The Northern Woods: Indian Camp Summary

Nick accompanies his father, who is a doctor, and his uncle to an Indian camp. An Indian woman has been giving birth for two days due to complications and his father has to operate to recover the child. Nick, who evidently is very young, is frightened by the surgery and does not watch. His father is told that the baby's father hurt himself in an ax accident recently and takes a look at him to find that he had actually killed himself. He tries to spare Nick from seeing it, but he is too late. As they are leaving the camp, the two discuss suicide and death.

The Northern Woods: Indian Camp Analysis

This chapter continues the themes of immaturity and death. Nick, whose immaturity is illustrated by his father's active attempts to shelter him...