In the beginning of this short story, Nick starts his adventure in the symbolic town of Seney. Nick describes the burnt landscape and states: “even the surface had been burned off of the ground” (Hemingway 163). World War 1 veterans recalled …show more content…
The author depicts that although he was weighed down, he felt happy. All of his needs were behind him as he begins to move forward. This subtle script of text elates more than his journey into the woods, this revealed an emblematic odyssey that his sole must undergo. After establishing a safe place to set up camp, he appears to be at peace. In the morning Nick awakes, feeling the warmth of the sun. The start of a new day is allegorical in and of itself. Next we see Nick transition and become connected with nature. His next meals are less processed and rely on water from the stream. He even dips his onion sandwich in the stream while eating it. The cleansing water is a baptism for nick, he appears to be at peace and finally free from his heavy burdens. Finally, Nick begins to fish. This process is as meticulous as every other. Here the therapeutic qualities of fishing become readily apparent. Nick is one with nature, connected with the stream. While fishing he demonstrates three of the principles seen in the Law of Armed Conflict retrieved from (DiMeglio 34). Nick demonstrates proportionality by only taking the fish he needs. In doing this Nick is distancing himself from the horrors and excessive suffering witnessed on the battle field. Clearly Nick is separating himself form war’s barbarity. Next he uses distinction, he knows that he can catch bigger fish, but chooses not to. “Nick had one good trout, he didn’t care about getting many trout” (Hemingway 173). Finally he displays the tenant that prevents unnecessary suffering. While releasing a fish, the author elaborates in detail how Nick submerged his hand with water prior to releasing a fish so as to not disturb the mucus on their scales. While he does kill the two fish that he intends to eat, he does so with a quick and defiant smack against a log. Hemingway displays the Law of Armed