And the Mountains Echoed

Ernest Hemingway's "The Snows of Kilimanjaro" seemed simple at first, such that some readers would wonder if this was about a dying man's final moments. And those who were familiar with the author's works would be misled, as they looked for the American's approval on manly virtues. They didn't give serious thought on the setting.

Hemingway represented the artists who led the bohemian lifestyle in Paris. It wasn't embarrassing, as some outsiders believed, as not a few writers struggled to live by their craft. It wasn't a pleasant sight, but these individuals were true to themselves. However, booze, liquor, and shiny matter would ruin them. The American wasn't able to live above it, and the Great War complicated their predicament. It turned out to be a case of unfinished business.

I'm the spirit of the (dead) leopard

The story began with the short tale of a leopard, and how its carcass was found in the snow-capped summit of Kilimanjaro. Some readers would be taken aback if they figured out that there was a religious meaning behind it. Not that Hemingway was confessing his personal beliefs, but this wasn't the first time that he tackled unforeseen forces. (They might not read the uplifting tale of Santiago and his search for the huge marlin.) This was where "The Snows of Kilimanjaro" took a philosophical turn.

Harry was laying on his cot, waiting for the cries of the hyena. His body was slowly rotting away, and he was regretful about his life. He could have been a great writer, but he chose to live with women. Not any woman, but someone who would take care of him. His present wife admired his talent, but he didn't have the courage to tell her that he doesn't love him. It didn't matter, as he believed this was the right thing to do. He also felt he didn't deserve his wife's devotion. She had her reasons, as she went from one affair to another.

Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in the African continent, was notable for its flat summit. It used to be blinding white. It was a majestic sight from the grassy plains of Tanzania, and Hemingway compared it to Olympus. (Some would think of Mount Fuji, which the Japanese considered a sacred ground. They were not mistaken.) Did Harry believed he was the leopard? Readers don't need to ask this kind of question, as this short story was like a leap of faith. Could it be a tale of a dying man's redemption? This would be subjective.

The ending revealed Harry's wife hearing the cries of the hyenas, and the sound was strangely human. Readers might not agree on what it means, but they only need to rely on their faith.