Ignorance is Bliss

In "Hunters in the Snow," the two final sentences add a final twist to the conclusion that is unexpected; however, once the reader rereads the story, the ending is perhaps not so unexpected after all. The characterizations of Frank and Tub make this conclusion, in fact, plausible. Because the men are very unaware of the other's problems and needs in general, they make this ending very appropriate. For instance, when Kenny was shot (by Tub), the two unscathed men attempt to take him to the hospital. As insults, such as "you fat moron" begin to be tossed around, Tub turns the situation to himself and his anger about being mocked. After "a while" the men begin to start on their journey to the hospital. Tub and Frank show very little caring in regards to Kenny (i.e. telling Kenny to "hold onto" the blankets, forgetting the directions, stopping for food and drink, stopping to warm up) because they are too busy talking about their own issues. Wolff uses the conclusion to prove to his readers that his characters do not value their friendships; they want sympathy, but they cannot give it, they only want to talk about their problems, not worry about those of others', and the men truly are oblivious to the pain of their so-called 'closest friends.'