This example reinforces that the lake and nature as a whole are Nick's way of escaping the world and becoming one with it his emotions, which is honestly quite difficult for a man, especially during the time period of this book, the 1920s, when men were considered dominant and almost emotionless. When Bill addresses Nick's situation with Marjorie, Hemingway exposes Nick's vulnerability through his responses to Bill. After each opinion Bill spoke to Nick about, Nick “said nothing” or “nodded his head” or “remained silent” (46). These actions by Nick were very repetitive throughout this conversation and show the emotional hurt Nick was facing by being wrapped up in his own thoughts about Marjorie. Just as “the alcohol had died in him and left him alone,” so had Marjorie. “He may never see her again.” It was all over, over” (47). Nick's love of nature throughout the short story compilation adds an abundant amount of meaning to nature and its place in