1- THE KILLERS BY HEMINGWAY)
1. SCENE OF HENRY’S LUNCH ROOM
Q. No. 1: Reproduce the scene of Henry’s lunch room in your own words. OR Why do Al and Max visit Henry’s lunch room? How do they treat the servants of Henry’s lunch room?
Answer: “THE KILLERS” is a story about the expected murder of a person, Ole Anderson. Two hirelings, Al and Max are following him. They have never seen Ole Anderson. They have come to know that Ole Anderson visits Henry’s Lunch Room daily. They enter the Henry’s lunch room at five in the evening and harass the staff when they order their dinner. But when they learn that dinner is not ready, they get angry. However, they eat sandwiches but do not take their gloves off. They ask about Ole Anderson and disclose that they want to kill him. Later, they become harsh in their attitude to the members of the staff. Al keeps Sam and Nick quiet at gun-point. On the other hand, Max orders George to go on serving the new customers so that they may not suspect anything wrong. They wait for more than two hours. Luckily, Ole Anderson does not visit the lunch room. Both the killers decide to change alter their plan temporarily. In the end, they free the hostages and move out. Their presence causes feelings of horror and suspense. (Words: 184)
2. A STORY OF SUSPENSE AND HORROR (V.IMP)
Q. No. 2: Discuss “THE KILLERS” as a powerful story full of suspense, fear and horror. OR What is the effect of the story on the mind of the readers? OR “THE KILLERS” is a story of atmosphere. Discuss.
Answer: Hemingway has written this story in an atmosphere of suspense, fear and horror. The very first point which causes horror and suspense in the story is the entry of the killers in the hotel and their suspicious dressing. They look twins from their dressing. Another point of horror and suspense is the way they eat sandwich without taking their gloves off. Similarly, they cause panic in the lunch room and become harsh in their attitude to the members of the staff. Al takes Sam and Nick into the kitchen by force just to keep them quiet at gun-point. The most important of all the points that causes horror is when they disclose to the members of lunch room staff that they want to kill Ole Anderson to oblige their friend. Another factor which contributes to the horror of the story is deepening darkness.
In short, the story is a beautiful blend of horror and suspense. Although, we do not see any murder, the shadow of death follows every reader but not the character.
3. THE THEME OF THE STORY (V.IMP)
Q. No. 3: Discuss the theme of the story. OR What kind of understanding does this story impart to the readers? “THE KILLERS” gives us a glimpse of dark aspects of American society. Discuss. OR “THE KILLERS” is a story of death, crime and murder.
Answer: “THE KILLERS” contains many moral lessons for its readers. It deals with the theme of death, crime and murder. Its one of the major themes is to point out the prevalence of lawlessness in American society. In the story, two hirelings want to kill a retired person, Ole Anderson. They visit Henry’s Lunch Room which is situated in the busiest part of the town. These hirelings create panic in the hotel without any fear. They gag the mouth of the servants in the hotel and frighten them. They keep them quiet at gun-point but the law enforcing agencies are utter failure there as they are unable to maintain law and order in society. The story shows that the life of a man has become valueless. It is so valueless that the killers are going to kill Ole Anderson just to oblige their friends. This is, of course, the bottom of moral decline. The writer also points out that the young people like Al and Max adopt this profession for mercenary ends. The story also points out a shocking fact that the old and retired people are not treated properly in our society. (Words: 187)
4. THE CHARACTER SKETCH OF OLE ANDERSON (V.IMP)
Q.No.4: Who is Ole Anderson? Why do the killers want to kill him? OR Ole Anderson is a symbol of despair. Discuss.
Answer: Ole Anderson is the main character of the story. Through his character, Hemingway has tried to highlight the dark aspects of American society.
Actually, we do not have much and accurate information about Ole Anderson. However, through the details in the story, we come to know that he has been a heavy-weight boxer who is leading a retired and colourless life now. One thing that impresses the reader is his reaction which he shows when he comes to know of his expected murder. Instead of being afraid, he says: “I am through with all that running around.” When Nick advises him to report the matter to the police, he does not support the idea of reporting the matter. This brings to light another quality of his character. It shows that he is a sensible person who knows his past well and is ready to compromise with his expected murder and fate.
The discussion clearly shows that Ole Anderson is a symbol of despair. Life and death have same meaning for him. That’s why, he is ready to face death. (Words: 174)
5. THE CHARACTER SKETCH OF NICK ADAM
Q. No. 5: Draw the character sketch of Nick Adam.
Answer: Nick is one of the members of staff at Henry’s Lunch Room. He has something impressive in his personality. He is an impressive caretaker and manages all the things carefully. He is a sensible man. When one of the killers orders Nick to stand back to back with Sam, he does not show any hesitation and immediately follows the orders. Another fact that impresses us is his innate goodness. He appears before us as a philanthropist. He is also a brave person. Having come to know the intention of the killers, he goes to Ole Anderson after their departure. He suggests Ole Anderson to report the matter to the police. He is doing all this not because Ole Anderson is his customer. Actually, he is good at heart. He is kind and sympathetic. When Ole Anderson refuses to report the matter to the police, he leaves his house but with the feelings of anxiety.
In a nut shell, we can say that he is a humanitarian and well-wisher of the people. He does not live for himself rather he has the spirit to live for others. (Words: 180)
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Notes on English Literature: http://englishlitnotes.com