In Ernest Hemingway's short story "The Snows of Kilimanjaro," the two central events of a party and a funeral serve as contrasting symbols of life and death, happiness and sorrow. The party represents a fleeting moment of joy and celebration, while the funeral serves as a stark reminder of mortality and the consequences of one's choices. Through the juxtaposition of these two events, Hemingway explores the complexities of human existence and the inevitability of death.
Both the party and the wake in the story serve as gatherings of people coming together to commemorate an event. However, the party is characterized by a sense of frivolity and superficiality, with the attendees engaging in idle chatter and socializing. In contrast, the wake is marked by a somber atmosphere, as the characters come together to mourn the loss of a loved one and reflect on their own mortality. The party represents a temporary escape from the harsh realities of life, while the wake forces the characters to confront the inevitable end that awaits them all.
Despite these differences, both the party and the wake are depicted as moments of introspection for the protagonist, Harry. At the party, Harry reflects on his past decisions and regrets, feeling a sense of emptiness and dissatisfaction with his life. Similarly, at the wake, Harry contemplates the brevity of life and the mistakes he has made along the way. Both events serve as catalysts for Harry's self-reflection and prompt him to confront his own mortality.
In comparing a middle-class party like the ones in "The Snows of Kilimanjaro" to one of Gatsby's extravagant gatherings in F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby," the emotional differences are stark. While both parties may be characterized by excessive consumption and superficiality, Gatsby's parties are tinged with an air of desperation and longing. The guests at Gatsby's parties are seeking to escape their own inner turmoil and dissatisfaction with their lives, using the lavishness of the event as a distraction. In contrast, the characters in "The Snows of Kilimanjaro" are forced to confront their inner demons and existential angst, leading to moments of self-reflection and catharsis.
Overall, the party and the wake in "The Snows of Kilimanjaro" serve as powerful symbols of life and death, joy and sorrow. Through the juxtaposition of these two events, Hemingway delves into the complexities of human existence and the inevitable passage of time. The emotional impact of a middle-class party in this story lies in its ability to prompt introspection and self-reflection, highlighting the transient nature of happiness and the importance of coming to terms with one's own mortality.
LITERARY ANALYSIS: This story is built around two central events, a party and a funeral. Write an essay analyzing the relationship between the party and the wake. What are the similarities between them? What are the differences? Finally, how is a middle-class party like the ones in this story emotionally different (not materially different) than one of Gatsby's?
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