Hunters in the Snow

In “Hunters in the Snow,” Wolff explores toxic relationships through the aggression, cruelty, deception, and secrets at play between three friends. The cold, snowy setting of the story also reflects the cold, hostile, and oppressive nature of their friendship. From the beginning of the story, their friendship is characterized by exclusion and cruelty. Tub has been waiting for them to arrive “for an hour in the falling snow,” and when they arrive, Kenny mounts the curb and almost runs him over (20). Not only do Kenny and Frank not offer an apology, but they also mock Tub’s weight and dismiss his feelings. Kenny ridicules him, saying, “He looks just like a beach ball with a hat on,” and when Tub is upset about almost being run over, Frank just tells him to “be mellow” (20). While the berating and belittling continue throughout the story, the fickle nature of their friendships can be seen when the power dynamic changes after Kenny is shot. Frank aligns with Tub, leaving Kenny out, only this time the cruelty deepens and puts Kenny’s life at risk. Wolff conveys that friendships based on toxic personality traits and dynamics such as aggression and cruelty are both unfulfilling and dangerous.