WWI Reflected in 'The Big Two-Hearted River'

The First World War was the greatest, most horrific war mankind had ever seen up until that point. A war fought over morals of justice, equality, freedom, it served as one of the most immoral periods in man's history as civilians became targets and mass-bloodshed became common. By some, it was called "La Guerre du Droit (the War for Justice)"; by others "The War to End All Wars". In this way, WWI was a "Two-Hearted River". Also, as soldiers serving in the War felt patriotic, proud, and righteous, many returned home experiencing extreme shell shock (now known as post-traumatic stress syndrome) and were never able to recover. In this way, military service and role of a soldier was a "Two-Hearted River".

Nick is a soldier. This is seen in his ability to bear heavy loads and his extreme physical endurance. It is seen also in his lack of luxury needs, his desire for silence and solitude, and his appreciation of a cigarette.

The black and burnt landscape which he returns home to in reminiscent of a bombed and exploited landscape. Like the aftermath of war, the aftermath of the fire has left the area lifeless, empty. What was once lush, is now charred. It also reinforces the idea of shell-shock experienced by soldiers at war, who often return home and cannot appreciate and reconnect with it. After their traumatic experiences at war, home for them becomes a lifeless landscape.

The trout, like politicians and, more often than not, the enemies, they are unharmed by the massive fire, protected by the cool river. The insects in the story seem to represent civilians in the face of war. While Nick pities a blackened one trying to reestablish life at one point, he ruthlessly fashions them for fish bait at another. Like most soldiers at war, Nick was able to eradicate feelings of pity when a job needed to be done, and lives had to be sacrificed to achieve that. This again reinforces the 'Two-Hearted" nature of soldiers in war.

"The Sun Also Rises" is arguably written in a similar fashion as this short story: dancing around the theme of war, while keeping its presence entirely implied. Reading "The Big Two-Hearted River" can help one prepare for Hemingway's novel by training the mind to see references to war when they aren't directly stated. Perhaps characters in the novel share the same 'two-hearted nature' as the character in this short story. By reading this short story before hand, the nature may be more easily identifiable in the characters of the novel.