Ernest Hemingway\'s Big Two-Hearted River

¶ … Ernest Hemingway's "Big Two-Hearted River"

Ernest Hemingway is a master of understatement. Many of his works of literature purposefully provide the reader with as little information as possible to underscore a point made all the more powerful by that lack of detail. In this respect, his short story "Big Two-Hearted River" is no different. The plot is bare and merely chronicles a man's journey to fish in a river. As such, there are many different interpretations one could have as to the theme of this work. However, a careful analysis of the details the author does provide reveals that there are many elements of this tale that represent the principle theme of nature's triumph over civilization.

An examination of the setting of this tale provides suitable evidence for the thesis that thematically, Hemingway's story is about nature victory over civilization. What is significant about the setting is not just the fact that the story takes place in the wilderness. The true significance of the setting is that the tale takes place in a part of the country where civilization -- represented in the form of a town -- had previously reigned. It is important to note that the destruction of that town was due to an elemental force of nature, fire. The following quotation, which takes place when the protagonist begins his journey to go fishing, alludes to the fact that the destruction of the town (Seney) represents nature's ascendancy over civilization.

From the time he had gotten down off the train and the baggage man had thrown his pack out of the open car door things had been different. Seney was burned, the country was burned over and changed, but it did not matter. It could not all be burned. (Hemingway).

Nick's perception of the fact that there was a different feeling about his journey once he reached the former town of Seney is due to the fact that man's civilizing influence is no longer there. Thus, the author describes the country as "changed" -- because it is returned to its natural state. The reader knows that a fire restored that natural state because the author describes the territory as "burned over." The most important part of this quotation is the final sentence, in which Nick realizes that the entire country could not be ravaged by fire however. Although Seney was, there still is an abundance of nature's pure elements to indicate that it has withstood the ravages of fire. The town, however, has not.

In addition to utilizing aspects of the story's setting to emphasize the theme of nature's conquest over civilization, Hemingway also uses different aspects of characterization to reinforce it as well. In terms of Nick's personality, the reader knows precious little information about him. Therefore, what information is given is extremely valuable to analyzing his characterization in respect to the story's theme. As such, it is important to note that throughout the duration if Nick's fishing trek, he is largely quiet. His silence is not only related to the fact that there is no one else to talk to, but also to the fact that talking is a human trait that is practiced in civilized society. Nick's sojourn to the heart of the country surrounding Seney removes him from civilization, so talking and engaging in practices that are appropriate for civilization are not appropriate where he is. The following quotation proves this point. "I've got a right to eat this kind of stuff, if I'm willing to carry it," Nick said. His voice sounded strange in the darkening woods. He did not speak again" (Hemingway). Nick's voice sounds odd due to his location, which is in a natural setting in the dark. The fact that he does not attempt to talk again shows that he realizes how inappropriate it is to engage in civilized practices when he is removed from civilization. From this perspective, then, it becomes clear that the natural setting has also triumphed over this particular aspect of civilization both externally in destroying the town, but also internally in silencing Nick.