"The End of Something" Summary

Horton's Bay used to be a mill town, but the mill has recently been deserted. Nick and Marjorie row on the lake, setting up fishing rods for trout. Marjorie enjoys spending time together with Nick. When they sit down to a picnic lunch, Nick picks a fight to make Marjorie leave him and end their budding relationship. She takes the boat and tells Nick to walk home alone. After she leaves, another friend, Bill, comes along to confirm that Nick has broken off the relationship.

"The End of Something" Analysis

This story shows the beginning patterns of Nick Adams' life. His relationship with a girl, Marjorie, has become too emotional for him and he breaks it off for no reason. His real relationship is with his male friend, Bill. Nick Adams, like many characters in...