Summary
The short story “The End of Something” by Ernest Hemingway begins with a description of Hortons Bay, which used to be a lumber town. Only the foundation of the mill is left at the time when the events take place. A couple, Nick and Marjorie, are sailing and fishing in a boat which is heading towards Hortons Bay.
The boat passes the ruin of the mill, and Marjorie compares it with a castle. Nick does not reply but pays attention to the fish and becomes frustrated that they do not strike. Nick and Marjorie set up fishing lines and pull the boat on the shore.
While they are sitting on the beach next to the fire, Marjorie questions Nick about his distant attitude. She invites Nick to eat, and he accepts, even though he is not hungry. They start to argue about Marjorie’s “know-it-all” attitude, and Nick confesses that nothing is fun anymore. Marjorie feels that his confession means the end of their relationship and decides to take the boat and leave, while Nick stays on the blanket.
Later on, Nick’s friend, Bill, arrives and asks how the breakup went. Nick asks him to go away and leave him alone for a while, and Bill goes and checks the fishing rods.
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