What literary elements contribute to the whole of "Big Two-Hearted River"?

Literary elements are like scientific elements in that the two are the basic building blocks of stories and the universe respectively. "Big Two-Hearted River" by Ernest Hemingway is an example of the Iceberg Theory, a style that offers a sliver of information while implying deeper significance. The story follows the protagonist, Nick Adams, as he hikes, camps, and goes fishing. At face value, it seems as basic as it can get, yet there is much more.

Literary elements such as character, plot, setting, and symbolism are purposefully constructed to get at the heart of the piece.

There is only one character, Nick Adams. He is alone with himself. The focus rests solely on his actions, and how his trauma impacts the simplest activity like fishing.

The plot is sparse with little drama. This minimalism places emphasis on what tension there is, such as Nick's reaction to breaking his fishing leader, as well as the dread he feels for the disorder of the swamp.

The setting is sometime after World War I. We open with a brief glimpse of a train disappearing in the distance. Nick Adams is left by himself to take in the surroundings. The story notes how the town of Seney had been utterly destroyed by fire. The only remains are some damaged stone. While it is not explicitly mentioned, a clear parallel can be drawn between the destruction of Seney, and the bombed-out cities Nick witnessed in Europe.

Because meaning is not outright stated, symbolism is a vital literary element for this short story. The fishing site is called "Big Two-Hearted River" because of the two reasons Nick has for coming. He does not just want Trout. Nick wants to fish, but he also wants to recover from the horrors of war. In his camp, Nick is in control. He can make delicious food and smite mosquitos. This stands in contrast to the swamp, which lacked sunlight and order.

In the swamp fishing was a tragic adventure. Nick did not want it. He didn't want to go up the stream any further today.

The swamp is a symbol for Nick's shell-shock or PTSD. He is uneasy with the swamp's presence but must learn to live with it for the rest of his life.

What literary element supports a thesis for "Big Two-Hearted River"?

This short story by Ernest Hemingway is both subtle and complex. Numerous literary elements work together to achieve the development of Nick's character and the theme of the narrative. Of these literary elements, the theme of the story is most effectively realized and communicated through symbolism. The story's title points the reader to the two central symbols in the story: the two very different areas of the river in which Nick can fish--one clean and appealing, the other dangerous and deep. Nick avoids the deep water, just as he works hard to avoid remembering his recent experiences in the war. Thus the "two-hearted" river assumes symbolic meaning, representing Nick's conscious and subconscious selves.

Subtle clues in the story suggest where Nick has been and the destruction he has seen. Others indicate that Nick is making a conscious effort to focus on the immediate present; when his mind strays, he deliberately "chokes" his memories. He could not control what had happened to him in war, but he can control how he deals with its aftermath, and at this time in his life he chooses not to deal with it at all. He will confront his painful memories of the war in his own time, just as he will fish in the deep and dangerous part of the river when he is ready.

Thus the symbolism in the story supports several thesis statements, one being a primary theme in much of Hemingway's work: A man cannot control the forces that act to destroy him, but he can endure and face life with discipline, courage, and dignity. The symbolism in "Big Two-Hearted River" develops this theme.