Betrayal

Jassim Taqui

I never forget “ The Killers” novel by Ernest Hemingway. The basic plot of the story involves two hitmen who enter a restaurant seeking to kill a boxer, a Swede named Ole Anderson, who is hiding out for reasons unknown, possibly for winning a fight.

The writer's depiction of the human experience, his use of satire, and the everlasting themes of death, friendship, love, and the purpose of life have contributed to making "The Killers" one of Hemingway's most famous and frequently anthologized short stories.

The breaking point in the story is when Anderson never attempted to escape the hitman despite being forewarned. He would rather face death. The hitman was confused. He has never come across such an incident whereby a would-be victim never attempted to escape or defend his life.

He started investigating the matter to discover a moving love story and betrayal beyond imagination. It was Hemingway's style to score a point with women due to his own experience with them. One would not imagine the dimension of cruelty and betrayal Ole experienced that made him virtually commit suicide. Hemingway wanted to give a message to lovers and fantasy seekers to the effect that love or no love, women would change and betray; seeking other men and materialistic gains.