This example solidifies the fact that the lake and nature as a whole represent Nick's way of escaping the world and being one with his emotions, which is honestly quite difficult for a male, 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 with his responses to Bill. After each opinion expressed by Bill to Nick, Nick “said nothing” or “nodded” or “sat in silence” (46). These actions of Nick were very repetitive throughout the conversation and show the emotional hurt that Nick was dealing with being wrapped up in his thoughts about Marjorie. Just as “the liquor had died in him and left him alone,” so had Marjorie. “He may never see her again. It was all over, finished” (47). Nick's love of nature through the short story collection adds an abundant amount of meaning to nature and his place in it