Indian Camp by Hemingway - Coursework Example

Ernest Hemingway, "Indian Camp" What is the setting (where is the story taking place)? The story takes place at the lake shore where Nicks's's father gets an invite to deliver an Indian woman. The presence of camp boats and bays confirms that the story is taking place in the camp area at the lake shore. Provide a brief description of the following characters: •Nick: He is a young, intelligent, and inquisitive character. His character comes out at the end of the story when he asks his father about death and childbirth.

The character is also courageous given he is so young but tolerates horrific scenes. Nick's father: He is a courageous character and kind at heart since he offers to deliver the woman. His courage enables him to carry out a simple operation using a knife, and successfully deliver the woman. •Uncle George: he is an abusive character as he hurls abuse at the Indian woman who is in pain. •The Indian woman: she is simply a victim of circumstance and tolerates labor pain. •The young Indian: he is a hard-working boy and skilled in rowing a boat.

•The father: the father is a coward and irresponsible. What is the incident that describes the problem? What is the conflict the protagonist must face? The childbirth incident caused all events in the story. Nick faces the conflict of witnessing childbirth and the death of the father. Death and birth conflict with each other. What revelation does the protagonist have during the narrative? He learns about the pain women go through while giving birth. However, the reality of death is indeed a shocking revelation to him.

How does the problem get resolved? The woman is delivered and brings a new life, but the father's demise is an end to life. Considering the plot structure you have just described, what is the theme? Initiation and death are major themes as the child's birth marks the beginning of life while death marks its end. Does the theme represent a truth in life? Yes. Though life initiation is highly celebrated, death is a reality that befalls everyone. At the end of the story, Nick is so disturbed by the reality that he will one day die.

Why does the father commit suicide? This has been the mystery that has fueled many of the debates over this story. One speculation may point to the conclusion that George might be the father of the child. He is uneasy at the scene and hurling an abuse to the woman adds to his guilt. When the father takes off his life, George lives and the only conclusion is that the man discovered that his wife betrayed him.