Introduction
Ernest Hemingway’s “The Killers” may be a product of its time, but the themes and issues it explores are arguably just as pertinent to our society today. While it would be an oversimplification to suggest that this dark portrayal of American society as lawless and dominated by killers is entirely applicable to the current climate, there are elements of the story that resonate.
The Relevance of the Story to Modern Times
A central theme of the story is the pervasiveness of violence, symbolized by the presence of guns. One of the killers boasts that he has a sawed-off shotgun, using the weapon to control the narrative within the restaurant. This is unsettlingly reminiscent of the ongoing debate over gun control and violence in America, a battle that rages on with the distressing frequency of mass shootings and acts of gun violence.
A sense of hopelessness and fatalism pervades Hemingway’s story and can be felt in many aspects of contemporary society. Ole’s resigned reaction, “That wouldn’t do any good,” and “There ain’t anything to do,” when advised to get police help, echoes sentiments often expressed by victims of systematic injustice or violence, who feel that their pleas for help will be ignored or insufficient (Hemingway, 1927, p.8).
Further, the pervasive fear that characters live within the story is recognizable in today’s climate of fear around crime, terrorism, and even public health crises. The resignation in George’s response, “I guess they will,” when discussing Ole’s likely fate, reflects a certain degree of societal numbness to violence and tragedy that can be seen in our responses to persistent news cycles dominated by negativity and violence (Hemingway, 1927, p.10).
Conclusion
While “The Killers” does paint an overwhelmingly bleak picture of society, its relevance to today’s society lies not in a literal interpretation but in the underlying themes; it uncovers the role of violence in our culture, the feeling of powerlessness against larger forces, and the pervading sense of fear. In these respects, Hemingway’s story, written nearly a century ago, maintains its resonance and serves as a stark reminder of the darker aspects of human society that we must constantly strive to address.
Reference
Hemingway. E. (1927). The killers. Web.