Slightly different from Law and Order, Rules and Order in this case refers to the fact that Nick likes things organized, predictable, and controllable. There is no slovenliness in his camp. No sir, no cutting corners here. In fact, Nick seems to relish the idea of neatness and predictability. You would think that nature would be a place where rules could be slackened, but instead we see Nick as someone who is a little obsessed with doing things right. But even though we like a clean campsite as much as the next person, do we see Nick’s meticulousness as a good thing?
Questions About Rules and Order
- At what point do we notice that Nick’s attention to detail is a bit more, um, attentive than your average guy's?
- In what ways does Nick’s fastidiousness manifest itself?
- How does the story’s language reflect Nick’s fastidiousness?
- What things in the story threaten to undermine Nick’s neat and ordered world?
Chew on This
Nick’s attention to tactile, physical acts shows his desire for things that are within his control.
By focusing on things he can manage, Nick deflects attention away from the mental things that he can’t manage.