29 pages • 58 minutes read
Ernest HemingwayThe Killers
Fiction | Short Story | Adult | Published in 1927A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Background
Historical Context: The 1920s and Organized Crime
“The Killers” is set in the 1920s, a tumultuous and transformative era in American history. It was a decade marked by significant historical events, cultural shifts, and unique societal dynamics that contribute to the richness of Hemingway’s narrative.
One of the most defining features of the 1920s was the nationwide implementation of Prohibition. Enforced by the 18th Amendment, Prohibition outlawed the production, sale, and transportation of alcoholic beverages, leading to the closure of bars, saloons, and taverns across the nation. The belief was that by restricting access to alcohol, a range of social issues could be mitigated. However, Prohibition led to a surge in organized crime, as the mob saw immense profitability in the clandestine production and distribution of alcohol. Chicago, in particular, emerged as a hub of criminal activity, housing infamous figures like Al Capone and Dutch Schultz, who engaged in alcohol smuggling and other illegal services.
Hemingway himself spent time in Chicago as a young man, returning from his service in World War I. His stay in the city coincided with the early years of Prohibition, and his work as a freelance reporter and editor exposed him to this criminal world. The character of Ole Andreson in the story is possibly an allusion to Andre Anderson, a renowned boxer of the era. Andre Anderson was killed in 1926 at the hands of the Chicago mob, mirroring the themes explored in Hemingway’s narrative.
In “The Killers,” the strictures of Prohibition are palpable. Henry’s lunch room is a diner that once operated as a saloon, now transformed to abide by the new laws. “The Killers” captures the era’s prevailing issues and palpable tension. Moreover, Hemingway’s distinctive style, characterized by brisk dialogue and action, contributes to a vivid picture of a timely conflict.
Literary Context: Modernism
Published in 1927, “The Killers” is a story that fits within the Modernist cultural, artistic, and intellectual movement. This movement flourished from the late 19th to the mid-20th century, reaching its peak in the years following World War I.
Modernism was defined by several distinctive characteristics. Modernism rejected traditional norms across various domains, whether in the realms of art, literature, or societal conventions. Prior to Modernism, popular works of literature often had clear, linear narratives and universal characters and plots. Modernism, conversely, championed experimentation as a means to break free from established conventions, leading to narratives characterized by fragmented storytelling. This new method of storytelling was sometimes achieved through minimalistic approaches, as with Hemingway, but was always experimental as compared to traditional narratives. Modernist literature also adopted a critical stance toward contemporary culture, politics, and society. American Modernist fiction, especially after World War I, often carried a strong sense of disillusionment and loss, aimed at American society or the world as a whole.
Ernest Hemingway was a prominent representative of the Modernist literary movement. Deeply influenced by his experiences of war, his works offer a somber reflection on contemporary American culture and a poignant exploration of the profound impact of war on the human psyche. His prose is marked by simplicity and brevity, featuring concise, straightforward sentences and a deliberate absence of superfluous details. Hemingway dubbed this approach the “iceberg theory”: the notion that leaving certain elements unsaid amplifies the narrative’s impact. Readers encounter visible components such as dialogue and action, while beneath the surface lies a wealth of concealed elements, such as themes and symbolism, providing depth and richness to the narrative. “The Killers” is a prime example of literary modernism. The short story critiques the culture and society of its era, delving into themes of Loss of Innocence and Disillusionment With Reality. In terms of style, Hemingway’s writing in “The Killers” and across his body of work distinctly aligns with the modernist tradition.
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