Overview
Ernest Hemingway’s classic novella, ‘The Snows of Kilimanjaro,’ tells a tale of tragedy and the power of human spirit. The story was published in 1936 and has been adapted for the screen several times since then. It’s a powerful, provocative piece of literature that has endured the test of time. But, just how many pages is ‘The Snows of Kilimanjaro’ ?
The Book’s Length
The Snows of Kilimanjaro is a novel in 29 pages. According to book covers of editions published in Canada, United States and the United Kingdom, ‘The Snows of Kilimanjaro’ is slightly over 10,000 words. How many pages a book is will depend on what font is used, and the spacing between lines and the margins.
The Story Behind the Book
The ‘Snows of Kilimanjaro’ is a story about Harry, a writer, who is on a hunt in Africa. While resting at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro, he realizes he may be dying from gangrene, and that his life is a failure. Harry begins to reflect on his life and to find meaning in his impending death. This story is heavily reliant on symbolism, and it paints a powerful picture of the human experience.
Public Reaction
The Snows of Kilimanjaro was actually a quite controversial story when it came out. Some found the story depressing and depressing, while others praised the thought-provoking themes. Critics also examined the symbolism and what Hemingway was trying to say in the book. Despite its initial controversy, the story has endured and is considered a classic today.
Adaptations
The story was adapted for the screen several times with different levels success. The most recent adaptation, ‘The Snows of Kilimanjaro,’ was released in 2012, and it starred Max von Sydow in the role of Harry. The film was generally well-received, and it went on to be an awards contender. It was nominated for five Academy and Golden Globe awards.
Themes
Hemingway’s ‘The Snows of Kilimanjaro’ is a classic story that deals with themes of mortality, regret and redemption. The story is universally relatable, and shows us the power of a person’s spirit in the face of death. It’s easy to see why this story has endured, and why it continues to captivate new readers all these years later.
Locations
The snows of Kilimanjaro has very vivid scenes that Hemingway paints through his writing. Although the story is fictional the impressive environment the author created has been partially inspired by the Tanganyika/Tanzania landscape. The story is known for its intense descriptions of wildlife and an amazing array of plants. Hemingway also uses the wildlife to symbolize the trials and tribulations that Harry faces.
The Narrative
The story falls into Hemingway’s characteristic style of conciseness and minimalism. The narrative follows the story of Harry, a writer, struggling with regret while on a game-hunting safari in Africa. Through the narrative, we come to understand that this conflict quickly turns into an inner battle between Harry’s will to survive, and the looming aspect of death his illness brings. Hemingway’s narrative is simple and direct, allowing the reader to quickly understand and connect with the plot.
Conflict
The conflict in ‘The Snows of Kilimanjaro’ is mainly the inner struggle of Harry against the forces of death. This conflict is complicated by his wife’s departure and his past regrets, as well as his physical condition. It is a story about death and our attempts to grapple with it. Hemingway presents this internal conflict with a strong sense of realism, but with a taste of hope at the end.
Symbolism
The Snows of Kilimanjaro is a classic novel that relies heavily on symbolism. The mountain, Kilimanjaro, itself is a powerful symbol of death and mortality, one that Harry is never able to reach. At times, the leopard is a symbol of Harry’s own mortality; at others, it’s a symbol of his life, his dreams, and his will to live. Even the presence of vultures in the story is a clever representation of death, and Harry’s effort to push it away.
Reception
The initial reception of the Snows of Kilimanjaro when it was first released in the 1930s was somewhat muted. But, over time, it has earned a place among Hemingway’s great works, along with novels such as ‘A Farewell to Arms’ and ‘The Sun Also Rises.’ Today, ‘The Snows of Kilimanjaro’ is a classic that is regularly added to school curriculums, and it’s revered by readers.
Analysis
Ernest Hemmingway’s ‘The Snows of Kilimanjaro’ is a powerful story that explores the themes of mortality and regret. Its simple narrative and symbolism combine to create a powerful story that has lasting relevance today. As a novella, it’s a reasonably short read, clocking in at just over 10,000 words and 29 pages. It is a masterful work of literature that, nearly a century after its publication, continues to capture our imaginations.
