What is the main plot of “Big Two-Hearted River”?
Nick, the only character in this two-part story, has come by train to do some fishing and camping in Seney, Michigan. As the story progresses, the reader gets the sense that Nick is trying to escape from some inner psychological dilemma, which is never described. Certain activities Nick partakes in (constructing his tent, fixing his breakfast, threading his fishing rod) Hemingway gives great detail to as if to further emphasize Nick’s desire to escape. Nick’s focused attention on these activities helps him to forget what he has come here to the river to forget. However, the swamp serves as a constant reminder of what Nick fears and dreads. Will Nick overcome his psychological trauma? The concluding sentence of the story gives the impression that Nick will overcome.
