Use Of Cigarettes In Ernest Hemingway's Death

“Hey there, Sweetheart - can I bum one?” The Death-bringer internally sighs - he had expected to be bothered for cigarettes, but not quite to this extent; he is down nearly half his pack, yet he has only smoked two himself since he purchased it hours ago, the rest having been supplied to those who asked as they approached him on the sidewalk. Smoking is an occasional vice of his, and he is semi-immortal anyway – he won't die from it even if he continuously smokes for a mortal's lifetime, so long as he does Death's bidding. The cigarettes also make it easier for him to draw in his prey, offering a reason they may wish to approach him, and it gives targets something they can use as an excuse to talk to him. He looks the inquirer over slowly: …show more content…
A glance back at what he can see of her eyes proves him correct; her soul is turned inwards, to herself, and does not light up her eyes as it would were she more physically aware at the moment. This woman has not had a particularly good day, he decides, and curiosity peeks its head out; he is an empathetic soul, can feel the very edge of her energy, and he suspects he wants to know this lady's story. He offers her tribute, in the form of her requested cancer-stick, then slides the soft-pack back into one pocket of his own black, leather duster, simultaneously pulling out a …show more content…
“Shit, Honey, seems like everybody uses lighters these days.” she stops, thinking, before she adds, “I can appreciate a match though – reminds me of a slower, simpler time, you know? Better days, as I recall.” she drawls. He chuckles, nodding along in agreement. “Yeah, I hear you.” “So why do you use matches? Or have you just forgotten your lighter somewhere and just need something in the meantime?” “Call me an old soul”. The comment earns him a scoff from the human. “But really, I appreciate a match as well; I enjoy the feel of the friction between the lighting strip and match