A fascinating look at the history, grandeur and pageantry of bullfighting, Death in the Afternoon is also a deeper contemplation on the nature of cowardice and bravery, sports and tragedy, and is enlivened throughout by Hemingway's pungent commentary on life and literature. Seen through his eyes, bullfighting becomes an art, a richly choreographed ballet, with performers who range from awkward amateurs to masters of great grace and cunning.