On the surface Nick is camping and fishing. But he is running from his problems. He is getting away and taking life slow. It’s a nice change for him and he enjoys himself when these problems present themselves again (the swamp) he avoids them and postpones the inevitable, for better, or worse.

1.  What else do you think Hemmingway may be saying through the setting in this story?  He is showing the carefree attitude that Nick had taken toward life.

2.  Why does he use the contrasting setting of the burned out area with the lush, green setting?
He shows how much better off Nick is in this new (state of mind) place.

3.  What does Nick's traveling through the burned out area to the lush green area symbolize?
His movement from the burned landscape symbolizes him leaving his problems behind. When a farmer wants to clear an area of weeds, so that he can plant something, he will burn the land. The burning fertilizes the soil and gets rid of the bothersome weeds. Thus allowing the plants he puts there to grow. Nick has burned away the weeds, and planted sturdier surroundings.

4.  What does the swamp area symbolize? 

The swamp symbolizes the new problems arising in his life. Nobody can live without problems.

5.  When does Nick, if ever, plan to go to the swamp?

Later after he has had his fill of the easy life, secluded from the world and reality.