Question

Hemingway uses a third-person omniscient point of view throughout this short story. How does shifting from Macomber’s to the lion’s perspective affect the readers experience of their hunting encounter?

Answer 1

By portraying the lion as a powerful and confident predator, the shift in perspective highlights the irony of Macomber's initial arrogance and bravado. The lion's calm and calculated movements are juxtaposed against Macomber's panicked and erratic behavior, emphasizing the stark contrast between the two characters' experiences of the encounter. Furthermore, the shift in perspective serves to emphasize the theme of power and dominance in the story, as the lion is portrayed as the true "master" of the hunt, while Macomber's attempt to assert his dominance over the animal ultimately leads to his downfall.