DOI: https://doi.org/10.14710/sabda.21.1.183-191

Depression in Harry’S Moments Prior to Death in Ernest Hemingway’s Short Story The Snows of Kilimanjaro

1Fakultas Ilmu Budaya, Indonesia

2Universitas Diponegoro, Indonesia

Received: 18 May 2026; Published: 7 Jun 2026.
Editor(s): Muhammad Mukafi

Citation Format:
Abstract

Abstract

This article analyzes the depiction of depression prior to death experienced by Harry, the main character in Ernest Hemingway’s short story The Snows of Kilimanjaro. This study aimed to examine how Harry’s thoughts and behaviors reflect his depression as he approaches death. This study used a qualitative descriptive method with a psychological approach. The analysis applies Aaron T. Beck’s cognitive triad as the main theory, supported by depressive symptoms such as self-criticism, guilty feelings, use of humor, absolutistic thinking, viewing problems as overwhelming, passivity, and avoidance. The results show that Harry evaluates himself as a failed writer, interprets his past as a series of mistakes, and sees no possibility of changing his future. These negative thoughts influenced his behavior, which was reflected in his refusal to move, doubts about medical treatment, and acceptance of death. This article shows that depression affects both thought patterns and behavior prior to death.

Note: This article has supplementary file(s).

Fulltext View|Download |  Research Instrument
Untitled
Subject
Type Research Instrument
  Download (41KB)    Indexing metadata
Email colleagues
Keywords: The Snows of Kilimanjaro, Depression Prior to Death, Cognitive, Behavioral

Article Metrics:

Article Info
Section: Articles
Language : EN
Most cited articles
SEKE DAN IKAN MALALUGIS di Desa Bebalang, Kabupaten Kepulauan Sangihe, Sulawesi Utara Front Matter KOMUNITAS MASYARAKAT PESISIR DI TAMBAK LOROK, SEMARANG BAPONGKA, SISTEM BUDAYA SUKU BAJO DALAM MENJAGA KELESTARIAN SUMBER DAYA PESISIR ETNIS BUGIS DI KEPULAUAN KARIMUNJAWA: Harmoni dalam Pelestarian Budaya dan Tradisi More cited articles
  1. References
  2. Beck, A. T., Rush, A. J., Shaw, B. F., & Emery, G. (1979). Cognitive Therapy of Depression. New York: The Guilford Press
  3. Creswell, J. W. (2014). Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches (4th ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications
  4. Hemingway, E. (1936). The Snows of Kilimanjaro. Esquire Magazine
  5. Inungu, J. N., Mpofu, E., & Lewis, T. (2024). Depression Statistics and Trends in the United States: National Institute of Mental Health Review. Washington, DC: National Institute of Mental Health
  6. Li, Peiyan. (2023). An Analysis of Hemingway’s Symbolism in the Snow of Kilimanjaro. Journal of Theory and Practice of Engineering Science, 3(7), 42-44. DOI: 10.53469/jtpss.2023.03(07).08
  7. McNiff, J. (2013). Action Research: Principles and Practice (3rd ed.). London: Routledge
  8. Murphy, M. J. (1972). Understanding Unseen: An Introduction to English Poetry and the English Novel for Overseas Students. London: George Allen & Unwin
  9. Ratcliffe, M. (2015). Experiences of Depression: A Study in Phenomenology. Oxford: Oxford University Press
  10. Setyaningrum, N., & Samanik. (2018). Hedonism as Reflected in Hemingway’s The Snows of Kilimanjaro. Jurnal Ilmu Budaya, 6(1), 56–63
  11. Tucan, D. (2015). From Memories to Counterfactuals: A Conceptual Journey in Ernest Hemingway’s The Snows of Kilimanjaro. Journal of Comparative Literature and Culture, 4(2), 24–30
  12. Zeng, C. (2014). Gift and Curse of Freedom: A Study of The Snows of Kilimanjaro from Sartre’s Philosophy of Existentialism. Theory and Practice in Language 0Studies, 4(12), 2537–2541

Last update:

No citation recorded.

Last update: 2026-06-07 20:49:22

No citation recorded.