Hemingway's "The Short Happy Life of Francis Macomber" Short Story Analysis

This is a complete lesson plan for Ernest Hemingway’s story, “The Short Happy Life of Francis Macomber”. A variety of activities will guide students through close reading and help them manage the length and detail of this exciting, dramatic episode. The plan includes graphic organizers and constructed response questions to boost comprehension and inferencing skills. The background notes will help students process connections between the author’s style and the story’s elements. A quiz and detailed answer keys provide for easy and accurate assessments.

Contents (All PDF Files)

A two-page bullet list: Hemingway’s life and writing style

“Before and After” Activity: Before reading, note a question or comment for each quote/ After reading, answer or respond.

Split-note format: Directions for the format and 20 read and respond questions (Detailed answer key is included)

Three graphic organizers:

∞ “What Does the Author’s Style Reveal?” (Answer key is included)

∞ “Who is the Hero?” (Paired with Hemingway’s concept of a hero and a numbered rating system to choose the hero.)

∞ “How Does the Title Reveal a Theme?” (Answer key is included)

Quiz: 15 multiple choice questions, three discussion questions, key