The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway

Last updated: Sep 13, 2023

Summary of The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway

The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway is a novel that follows a group of expatriates living in Paris during the 1920s. The story is narrated by Jake Barnes, a World War I veteran who was left impotent due to a war injury. The novel explores themes of love, masculinity, and the Lost Generation.

The story begins with Jake and his friend Robert Cohn, a writer, traveling to Pamplona, Spain to watch the running of the bulls. They are joined by a group of other expatriates, including Jake's love interest, Lady Brett Ashley, and her fiancé, Mike Campbell. The group spends their time drinking, partying, and engaging in casual relationships.

Throughout the novel, Jake is tormented by his inability to have a sexual relationship with Brett due to his injury. Brett, on the other hand, is a free-spirited woman who is constantly seeking love and attention from men. She has affairs with multiple characters in the novel, including Robert Cohn and a young bullfighter named Pedro Romero.

As the group travels to Pamplona, tensions rise between the characters. Robert Cohn becomes infatuated with Brett and gets into a fight with Jake. The group also witnesses the bullfights, which serve as a metaphor for the characters' struggles with masculinity and their own personal demons.

In the end, Jake realizes that he cannot have a fulfilling relationship with Brett due to his impotence. He decides to let her go and returns to Paris alone. The novel ends with Jake reflecting on the emptiness and disillusionment of the Lost Generation.

The Sun Also Rises is a powerful exploration of the post-war disillusionment and the search for meaning in a world that seems devoid of it. Hemingway's sparse and direct writing style captures the essence of the characters' emotions and the emptiness of their lives. The novel is a classic example of Hemingway's "iceberg theory," where much of the meaning is left unsaid and implied.

1. The Lost Generation

One of the most significant takeaways from The Sun Also Rises is the exploration of the "Lost Generation." This term refers to the disillusioned and aimless group of individuals who came of age during World War I. Hemingway vividly portrays the struggles and existential crises faced by this generation through his characters. The novel delves into the emptiness and lack of purpose experienced by the characters, highlighting the profound impact of war on their lives. This takeaway serves as a reminder of the lasting effects of war on individuals and society as a whole, urging readers to reflect on the consequences of such conflicts.

2. The Pursuit of Meaning

The Sun Also Rises delves into the theme of the pursuit of meaning in life. The characters in the novel are constantly searching for purpose and fulfillment, often resorting to hedonistic behaviors and escapism. Hemingway's portrayal of their struggles serves as a reflection of the human condition, as many individuals grapple with similar questions in their own lives. This takeaway prompts readers to contemplate their own search for meaning and encourages them to seek fulfillment in more meaningful and authentic ways.

3. The Illusion of Masculinity

Hemingway challenges traditional notions of masculinity in The Sun Also Rises. The characters in the novel often engage in hyper-masculine behaviors, such as bullfighting and heavy drinking, as a means to assert their manhood. However, Hemingway subtly critiques this illusion of masculinity by highlighting the characters' vulnerabilities and insecurities. This takeaway serves as a reminder that true strength and masculinity lie in vulnerability and emotional authenticity, rather than conforming to societal expectations.

4. The Power of Friendship

The Sun Also Rises explores the power of friendship and the importance of human connection. Despite their flaws and conflicts, the characters in the novel rely on their friendships to navigate the challenges they face. Hemingway emphasizes the significance of these relationships in providing support, understanding, and a sense of belonging. This takeaway reminds readers of the value of cultivating meaningful friendships and the positive impact they can have on one's life.

5. The Allure of Escapism

The characters in The Sun Also Rises often turn to escapism as a means to cope with their disillusionment and dissatisfaction with life. Whether it be through excessive drinking, traveling, or engaging in casual relationships, they seek temporary relief from their troubles. Hemingway's portrayal of escapism serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the dangers of avoiding reality and the ultimate emptiness it brings. This takeaway encourages readers to confront their problems head-on rather than seeking temporary distractions.

6. The Impact of War Trauma

The Sun Also Rises sheds light on the lasting impact of war trauma on individuals. The characters in the novel, particularly Jake Barnes, struggle with physical and psychological wounds resulting from their experiences in World War I. Hemingway's depiction of their struggles serves as a reminder of the long-term consequences of war on mental health and well-being. This takeaway prompts readers to consider the importance of providing support and understanding to those who have experienced trauma.

7. The Exploration of Identity

The Sun Also Rises delves into the exploration of identity and the search for self. The characters in the novel grapple with questions of identity, often feeling lost and disconnected from themselves. Hemingway's portrayal of their journeys serves as a reminder that self-discovery is a lifelong process and that it is okay to question and redefine one's identity. This takeaway encourages readers to embrace their own journeys of self-discovery and to be open to growth and change.

8. The Fragility of Love

The Sun Also Rises explores the fragility of love and the complexities of romantic relationships. The characters in the novel engage in tumultuous and often destructive relationships, struggling to find lasting happiness and fulfillment. Hemingway's portrayal of these relationships serves as a reminder that love is not always straightforward and that it requires effort, understanding, and compromise. This takeaway prompts readers to approach love with patience, empathy, and a willingness to navigate the challenges that come with it.