Summary
The short story “The Snows of Kilimanjaro” by Ernest Hemingway begins with a couple arguing while on a safari in Africa, on the mountain of Kilimanjaro. The man, Harry, has gangrene in his leg following a poorly tended scratch which got infected. Harry knows he will die soon. His wife, Helen, does not want to accept this. She tells him the plane will be there soon to take him to a hospital, where he will receive medical attention and get better. Harry does not believe the plane will be there in time. He insults Helen and tells her he never loved her. Later, he decides to take it back, even though it is true.
Harry remembers several events from his life, such as helping a deserter, bombing a train of Austrian officers, skiing in the mountains, and gambling. He regrets not being abl...