Hunters in the Snow" by Tobias Wolf

            The short story "Hunters in the Snow " by Tobias Wolf is about three men, Kenny, Frank and Tub, who set out on a hunting trip. The theme of this short story is that selfishness is dangerous and can lead to one's own downfall. This is clearly demonstrated by the characterization of each of the three men. The first of the three main characters is Frank. At the beginning of the story, the reader is shown how self-centered Frank is. All three men are supposed to be friends, but they don't treat each other with respect. When the three men arrive at the field, they have to go through a series of fences. Tub, their friend, is a heavyset man and has difficulty getting through the fences. Instead of helping Tub by "lifting up on the top wire and stepping on the bottom wire " Frank just stands, with Kenny, and watches Tub struggle. At one point in the story, Tub is separated from Frank and Kenny. When he finally catches up with them, he tells Frank he was lost. Frank doesn't care at all. At this point, the reader is shown Frank's true colors. Tub says to Frank "I used to stick up for you. " Frank doesn't understand why this matters, but Tub says that Frank shouldn't have left him behind. Instead of apologizing to Tub, Frank callously says, "You're a grown-up, Tub. You can take care of yourself. " Frank is so self-absorbed, that he doesn't even understand that his insults are greatly affecting Tub. When Tub mentions how the comments make him feel Frank says that he didn't know and that Tub should have said something. Tub responds by saying he did, a couple hours ago. Obviously, Frank wasn't paying attention because he doesn't actually care. As Tub and Frank are driving Kenny to the hospital, they decide to stop at a tavern. Frank confesses to Tub that he thinks he's going to leave his wife, for the babysitter. He explains that the situation isn't easy because his wife has "been damn good to him all these years.