Hemingway
Published on Nov 25, 2015
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PRESENTATION OUTLINE
SYMBOLS OF "BIG TWO-HEARTED RIVER"
BY: BRANDON, DIEGO, JOHN, AND MARIA
Throughout this story, Hemingway utilizes the symbols of a tent, swamp, and an uprooted tree to reflect the struggles of Nick's life.
Photo by Chalkie_CC
Symbol: TENT
"He had made his camp. He was settled. Nothing could touch him."
The tent is a reflection of how Nick was trying to find comfort and protection in a place that he felt safe.
Photo by subadei
Symbol: TENT
"Nick turned on his side and shut his eyes. He was sleepy. He felt sleep coming. He curled up under the blanket and went to sleep."
The tent was a representation of relaxation and serenity during a time of chaos and upheaval. It was a comforting place. He was finally able to sleep.
Photo by subadei
Symbol: UPROOTED TREE
"Gone over in a storm it lay back into the woods, it's roots clotted with dirt, grass growing on them..."
The storm and the tree as seen in the quote above, reflect the state of society following the events of World War 1.
Photo by amypalko
Symbol: UPROOTED TREE
Depending on the way you view the tree, it could have a second meaning.
The other way of looking at it is that out of the old society is growing new and rejuvenated ideas and beliefs.
Photo by NickBarlow
Symbol: SWAMP
" It would not be possible to walk through a swamp like that. The branches grew so low.You could not make your way through the branches...Nick did not want to go in there now."
The swamp is a dark mysterious place in Nick's mind, an impenetrable force. This symbolizes the unknowns that Nick must overcome on his road to recovery.
Photo by theqspeaks
Symbol: SWAMP
"In the swamp the banks were bare, covered with cedar needles, the big cedars came together overhead, the sun did not come through except in patches...He did not want to go down the stream any further today."
Though Nick feels hopeless in many ways given his current circumstances, there is hope for a better future, hope to overcome his insecurities. He just needs to do it at his own pace.
Photo by theqspeaks
Symbol: SWAMP
As Nick travels down the river, he faces different obstacles that he must overcome to produce and the swamp is the biggest of them all.
This is directly parallel to the journey Nick must take on his road to recovery from the horror of the war.
Photo by StaticSparks.com
Through the vail of trout fishing, Hemingway picks apart the mental state of society during this point in history.
Photo by Montana State University Library
