Contrary to what the title suggests, Ernest Hemingway’s “The Killers” is not about the two hitmen, nor is it about Ole Andreson, whom they have come to kill. Instead, the story centers around Nick Adams. It serves as a coming-of-age tale, personified by Max and Al. The narrative ultimately grapples with an existential crisis prompted by Ole Andreson’s passive behavior in the face of malevolent forces.

At the beginning of the story, Nick Adams is portrayed as a young, somewhat naive boy. However, as the narrative unfolds, he undergoes a profound transformation. By the story’s conclusion, he emerges as a fundamentally changed man, who symbolically chooses to “get out of this town” (53) and leave his old self behind. This metamorphosis aligns with the overarching themes of Loss of Innocence and Disillusionment With Reality, as Nick transitions from a state of childlike purity to a more complex understanding of the world’s harsh truths.

Max and Al, the two hitmen, are archetypal gangster figures. They are dressed “like twins,” with derby hats and black overcoats “buttoned across the chest,” silk mufflers, and gloves (44).