The Sun Also Rises

By Nathan Tran

Characters:

Jake Barnes: Barnes is a veteran from the First World War who now finds himself drinking and socializing with those he meets at parties.  Jake works as a journalist in France but is often distracted by his lust for Brett Ashley.  Using his skills of observation to spectate the world around him, Jake Barnes acts as the narrator of The Sun Also Rises.

Robert Cohn: The outsider of the group, Cohn is often used as a punching bag by others to take out their own insecurities.  Being Jewish and having not served his country in the war juxtaposes Cohn against Jake and the others.  Robert is the person included in group activities to the rest can call their clique “diverse” when in reality he simply is there for others when it is convenient

Lady Brett Ashley: The leading lady, Brett Ashley uses her beautiful looks and seductive attitude to use men for what she needs and nothing more.  Fiercely independent, Ashley cannot commit to any one man due to a need to be self-sufficient.  She is an example of how beautiful and lustful women of her time lived ultimately unfulfilled lives.

Summary:

            The Sun Also Rises is the story of Jake Barnes and his pursuit of Lady Brett Ashley.  It begins with Jake trying to console his friend, Robert Cohn, from his anxious and nervous state.  Cohn is so desperate to break the stagnant cycle of his life, he begs Barnes to accompany him to South America.  However, Jake refuses, and eventually gets Cohn to leave.  Later that day, Jake is reunited with Lady Brett Ashley.  The two met during World War I and Jake fell madly in love with her.  However, Jake is impotent and Brett, although in love with him, cannot commit to their relationship.  The next day, Jake tells Cohn about Brett over lunch.  Cohn instantly becomes infatuated with Brett.  Later that night, Brett arrives at Jakes apartment to tell Jake that she is leaving for San Sebastian, in Spain, saying it will be easier on both of them to be apart.  Jake and Bill Gorton make plans to leave for Spain to attend the fiesta at Pamplona.  However, Jake mistakenly encounters Brett with her fiancé Mike, her fiancé.  After agreeing to travel Spain together, Brett tells Jake of her affair with Cohn.  After meeting with Cohn, the three arrive to Pamplona.  While waiting for Brett, Jake and Bill go fishing while Cohn stays behind.  When they return, Jake and Bill stay in a hotel.  They meet Montoya, a Spanish bullfighter who enjoys Jake’s company.  Later, Jake, Bill, Brett, Mike, and Cohn attend the fiesta.  There, they meet Pedro Romero, a bullfighter.  Brett is instantly infatuated with him and asks Jake to arrange a meeting.  Later that night, Brett and Romero sleep together.  Cohn soon arrives, asking about Brett.  After knocking Jake and Mike out, he beats up Romero for sleeping with Brett.  The next day, Romero reigns supreme in the bullfighting competitions and depart for Madrid with Brett, leaving Jake in the dust.  However, Jake is contacted by Brett to come to Madrid.  It is revealed that she left Romero in fear of ruining his bullfighting career.  She also states that she wants to be with Mike.  But the heartbroken Jake fails to show sympathy for the woman, and sees her for what she really is.

Review: 4/5 stars

I enjoyed this novel because of its adventurous and spontaneous attitude and the characters that act like high school sterotypes.  The time and place the novel takes place greatly contributes to its successes. However, Hemingway’s novel, when broken down, is simply a high school horror played out in exotic locations with slightly matured people. My only complaint is that Hemingway’s characters are slightly frustrating due to their actions. However, this did not greatly hinder my enjoyment of the story.  Having been educated about the Lost Generation has help me greatly in enjoying this novel.  I have compared The Sun Also Rises to one of my favorite works of American literature, The Great Gatsby. Both novels paint the picture of a disillusioned generation of degernates who fail to see the long term effects of their actions. Hemingway highlights the flaws of younger people, whether it is their intolerance of not getting what they want, their weakness to young love, or their struggle for identity. It is interesting to see that these quirks are still apparent in us today, and show that Hemingways work is timeless.