The Undefeated (short story)

The Undefeated is a short story written by Ernest Hemingway. It was first published in 1927 in the collection Men Without Women. The story is set in Spain and revolves around the life of an aging bullfighter named Manuel Garcia.

Plot Summary[edit | edit source]

The story begins with Manuel Garcia, an old and once-famous bullfighter, who is determined to make a comeback in the bullfighting arena. Despite his age and the physical toll of his career, Manuel is resolute in proving that he still has the skill and courage to face the bulls. He approaches Retana, a bullfighting promoter, to secure a fight. Reluctantly, Retana agrees to give Manuel a chance, but only in a minor event with less prestigious bulls.

Manuel prepares for the fight with the help of Zurito, a picador and an old friend. The night before the fight, Manuel reflects on his past glories and the challenges he has faced. On the day of the fight, Manuel enters the ring with determination. Despite his best efforts, he struggles against the bull, and the fight does not go as planned. He is injured but refuses to give up, embodying the spirit of the undefeated.

Themes[edit | edit source]

The Undefeated explores themes of perseverance, pride, and the passage of time. Hemingway delves into the psyche of an aging bullfighter who refuses to accept defeat, highlighting the human spirit's resilience. The story also touches on the harsh realities of aging and the inevitable decline that comes with it.

Characters[edit | edit source]

Manuel Garcia - The protagonist, an aging bullfighter determined to make a comeback.
Retana - A bullfighting promoter who reluctantly gives Manuel a chance to fight.
Zurito - A picador and Manuel's old friend who helps him prepare for the fight.

Setting[edit | edit source]

The story is set in Spain, a country known for its rich tradition of bullfighting. The setting plays a crucial role in the narrative, providing a backdrop that is both culturally significant and symbolic of the protagonist's internal struggle.

Publication History[edit | edit source]

The Undefeated was first published in 1927 as part of Hemingway's short story collection Men Without Women. The collection includes other notable stories such as The Killers and Hills Like White Elephants.

Reception[edit | edit source]

The story has been praised for its vivid portrayal of the bullfighting world and its exploration of complex themes. Hemingway's concise and powerful prose has been lauded by critics and readers alike.