Based on his own African expeditions, Ernest Hemingway wrote this short story portraying the title character, Francis Macomber, and his wife Margot.

The story begins with Francis and Margot hunting game on the African plain with their guide, Wilson. Francis attempts to shoot a lion, fails, and runs from the animal. This triggers a conflict between Francis and Margot leading to their marital demise. Margot implies in speech that she is sick of Francis's feminine nature; Francis seizes the opportunity to prove his masculinity and raises his gun to shoot a buffalo.

As he raises his gun and shoots the buffalo, Margot shoots Francis and kills him.

Hemingway doesn't explain the Margot's intent. Was she really trying to shoot Francis? Or was she trying to shoot the buffalo to create reinforce his lack of masculinity?

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