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.
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What is the main plot of "The Three Day Blow"?
Nick visits the cottage of his friend
Bill and over a bottle of whisky (and later scotch), the two friends partake in a discussion concerning baseball, literature, fathers, and finally Nick's recent breakup with girlfriend Marge (see Hemingway's short story,
"The End of Something"). Bill insists that his friend is better off now and implies that Marjorie is and never will be good enough for Nick. The narrator repetitiously alerts us to Nick's lack of response throughout
Bill's rather pessimistic discourse on marriage.
As the liquor looses its placating effect, Nick begins to confront the painful reality of his breakup with Marge. He acknowledges how everything ended so suddenly, as the wind will end suddenly after its three day blow. Yet there is always the possibility that the wind will return and blow again, as there is the possibility that Nick will again see Marge. This lessens the absolute finality of the situation and makes Nick feel happy. So happy that he begins to make other plans. He might go into town Saturday night. Perhaps in town he will see Marge. Perhaps he won't, but the possibility of seeing her exists, as does the possibility that their relationship can be salvaged.
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Where can I find summaries of Hemingway's novels?
Try Masterplots
edited by Frank N. Magill. You should be able to find this collection in the reference room of a large library, preferably a college or university library. Masterplots has become
very popular with college and graduate students alike. It provides accurate plot summaries, which are occasionally accompanied by a short commentary of critical opinion on the particular novel.
Abraham Lass's A Student's Guide to 50 American Novels is another option. Though a bit dated, it has plot summaries for The Sun Also Rises, A Farewell to Arms, and The Old Man and the Sea.
Charles M. Oliver's Ernest Hemingway A to Z: The Essential Reference to the Life and Work has detailed plot summaries not only for all of Hemingway's novels, but also his short stories.
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What is the main plot of "Old Man at the Bridge"?
A soldier (who is also the narrator) sees an old man resting
on the side of a road near a pontoon bridge. Other civilians are crossing this bridge, but the old man is too tired to proceed
any further. The old man tells the soldier that he is a native of San Carlos where he worked as a caretaker of animals.
The old man seems more concerned for the safety of his animals than for his own safety. He has some relief in knowing that the cat will be able to fend for itself, and that since he has unlocked the cage, the birds can fly away, but the fate of the other animals is uncertain and the man is distraught by this.
The soldier tries to encourage the old man to move a little farther along, for he knows the bridge is likely to be bombed. The old man, however, is simply too exhausted to proceed. The soldier then reflects on the overcast sky, which might prevent the planes from bombing the bridge. In this sense, the soldier seems to be engaging in the same type of wishful thinking as the old man, who must convince himself that the cats can take care of themselves and the birds can fly away. Death is imminent however. Deep down, the soldier and the old man both know this.
