Structure

The short story “The Snows of Kilimanjaro” by Ernest Hemingway begins with a short introduction explaining that Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa, and on its western summit lies the carcass of a leopard. The leopard could foreshadow Harry’s eventual fate. It should be noted that Harry’s critical condition is revealed only gradually, through the dialogue between him and Helen at the beginning of the story.

Harry and Helen argue at the beginning of the story. The conflict is caused by Harry taking his frustration out on Helen, at the thought that he is going to die. The conflict is also caused by Harry resenting Helen for being at least partly to blame for his inability to write. However, Harry’s conflict is in fact internal. His anger and frustration are in fact directed at himself, for not having the discipl...