Lavender's Dungeon

The Sun Also Rises is a novel by Hemingway that depicts the adventures of our protagonist, Jake Barnes and his experiences amongst his comrades whilst traveling throughout Europe. Jake is a rich socialite who has ties to a beautiful woman named Lady Brett Ashley. The two share a distant intimate connection despite her consistent relationship with Mike Campbell. Ashley soon becomes the center of the novel, because her beauty and promiscuity intrigues her following of young, elite men. Although the novel is told from Jake’s first person point of view, readers receive an enriching perspective on the French and Spanish countryside during the annual Festival.

This novel is unique because there is no true conflict or driving plot. It is obvious that it is based of events that were very similar to instances that actually took place in Hemingway’s life. My personal edition of the novel comes with pictures of Hemingway sitting at cafes with his friends during the festival in Spain, along with many other pictures and proof that Hemingway indeed experience the same things that Jake Barnes experiences throughout the novel. This goes to show that maybe Hemingway channeled bits of himself through this character–henceforth adding a personal touch to the perspective.

Two driving themes that are intertwined within the pages of this novel are money and luxury. Lady Brett Ashley carries the title of riches, yet she is the most broke out of all the characters. The group of travelers spends countless dollars on alcohol, constant visits to the cafe, train tickets, bull-fights, fishing licenses etc. They all truly live a lavish life, and after the festival is over, they are left feeling drained not only of energy–but finances. Mike Campbell admits to his bankruptcy–a very grounding aspect of the plot’s resolution.

Another theme within the novel is female dominance. Within the large group of men, the dictator is the only woman. Lady Brett Ashley uses her excessive charm to basically control all of the men in the group with a single command. Although she has no money, her promiscuity allows her to create semi-shallow sexual connections with many men. These man cannot help but to fall in love with her, and basically do anything she asks in hopes that they might take the place of her most prominent partner at the time. This role changes often, which makes her such an interesting and unpredictable character. She is the woman that other women envy and adore. She is the woman that can steal the heart of any man by her natural charm. She is one of Hemingway’s most dynamic characters.

This novel is a great summer read. Barnes spends much of the novel experiencing complete bliss and free-flowing decision making. There are no overlying conflicts in the novel, which make it a very enjoyable read. The only conflict come from the character, Robert Cohn. When he is not involved in the scene, prepare yourself for a very dreamlike and easygoing light read. Hemingway’s descriptions of the scenery in Western Europe and Basque country is vivid and intriguing. After I finished the novel I planned a European vacation to Paris and Spain because I needed to experience the wonders that Hemingway had me drooling over for the entirety of this novel.

My rating (1-10)

8

love,

Lav