Understanding The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemmingway

There are two primary questions which Hemmingway asks readers to contemplate in "The Sun Also Rises". The first is whether or not "unconditional love" is a sign of weakness or strength. The second is whether or not the sexual triumphs of a man are indicative of his level of “manhood”. Both of these questions define the theme of this masterful literary achievement, which centers on the balance of power between the strengths and weaknesses which are battled within ourselves and within our relationships.

Hemmingway fans have long made reference to the "Hemmingway Heroes", or the "macho men" which seem to dominate most of the author's semi-autobiographical works. However, Jake Barnes, the narrator and primary character in The Sun Also Rises, is an unnervingly weak representative of manhood. While Hemingway physically depicts Jake's weakness through his "war injury", his true impotence lies in his inability to control the woman he loves. Jake feels he is being viewed as a joke rather than a victim of tragedy; a perception which colors his self-image throughout his entire post-war life.

The story takes place in Europe, just after World War I. The conclusion of the war also marked the conclusion of an orderly, predictable, and grounded way of life. The reassurance of a standard set of rules and social values had been wiped out, leaving the characters drained and confused about what was expected of them. Though in Hemingway's eyes, Jake was exhibiting adequately masculine behavior by fighting in the war, ironically, it was this macho heroism which resulted in his ultimate emasculation. While Jake’s physical injury contributes greatly to his insecurities, Brett’s treatment of him and blatant disregard for his feelings almost completely destroys his self-esteem. He therefore clings to his “unconditional love” for Brett, not so much as a sign of strength of character but as an embodiment of his self-image of weakness. Because of his feelings of worthlessness, Jake allows Brett to have complete control over him. He feels he does not deserve happiness, but Brett does. Therefore he constantly puts her happiness ahead of his own, pretending that it is an act of selflessness, while in truth his actions are based on fear. As Jake acquires more and more reasons to fear losing Brett, his “unselfishness” begins to spawn deep-seated resentment.

An excellent example of this can be observed in Jake¹s feelings toward his friend Robert Cohn. While he is able to empathize with Robert’s pain over his inability to conquer Brett’s loyalty, he is undoubtedly jealous of Robert’s physical relationship with “his woman”. Though Robert chose to deal with Brett’s rejection in a more direct and “masculine” manner than Jake did, Jake does not respect Robert because he cannot see past the jealousy he feels for his friend. After all, Robert had enjoyed the type of relationship with Brett Jake had so deeply desired.. He does not hide his disdain well. For example, when Robert backs out of a fishing trip with Jake in order to search for Brett, Jake¹s friend makes a comment about that being a good thing. Jake acridly replies, “You¹re damn right”. (p. 108).

Jake is almost completely devoid of traditional masculinity, which is evidenced throughout the novel. At one point, Brett pleads ³Oh, darling, please stay by me. Please stay by me and see me through this²(188). Jake sees himself as strong for standing by her, but in reality he is showing no signs of strength at all. His weakness ultimately costs him several valuable friendships, by diminishing the respect that his friends had once had for him. He does this consciously, without hesitation, all “in the name of love”. But more significant than Jake’s loss of close friendships is Jake’s forfeiture of self-respect.

Jake clings desperately to his belief that he can be with Brett romantically without actually being intimate. Subsequently, he spends most of the novel trying to convince her of this. At the same time, he is trying to convince himself. Though Jake feels he is exhibiting strength by knowing what he wants and going after it, he is unable to see the big picture. He refuses to accept that Brett will never be able to accept his physical impairment. Jake is unwilling and unable to come to terms with the fact that the situation he desires for he and Brett's is impossible. This denial remains in place until he finally builds up the strength to accept the truth and move on with his life. Though he may not realize it at the time, Jake is ultimately better off without Brett. Despite evidence that Brett is finally beginning to show signs of a conscience towards the end of the novel, she would never be able to feel fully satisfied with Jake and in all probability would continue to cause him problems for as long as he allowed her to do so. Brett is a master manipulator of both men and women, and although in her own way, she does feel love for Jake. she clearly uses and abuses him throughout the story. She plays upon his great love for her to gain sympathy, unconditional love, and emotional support with little regard to the toll her ambivalence is taking on Jake.

Hemmingway refrains from offering us a traditional hero in The Sun Also Rises, and with the absence of a strong “leading man” he forces us to question how essential traditional masculine strength is to a main male character. By doing this he also forces us to ponder whether our socio-cultural assumptions about men and masculinity are properly defined. Strength and weakness are continuously intertwined throughout the novel and within the makeup of almost every character. Therefore the reader has little choice but to accept the blurred lines between these two qualities, just as Jake was forced to accept his own fate time and again.