The Sun Also Rises Analysis Essay Example

17) The novel, The Purple Land was instrumental in triggering this fresh understanding within him. It was brimming with thrilling and adventurous tales that ignited Cohn's desire to achieve more than what he had accomplished up until then in his existence. Finally, he encourages Jake to join him on this journey.

Jake Barnes fails to comprehend the mentality of Robert. Being a realist, Jake, along with his companions, is affiliated with the so-called “Lost Generation”. He is frequently filled with feelings of depression and emptiness and often roams the lanes of Paris. His expression, “Happy, hell! ” (Hemingway 23), during a conversation with a sex worker when inquired about his happiness, clearly demonstrates his existential crisis. Jake holds interest in activities perceived as masculine such as bullfighting and angling. His realistic traits are particularly evident in his relationship with Brett. He expresses his indifference towards their relationship by saying, “It’s all right. I don’t give a damn any more.” (Hemingway 128).

Jake recognizes that his physical constraints bar him from having a romantic relationship with Brett, and he has reconciled himself with this brutal truth. Brett Ashley emerges as one of the most genuine and authentic figures in the novel. She consistently avoids expressing any romantic sentiments. Jake's half-awake statement "Half asleep I had been sure it was Georgette" (referring to Brett) (Hemingway 40), suggests that Brett could be compared to a courtesan due to her inability to uphold a commitment with any man, opting for transient sexual encounters instead. Her constant state of drunkenness introduces another aspect of authenticity to her persona. "These bullfights have worn me out. I'm as exhausted as

a rag" (Brett). "Don't worry, you'll get your drink" (Mike addressing Brett) (Hemingway 173).

The demonstration of Brett's excessive dependency on alcohol by Mike reveals her inability to stay totally sober in real life. She inevitably seeks escape from reality. By incorporating distinct personas and centering around "The Lost Generation", Ernest Hemingway has crafted the theme of Romanticism vs. Realism in his literary work The Sun Also Rises. An analysis of individual characters reveals specific qualities that categorize them as either romantic or realistic. Interestingly, Ernest Hemingway himself embodies both aspects. His thought process was grounded in reality, yet he also exhibited romantic notions.