The Killers Allusions & Cultural References

When authors refer to other great works, people, and events, it’s usually not accidental. Put on your super-sleuth hat and figure out why.

Historical References

Andre Anderson (Ole Andreson’s character): Andre Anderson was an American heavyweight boxer in the decade leading up to Hemingway’s "The Killers." He was killed in 1926 by Chicago mobsters, supposedly for not "taking a dive" (losing on purpose) in one particular match. Hemingway cleverly references both Andre’s first name and his last name in his character’s last name: Andreson.