# Chapter VIII explained — Short Fiction

> Chapter companion for Short Fiction by Ernest Hemingway.

## What happens

Two Hungarian men are shot and killed by police officer Boyle in a late-night incident, while his partner Drevitts worries about the potential repercussions. Boyle dismisses the concern, relying on ethnic prejudice to justify the killings.

## Themes in this chapter

### The Absurdity of Authority and Religion

Boyle's casual, prejudiced justification for murder highlights the arbitrary and corrupt nature of police authority.

### American Identity and Disillusionment

The incident exposes the dark underbelly of American society, where ethnic bias and violence undermine ideals of justice.

## Character check-ins

### James G. Blaine

Referred to as Jimmy by Drevitts; Boyle's partner in the police force.

### Guy

Implied as Boyle, the officer who shoots the two Hungarians.

## Key lines

> “Hell, Jimmy,” he said, “you oughtn’t to have done it. There’s liable to be a hell of a lot of trouble.”

Drevitts warns Boyle that the killings could lead to serious consequences.

_Shows Drevitts's fear of legal or social backlash._

> “Wops,” said Boyle, “I can tell wops a mile off.”

Boyle claims he can identify Italians from a distance, using a derogatory term.

_Highlights the racial prejudice driving Boyle's actions._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_15_se/chapters/chapter-viii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_15_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_15_se/chapters