The Power of Choice

In Hemingway’s story, “The End of Something”, Nick Adams faces a decision that will affect the rest of his life. He is torn between staying with his girlfriend and leaving her to pursue a life that she can’t offer. The town of Hortons Bay resembles his relationship with Marjorie in that what was once alive and vibrant is now empty and meaningless.
Nick had come to a crossroads in his life and had to decide if what he was doing would make him happy and if not then what steps would he need to take to achieve this goal. Although he could marry Marjorie and see the world, he realized that this was not what he wanted. The day came when he would have to share his decision with Marjorie. There would never seem to be a right time to hurt a close friend. As they rowed along the lake, Nick was silent because he knew that his decision would break Marjorie’s heart. Although he was uncertain of his future, he was certain that it did not include Marjori...