"Hunters in the Snow"

“Hunters in the Snow” by Tobias Wolff

Question 5

In the beginning of the short story, Tub appears to be a stock character. He is the primary object of Kenny’s jokes. For example, “ ‘You ought to see yourself,’ the driver said. ‘He looks like a beach ball with a hat on, doesn’t he? Doesn’t he Frank?’ ” (Wolff, 187). All Kenny does is make fun of Tub and Tub just takes it. Tub falls behind while hunting, and Kenny and Frank think that it is funny to move the truck and act like they are leaving. Tub appears to be a stock character, but he is a fully realized individual. When Kenny goes through a pattern of saying he hates things and then shooting them, he points the gun at Tub. In defense, Tub shoots Kenny. At this moment, we realize that Tub initiates action and is not just an object in people’s jokes. Another instance where we realize Tub’s individualism is where he talks with Frank about his problems. He mentions that he lies to his wife about why he is fat. This reveals that Tub has insecurities and problems that every individual has. Knowing that he has a family to take care of contributes to the characterization that Tub is a fully realized individual.