Throughout history, there has been a class of men that truly epitomize the core of masculinity. These men are fighters, sportsmen, and hunters; Wilson is the latter. Wilson, from the story "The Short Happy Life of Francis Macomber," is the essence of masculinity that Ernest Hemingway idolized. Hemingway was man's man; like Wilson he hunted big game, he drank heavily and he was a womanizer of sorts. He also fought in both world wars including the liberation of Paris and the storming of Normandy. Ernest Hemingway shows himself, or at least what he wants to be, in the form of Wilson.
Wilson is not only a hunter, he is a very good hunter; he has a sense of sport and unshakable nerves. Wilson remains perfectly calm and aims carefully in order to hit his target whether it is a far off antelope or a pouncing lion, seconds from tearing him limb from limb. Wilson has crossed the threshold that we see later exemplified by Macomber. Wilson is fearless because the "Worst one can do is kill you." (pg. 150). His mentality about death is that of a true man, a battle-hardened warrior that has no more fear of dying as going to sleep at night. Wilson even quotes a line of Shakespeare about not fearing death. "By my troth, I care not; a man can die but once; we owe God a death and let it go which way it will he that dies this year is quit for the next." (pg 150). He tells this to Macomber as he "comes of age" soon before his death. Wilson is the mentor that brings many people across the threshold to manhood.
Wilson, like most "macho" men, enjoys sex and does not attach any emotion to it. Wilson sleeps with Margot after Macomber's humiliation, he does this because she is "very attractive" not because of any emotional attachment, in fact, he thinks she's cruel and manipulative, which she is. Wilson also feels no remorse towards Macomber for sleeping with his wife and instead thinks to himself "What does he think I am, a bloody plaster saint? Let him keep her where she belongs.
