Hunters in the Snow by Tobias Wolff

The short story Hunters in the Snow by Tobias Wolff is the story of three good friends going hunting. Each of these friends makes cruel comments to one another, which causes a great deal of tension between the three. At first when Kenny is shot, I did not feel sorry for him, but at the end of the story there is symbolism that evoked sympathy for Kenny. As Kenny is desperately awaiting the hospital, it is observed that, "Hanging between Kenny's toes in the direction of the hospital, was the North Star, Pole Star, Help to Sailors" (Wolff, 201). This image of the star that helps give direction is a symbol that Kenny will never make it to the hospital in time. Even though he had a sick sense of humor, Kenny is still human and experienced an event no human would want to experience. This symbol of realizing Kenny was doomed caused me to feel sympathy because of how helpless and weak Kenny was at that point. His life was in the hands of two men who lacked care for Kenny's well being. From this symbol it can be inferred that Kenny will either bleed to death or freeze to death before Frank and Tub realize their mistake.