- Gertrude Stein
It can be inferred that Gertrude Stein is talking about the generation most affected by World War 1. But how did Hemingway, who was one of this generation, interpret this quote in The Sun Also Rises?
The novel starts with a very sarcastic summary of Robert Cohn's life. What's interesting about this is that Robert is the only (main) character that was not directly harmed by the war. Jake and his friends seem to have plenty of criticisms of Robert, but generally allow him to tag along. As discussed in class, the use and non use of irony and sarcasm could represent a sense of dark humor developed from the war. Robert not only lacks in the other's humor, but he has a frustrating sort of blind hope. His extended pursuit of Brett seems to anger the others. A theory that I have slightly developed is the post-war limbo. The other main characters all lost something in the war and are not shown to be boding well. For example, Brett lost her husband and is constantly trying to fill the hole he left behind, Mike Campbell uses alcohol to distract himself. Cohn's aspirations to be with Brett represent characteristics that they have lost, evoking bitterness. These characters are caught in a state of numbness, always returning to the comfort of distractions.
In the final scene, Brett and Jake meet in a cab, reflecting our first introduction to them. This parallel emphasizes the sense that nothing has really changed. Despite their eventful journey through Spain, they feel they have no choice to return to their previous way of life. Brett will never be content with Jake and Jake will always love Brett.
It is interesting to note that Hemingway later included Gertrude Stein's quote to contrast the excerpt from Ecclesiastes. The introduction reveals that Hemingway ultimately criticized Stein's generalization, after living through experiences that proved her wrong. Although The Sun Also Rises could be interpreted as pessimistic, there is also a vision of hope that is portrayed through Jake's adventures in Spain and the lasting bonds with his friends.
Good post, CJ. The intentional ambiguity surrounding the quotation is what makes it so interesting. Personally, I think it refers to how none of the characters have any ambitions or goals or hopes for themselves. Each is living in the moment, just trying to get drunk and party all the time. This lack of motivation clearly impacts Jake the most throughout the book, but we can see it in all of the main characters at times.
ReplyDeleteWow I really like the take on this post. It's certainly a unique one and you did an amazing job of crafting your ideas. I think using that quote specifically was a good idea because it's almost left open ended the way the ending of the book was. It get's straight to the point but also leaves us with questions wanting more.
ReplyDeleteInteresting interpretation of the quote and the book! I like your point on how the characters are all trying to fill some kind of void and distract themselves, and I think that it ties in well with the quote.
ReplyDeleteI never really considered the more optimistic angle you took on the book (and if I'm being honest, I never really thought of the quotes). I guess I always assumed pessimism as a given. You make a pretty compelling case for the novel as a more uplifting one.
ReplyDeleteI like this idea of hope and moving forward! It seems like Jake and his friends impacted from the war have sort of settled into ways: drinking, and for Brett, switching quickly between affairs, sarcasm. They are gone bitter. So it seems, now, that Jake and his "in group" resent Cohn for being able to have hope and a sunny vision for the future.
ReplyDeleteNice job! I think your point about how characters like Cohn function as relics of a pre-war generation is really interesting, because they them become kind of "corrupted" by this post-war irony and nihilism throughout the book. Cohn ends up giving up his old-fashioned morals to get into petty brawls, and Romero, who's also a kind of pure, traditionalist figure, is led astray when he gets involved with Brett.
ReplyDeleteGreat post! I think this is very well written and I enjoyed your use of the quote to center your post. I'm also intrigued by the purpose of Cohn's character to the story. I feel like the topic of how the war effected the characters and Cohn's place in the story could've been explored a lot more in class, and I think you do a wonderful job of opening up that conversation here!
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