A Canary for One, Ernest Hemingway: Summary & Analysis

'A Canary for One' is a short story by Ernest Hemingway (1899-1961) that was written in 1926 and first published the following year. It embodies many of Hemingway's distinct writing characteristics, such as clear and unadorned prose, and a focus on seemingly ordinary events that gradually reveal their underlying symbolism. To fully comprehend Hemingway's intentions in 'A Canary for One,' it is essential to analyze the story's symbolism. Before delving into the analysis, let's provide a brief summary of the plot. A Canary for One: Plot Summary The story is narrated by an American man traveling with his wife on a train through France. Among their fellow passengers is a middle-aged American woman who strikes up a conversation with the man's wife. This middle-aged woman, who is both deaf and concerned about the train's high speed, carries a canary in a cage. She purchased the canary in Sicily and keeps it with her in the railway carriage. Mistaking the c…