Now I Lay Me

"Now I Lay Me" is a short story by American author Ernest Hemingway. The short story, "Now I Lay Me" is a part of Ernest Hemingway's collection of short stories entitled Men Without Women, which was published in 1927. "Now I Lay Me" takes place in war torn Europe, specifically in Italy. Many of Ernest Hemingway's stories take place in Italy due to his extensive experiences there. "Now I Lay Me" is a short story about two men sleeping in a tent. However simple a story it may be, it reveals the psyche of military men. Although it is never completely affirmed, the context of the story makes the reader assume that the two men are injured and in some sort of a hospital or hospital tent. The main character, Signor Tenente, does not have trouble sleeping; however, refuses to sleep while it is dark outside for fear of losing his soul. This short story goes deep into the man's mind and shows the reader what he does to make it through the night. The second character, John, cannot sleep either. The discussion between the two men concludes the rest of the story.

The story is about Nick Adams, one of Hemingway's recurring characters, forcing himself to stay awake at night in an army tent during World War I. He is afraid that if he goes to sleep in the dark his soul will escape him. Nick is experiencing shell-shock from when he was bombed during a night raid. During the raid Nick severely injured his head. From then on he was afraid to go to sleep at night.