Analysis Of The Short Happy Life Of Francis Macomber

Yoel Bastian
392013024
Comparative Literature

Protagonists of a story is always interesting in how they face their problem. The problem almost always give differences to the protagonists in the end. One that is most evident is the change of characteristic or trait of the protagonist. Here I will compare two protagonists of two different stories, Francis Macomber from short story “The Short Happy Life of Francis Macomber” and Carl Fredricksen from film “Up” (2009). The two characters had dealt with their problem and transformed in the end of the story. The comparison will be disscussed not only how they dealt with their problem but also other aspects in their life such as marriage, expectation of the culture where they lived and of course their

Both characters come from United States which will result in some same expectations of their culture. For Francis, it was a husband obligations he should fulfill which he failed in some aspects. He was very rich, so his role as breadwinner was certainly have no problem. Nevertheless he failed miserably when it came to his obligation to his wife. “Well, why doesn’t he keep his wife where she belongs?” What does he think I am, a bloody plaster saint? Let him keep her where she belongs. It’s his own fault” (pg 12, par 22). I am sure that it is not okay if your husband or wife is cheat on you in American culture. Moreover he fail to have a role as the head of family, it was his wife who had power to control him. I believe that many Americans are still believe in patriarchy system, so Macomber should take over his role, and he did. Another point to consider is that Francis as the one who protect his family, he should have courage but he had not until the end of the story. Carl in film “Up” do a good job as a husband. He loves his wife, provide necessities in family, respect his wife although she could not give what he wanted. Carl having a different obligations when he live alone. He is expected to have a quiet life in safe place just like most old people have. It happened in the film when he picked up by two officer from Shady Oaks retirement village which sent because he had to move from big cities (min 20). A wild adventure in South America jungle with floating house is big no for him. However, his commitment to fulfill his promise to Ellie is the only purpose for the rest of his