Ernest Hemingway's "Big Two-Hearted River" is a short story that follows the journey of a man named Nick as he travels to a river in Michigan to go fishing. The story is set after World War I, and Nick is a soldier who has just returned from the war.
As the story begins, Nick arrives in the town of Seney, Michigan, and begins his journey to the river. Along the way, he encounters a burned-out town that has been destroyed by fire. This serves as a metaphor for the devastation and destruction that Nick has experienced during the war.
When Nick finally reaches the river, he begins to set up his campsite and prepare for his fishing trip. As he works, he reflects on the beauty and tranquility of the surroundings, and he feels a sense of peace and healing wash over him.
Throughout the story, Hemingway uses vivid descriptions of the natural surroundings to create a sense of peace and serenity. The river is described as "smooth and slow and deep" and the trees are "dark and dense." These descriptions contrast with the devastation and destruction that Nick has experienced in the war, and they serve to highlight the restorative power of nature.
As the story progresses, Nick catches several fish and enjoys the solitude of his surroundings. However, as night falls, he begins to feel a sense of loneliness and isolation. Despite this, he remains determined to continue his journey and find a sense of healing and peace.
In the end, Nick successfully completes his fishing trip and returns home, feeling rejuvenated and renewed. Through his journey, he has found a sense of healing and connection to the natural world, which has helped him to cope with the trauma of war.
Overall, "Big Two-Hearted River" is a powerful and poignant exploration of the healing power of nature and the importance of finding solace in the face of trauma. Hemingway's vivid descriptions of the natural surroundings and the inner thoughts of the main character serve to create a deeply moving and resonant story. So, this is a complete text of "Big Two-Hearted River" by Ernest Hemingway.