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  • Essay / The Destruction of Sex in "The Sun Also Rises"

    The destruction of sex, a notable theme in Ernest Hemingway's The Sun Also Rises, is specifically illustrated in the relationship between the characters of Jake Barnes and Lady Brett Ashley . Due to Jake's helplessness and Brett's promiscuity, they can never be together despite their deep connection and assumed love. An analysis of the attraction between them, Brett's past relationships and behaviors, and the parallels between sex and bullfighting reveals that Jake and Brett could never be together even if they were capable of consummating their relationship. On the contrary, it is the introduction of a sexual element that would ultimately destroy their relationship. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay Since Brett is a member of the Lost Generation and grew up during World War I, she is constantly on the lookout for a feeling of innocence to remind him of his pre-war existence. Brett finds this purity in helpless Jake, and they both develop the belief that they are meant for each other. Jake's innocence is predicated on Brett's intact perception of him, an image that would be ruined if he and Brett were able to consummate their love. Jake and Brett remain friends and hide their feelings for each other as Brett flirts from man to man, while hurting Jake with his comparisons: "You're a lousy dancer, Jake. Michael is the best dancer that I know" (69). Jake endures this pain and remains infatuated with Brett. While Brett sees in Jake the innocence he himself lacks, Jake finds in Brett the masculinity he has lost. A strong, independent woman, Brett describes herself as a "guy", wears men's hats over her short hair, and refuses to behave in a socially acceptable manner. Jake, who has lost his masculinity following a war injury, is attracted to Brett's independence, an image that would be ruined if he and Brett began a romantic relationship. Since the attraction between Brett and Jake is based on a purely platonic relationship, it is very unlikely that the two would be able to maintain their love for each other if a sexual element were introduced. Sex leads to attachment and commitment, both of which cause Brett to quickly abandon his male partners. Twice divorced and thrice engaged, Brett is not the type to get tied down. She is aware of his promiscuity, even admitting to Jake that she could never live with him because she would "find him with everyone else" (62). She entered into countless relationships with men and abandoned them all due to their attempts to control her once they were physically involved with her. The love they initially express once they sleep with Brett quickly manifests itself in continual attempts to control her and keep her to themselves. Brett simply cannot and will not be controlled, and she chooses to destroy every relationship before that becomes a possibility. Cohn, for example, simply cannot understand that the time he spent with Brett in San Sebastian "meant nothing," expecting much more from his relationship with her than he got (185). Due to Cohn's disappointment and the jealousy Mike and Jake feel toward Cohn because of his actions, tensions rise so high that the men erupt into verbal and physical conflict. This is Cohn's downfall; he breaks his moral code to defend himself. Soon after, Cohn is removed from the novel completely, just as other men like Mike and the Count are removed from Brett's life. Pedro Romero, in particular, is fired when he asks Brett to let it grow.