The Secret Life of Walter Mitty is a short story that explores the dull and depressing existence of the titular character. During a shopping trip to the city, Mitty's wife constantly nags at him, and he is shown to be a rather timid and dreary man on the outside; however, inside his head, he is taking part in an endless parade of colorful, swashbuckling adventures. The story demonstrates the disconnect between inner and outer identity, as well as the desperate desire to escape the ordinary.
The Short Happy Life of Francis Macomber is the story of the title character, his wife Margaret, and their friend Wilson on safari in Africa. Macomber has shamed himself by showing fear during a lion hunt and seeks to redeem himself and regain his courage. During a buffalo hunt, though, Macomber repeatedly fails to kill a charging buffalo. When he finally does fell the beast he feels restored, but his wife accidentally shoots and kills him.