- Published: January 3, 2022
- Updated: January 3, 2022
- University / College: University of Oregon
- Level: Masters
- Language: English
- Downloads: 29
Ernest Hemingway, ” Indian Camp” What is the setting (where is the story taking place)? Thestory takes place at the lake shore where Nicks father gets an invite to deliver an Indian woman. 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 tolerate horrific scenes.
Nicks father: He is a courageous character and kind at heart since he offers to deliver the woman. His courage enables carry out a simple operation using a knife, and successful delivers 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 simple a victim of circumstance and but 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 has caused all events in the story. Nick faces the conflict of witnessing childbirth and death of the father. Death and birth conflict each other.
What revelation does the protagonist have during the narrative?
He learns about the pain women go through while giving birth. However, 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 fathers demise is an end to life.
Considering the plot structure you have just described, what is the theme?
Initiation and death is a major theme as the childs birthmarks 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 much disturbed with 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.
Reference
Ernest Hemingway, ” Indian Camp” 102-105