits and his time spent in Paris with impoverished families.

Harry starts to feel the presence of death and becomes weaker. He sees death as a tangible presence that he can sense approaching. He sees himself being saved by a jet in his last dream. In the dream, he is taken away by his friend Compton. Harry interprets the snow-capped summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, which they are flying toward, as a representation of contentment and tranquility.

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The Ending

Although it is a lovely and peaceful fantasy, flying to Kilimanjaro is not a reality. Helen awakens to the sound of the hyena in the morning. She learns that Harry passed away in the middle of the night. Her sorrow and the harsh truth of Harry’s passing mark the story’s conclusion.