t tensions and fears that confront the Hemingway hero Nick Adams. The reader, along with Nick, is introduced to the harsh reality of life and death. The story evinces that that which the war exposes, the fear of nothingness, has always been present in the life of the Hemingway hero but has been denied. That this denial is no longer possible for the post-war Nick necessitates a direct confrontation with his fears. It is noticeable from the outset of “Indian Camp” that Hemingway is working with a light and darkness motif. For example, the two boats start off into the dark night which is relieved only by lanterns and deforestation, and the operation that Dr. Adams performs is done by lantern light. It may be suggested that the uncovering of the reality of life and death are being conveyed through the images of a lantern in the dark. During the birthing procedure, Dr. Adams talks to Nick as if he is performing it for the benefit of Nick’s education. However, Dr. Adams does not want Nick to witness the suicide of the Indian fa
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