Tobias Wolff is a writer known for his memoirs and realistic short stories. “Hunters in the Snow” is a story that depicts the friendship of three friends, Tub, Frank, and Kenny, as they go hunting in the snow. The story explores the human condition through their friendship and the challenges they face. At the beginning of the story, Tub finds himself standing on the sidewalk when a truck, driven by Kenny with Frank as a passenger, appears. The trio then heads towards the woods where Kenny plans to hunt. Although Tub struggles to cross the fences, neither Frank nor Kenny offer him any assistance.
While returning, they come across clear deer trails that lead into a restricted hunting area. After receiving authorization from the owner, they proceed to follow the tracks, but their efforts prove futile. In a fit of frustration, Kenny resorts to shooting at the post, the tree, and the dog. Startled, Tub shoots Kenny in self-defense. They bring him to the owner’s residence to call for an ambulance. Unfortunately, they learn that all the ambulances are unavailable and they must drive to the hospital themselves. Tub jots down the directions while the rest of the group places Kenny in the truck bed, providing blankets for comfort.
Frank and Tub make two stops to warm themselves but realize later that they had taken a wrong turn in the opposite direction of the hospital. Kenny announces his intention to go to the hospital, unaware that they are heading in the wrong direction. The story begins with the introduction of Tub, the protagonist. Despite being written in third person, the perspective is centered on Tub. Wolff’s writing instantly evokes sympathy for Tub, who is left waiting in the cold, dealing with a medical condition, and being insulted by his friends.
Tub is a kind individual and a reliable companion; he used to defend Frank. Tub teared up when he shot Kenny due to his anxiety and remorse. Additionally, when Frank divulged his secret to Tub, Tub offered him support. Conversely, Tub’s peers mock him and his well-being. The combination of his diminished self-confidence and the lack of respect from his friends compels him to confront them. Both Frank and Tub apologize to each other and disclose their secrets. Tub confesses that his weight issue does not stem from a gland problem but rather from being excessively indulgent. This notion is hinted at when Tub hastily consumes two sandwiches and cookies during their hunting expedition.
Throughout the storyline, a character named Tub experiences personal growth and gains the confidence to confront his friends, as well as the courage to reveal a hidden aspect about himself (86-99). One of the three individuals involved is Frank, who has a mysterious and calm demeanor, and serves as one of the protagonists. Initially, he is depicted sitting inside a truck while picking up Tub. Despite his laid-back personality, Frank joins Kenny in insulting Tub but eventually expresses remorse and apologizes to him. When Tub opens up about his secret, Frank becomes a source of support and even treats him to four plates of pancakes. Frank firmly believes in allowing nature to take its course without resisting it. After losing a deer during a hunting trip, he soothes Kenny’s worries by saying “Relax […] You can’t hurry nature.”
“If we are destined to capture that deer, we will achieve it. If it is not meant to be, we will fail,” (89). In contrast to his usual demeanor, Frank wears a wedding band adorned with a diamond-encrusted “F”. As they embark on their hunting expedition, Kenny subtly alludes to a particular babysitter, much to Frank’s irritation. During a break to warm themselves, Frank discloses his secret affair with his fifteen-year-old babysitter. He is amazed at how she has broadened his horizons, leading to his newfound hippie persona. Frank succumbs to the sin of desire; nevertheless, he considers the impact on his wife and children should he decide to divorce.
Frank is faced with a difficult choice between his secret lover and his family. However, he finds support from a dependable friend who helps him navigate his dilemma (86-97). The leader of the gang is Kenny, who not only drives the car but also decides where they go for their activities. Kenny’s personality is characterized by a lack of concern, rudeness, and a quick temper. From the start, he nearly hits Tub with his car and constantly insults him. Additionally, Kenny drops hints about Frank’s secret and taunts him about it. Although he is not the main antagonist in the story, Kenny serves as a catalyst for the events that unfold. His impoliteness tests Tub’s patience and urges Frank to disclose his secret.
Despite Kenny’s lack of ability to keep secrets, he has secrets of his own. He chose not to inform his friends about being instructed to kill the dog. Although he considered it a joke, Tub shot him in self-defense as Kenny aimed his gun at him. Kenny is then transported in the back of a truck and wrapped in blankets while enduring pain. He obediently follows Frank’s instructions. However, the blankets gather at the back of the truck, prompting Frank and Tub to claim them for themselves. Consequently, Kenny is left exposed to the cold, assuming they are en route to the hospital.
However, they had made a wrong turn in the past. At this moment, readers will feel sympathy for Kenny. The arrogant man had been rude to his friends; however, after he got shot, he became helpless and had no option but to obey them (86-99). The bond between three men named Tub, Frank, and Kenny displayed humanity. Despite having different personalities and facing their own struggles, each man’s behavior changed during the journey. “Hunters in the Snow” is an intriguing story filled with unexpected twists and turns on every page.
Works Cited
According to Tobias Wolff, the author of “Hunters in the Snow,” the text can be found in Perrine’s Literature: Structure, Sound and Sense, edited by Thomas R. Arp and Greg Johnson. This edition was published in 2009 by Wadsworth Cengage Learning and the story can be found on pages 86-99.
