Big Two-Hearted River

The river symbolizes a place of healing and regeneration for Nick. It represents purity, renewal, and a return to the basic elements of life. While the town of Seney and the surrounding landscape have been destroyed by fire, the river remains. Nick’s simple recognition, “The river was there” (Paragraph 2), suggests that, to him, the river represents that which is eternal and endures even as everything else seems to fall into chaos. Like the Christian ritual of baptism, Nick’s immersion in the river signifies his attempt to cleanse himself of the emotional wounds caused by war and reconnect with a simpler, more peaceful existence.

A bird is traditionally a symbol of spiritual ascent, to be able to rise above temporal thoughts and cares. This specific bird is notable for its ability to dive beneath the surface of the water in pursuit of fish. This is a metaphor for what Nick needs to do to heal his trauma: He must go down into his unconscious to retrieve the memories hidden there so he can be whole. The kingfisher may also be an allusion to the medieval Arthurian story of the Fisher King. The Fisher King is the last king tasked with guarding the Holy Grail.