The Sun Also Rises Summary

 

Book 1

 

Chapter 1

 

Chapter 1 of The Sun Also Rises introduces Robert Cohn, an insecure, Jewish American who feels out of place among his peers and restless in his life. Cohn is a former boxing champion at Princeton, yet he lacks self-confidence and is often looked down upon in his social circles. The narrator, Jake Barnes, a journalist and war veteran, describes Cohn’s dissatisfaction with his life, as well as his tumultuous relationship with his girlfriend, Frances, who is controlling and critical.

In this chapter, Hemingway subtly hints at the postwar disillusionment felt by many characters. Cohn’s desire to escape to South America reflects a deeper search for meaning and adventure, though his motivations appear naïve to Jake. The tone is one of detachment, reflecting Jake’s own internal conflicts and foreshadowing the aimless, disillusioned lives of the “Lost Generation” that Hemingway portrays throughout the novel.

 

Chapter 2

 

In Chapter 2 of The Sun Also Rises, Hemingway introduces us to Robert Cohn, a central character who represents the restlessness and dissatisfaction felt by many in the post-World War I “Lost Generation.” Jake Barnes, the novel’s protagonist and narrator, describes Cohn as insecure and dominated by others, despite his privileged background. Having been a boxing champion at Princeton, Cohn constantly seeks validation and meaning, particularly through his relationships with women. Dissatisfied with his life in Paris, he becomes infatuated with the idea of an escape, longing to travel to South America to alleviate his malaise. However, Jake remains skeptical and somewhat amused by Cohn’s desperation, hinting at his own disillusionment. This chapter establishes Cohn’s restlessness and introduces themes of aimlessness, identity, and the quest for purpose in a world that seems devoid of clear meaning—issues that echo the sentiments of Hemingway’s entire generation.

 

Chapter 3

 

In Chapter 3 of The Sun Also Rises, Jake Barnes meets his friends at a Paris café, immersing readers in the lively, often chaotic atmosphere of the expatriate community. Amid the backdrop of jazz and cocktails, Jake and his friend Robert Cohn discuss their dissatisfaction with life, each coping differently with the lingering effects of World War I. Cohn, restless and eager for change, feels trapped in Paris, while Jake seems resigned to his circumstances, shaped by his war injuries. This scene introduces Brett Ashley, Jake’s love interest, whose presence adds tension and depth to Jake’s emotional struggle. Brett is alluring yet complicated, reflecting the disillusionment and moral ambiguity that pervade their world. Through Jake’s subtle interactions and inner thoughts, Hemingway captures the “lost generation’s” sense of alienation and desire for meaning, highlighting the characters’ internal conflicts and the complex, unresolved relationships they navigate.

 

Chapter 4

 

In Chapter 4 of The Sun Also Rises, the complex relationship between Jake Barnes and Lady Brett Ashley is further revealed. Jake, the narrator, recounts an evening when Brett arrives unexpectedly at his apartment. They share a deep, though troubled, affection marked by their emotional intimacy but physical limitations due to Jake’s war injury, which leaves him impotent. This injury creates an insurmountable barrier for their romance, filling both characters with frustration and sadness.

As they talk about their past and current feelings, it becomes clear that they cannot be together in a traditional way, yet they struggle to stay apart due to their strong connection. Brett’s allure and independence highlight the “lost generation” theme, showcasing individuals who are emotionally scarred and adrift. This chapter poignantly illustrates their struggle, setting up the novel’s exploration of love, disillusionment, and the search for meaning amidst post-war trauma.

 

Chapter 5

 

In Chapter 5 of The Sun Also Rises, Jake Barnes meets Robert Cohn at his Paris office after a boxing workout. Tensions between them begin to surface, particularly over Cohn’s behavior, which has become increasingly irksome to Jake. Cohn’s infatuation with Brett Ashley, despite being engaged to Frances, frustrates Jake, as he silently struggles with his own unrequited love for Brett.

During their conversation, Cohn mentions he feels restless and wants to escape Paris, reflecting his dissatisfaction and desire for change—a theme common to many “Lost Generation” characters. The chapter highlights Jake’s cynicism, especially as he notes Cohn’s romantic idealism, which Jake finds unrealistic and immature. Through Jake’s inner monologue and subtle commentary, Hemingway reveals the contrasting perspectives between Cohn’s naive optimism and Jake’s world-weariness. This chapter deepens the reader’s understanding of Jake’s conflicted feelings and the strained friendship between him and Cohn.

 

Chapter 6

 

In Chapter 6 of The Sun Also Rises, the narrator, Jake Barnes, reflects on his complex relationship with Brett Ashley, the woman he loves but cannot be with due to his war injury, which left him impotent. The chapter highlights their emotional connection and the tension between them. Brett, an independent and sexually liberated woman, continues to struggle with her desire for Jake, even as she seeks relationships with other men. The chapter also emphasizes the post-war disillusionment felt by the Lost Generation, as the characters try to navigate their personal and social identities in a world that has been irreparably changed. Jake’s internal conflict and the pain of his unrequited love for Brett are palpable, as he tries to maintain a sense of calm and detachment despite his deep emotional turmoil. Hemingway’s sparse, straightforward prose underscores the characters’ emotional restraint and the complexity of their unspoken feelings.

 

Chapter 7

 

In Chapter 7 of The Sun Also Rises, Jake Barnes, the narrator, reflects on his experiences and the complexities of his relationships. He is with his friends in Pamplona, Spain, where the annual running of the bulls takes place. In this chapter, Jake’s internal struggles become more pronounced, especially regarding his impotence, which is a result of a war injury. His feelings of frustration and alienation are evident as he continues his unrequited love for Brett Ashley, who is a central figure in his life. Brett, however, is emotionally unstable, and her relationships with other men, like Robert Cohn, exacerbate Jake’s feelings of inadequacy. The tension between Jake and Brett grows, as he is unable to fully express his love for her due to his condition, and Brett seeks attention and affection elsewhere. This chapter highlights the themes of love, loss, and the disillusionment of the Lost Generation.

 

Book 2

 

Chapter 8

 

In Chapter 8 of The Sun Also Rises, the narrative shifts to a deeper exploration of the characters’ relationships, particularly focusing on the tension between Jake Barnes and Brett Ashley. The chapter begins with Jake and Brett discussing their past together, and the emotional distance between them becomes evident. Brett’s complicated feelings for Jake are juxtaposed with her ongoing pursuit of other men, reflecting her internal conflict. She expresses her love for Jake but is unable to reconcile her desires with their situation, given Jake’s war injury, which has left him impotent. This chapter marks a significant turning point, as it underscores the central theme of the novel—unfulfilled desires and emotional detachment. Jake, despite his love for Brett, accepts their fractured relationship, which is a bitter but necessary acceptance of their circumstances. Their interaction highlights the complexity of love, desire, and the post-war disillusionment that pervades the narrative.

 

Chapter 9

 

In Chapter 9 of The Sun Also Rises, the narrative shifts to a day in Spain, where the group of expatriates are in the midst of their travels. Jake Barnes, the narrator, and his friend, Robert Cohn, attend a bullfight in Pamplona, a key event in the novel. The chapter gives a vivid depiction of the bullfight, symbolizing both the raw beauty of the Spanish tradition and the complex, often violent emotions of the characters. As the crowd becomes increasingly excited, Jake reflects on the idea of courage and the complexity of the people around him. The bullfight is a metaphor for the internal struggles each character faces—particularly Jake, whose emotional pain and impotency are paralleled in the dramatic scene. The chapter also emphasizes the group’s division, with each individual struggling with their own disillusionment, while the bullfight itself becomes a backdrop for their inner turmoil and personal conflicts.

 

Chapter 10

 

In Chapter 10 of The Sun Also Rises, the narrative delves deeper into the complexities of the relationships between the main characters. Jake Barnes, the narrator, and his companion, Robert Cohn, continue their time in Spain, reflecting on their experiences and perspectives on life. Cohn, who is still struggling with his own sense of identity and dissatisfaction, continues to be a source of tension, especially in his interactions with other characters like Jake and his friends. The chapter also provides insight into the intricate dynamics of Jake’s relationship with Brett Ashley, his love interest. Although they share a deep emotional bond, Jake’s physical injury prevents them from fully being together. The chapter underscores themes of disillusionment, identity, and the emotional distances that separate the characters, particularly the struggle between love, desire, and the harsh realities of their post-World War I lives.

 

Chapter 11

 

In Chapter 11 of The Sun Also Rises, the narrative continues to unfold around the characters’ relationships and their interactions while they are in Spain. Jake Barnes, the protagonist and narrator, reflects on his experiences with Brett Ashley and their complex, unfulfilled love. The chapter focuses on the strained tension between Jake and Brett, as Brett continues to seek emotional fulfillment through fleeting relationships with other men. Jake’s internal conflict is evident as he grapples with his love for Brett and his impotence, which prevents them from being together in the traditional sense. This chapter highlights the themes of disillusionment, the aftereffects of World War I, and the brokenness of the “lost generation” who struggle to find meaning in a postwar world. The sense of longing and emotional distance between Jake and Brett grows more apparent, signaling the deepening conflict that drives much of the novel’s narrative.

 

Chapter 12

 

In Chapter 12 of The Sun Also Rises, the narrative shifts to a scene in Pamplona, where Jake Barnes and his friends are preparing for the upcoming bullfights. The chapter captures the group’s dynamic and tensions, especially Jake’s internal conflict regarding his relationship with Brett Ashley. Although they share a deep emotional bond, Jake’s impotence, a result of a war injury, creates an insurmountable barrier in their romantic relationship. This chapter emphasizes the themes of disillusionment and frustration as the characters navigate their emotional voids and seek solace in transient pleasures like alcohol, parties, and the excitement of the bullfights. Hemingway’s sparse, direct prose mirrors the emptiness the characters feel, particularly Jake, who is both physically and emotionally distant from Brett. The chapter highlights the ongoing struggle for meaning and fulfillment in a world marked by postwar alienation and moral ambiguity.

 

Chapter 13

 

In Chapter 13 of The Sun Also Rises, the novel’s focus shifts to the emotional tension between the characters as they prepare for the upcoming bullfights in Pamplona. The chapter highlights the strained relationship between Jake Barnes, the narrator, and his love interest, Brett Ashley. While Jake is deeply in love with Brett, he is acutely aware of the emotional distance between them, caused by his war injury that prevents them from being fully together. The chapter also underscores Brett’s internal conflict, as she continues to search for fulfillment and affection from various men, despite her obvious attachment to Jake.

Brett’s flirtation with Robert Cohn, another member of their group, becomes more apparent, adding to Jake’s sense of alienation and frustration. Hemingway’s sparse, yet pointed dialogue conveys the emotional complexity of their relationships, especially the tension between love, desire, and the inability to achieve true connection. This chapter deepens the novel’s exploration of disillusionment and unrequited love.

 

Chapter 14

 

In Chapter 14 of The Sun Also Rises, the group of expatriates, including Jake Barnes, Robert Cohn, and their friends, travel to Pamplona for the running of the bulls. The chapter is filled with tension, as the group prepares for the fiesta, and emotions run high. Robert Cohn, feeling increasingly out of place and alienated from the group, continues his obsession with Brett, whose romantic entanglements only complicate matters. Meanwhile, Jake’s stoic nature is tested as he watches Brett flirt with other men, which exacerbates his feelings of frustration and impotence, both physically and emotionally.

This chapter highlights the themes of alienation, unfulfilled desires, and the complexities of relationships. The arrival in Pamplona marks a shift in the narrative, as the excitement and energy of the festival contrast with the internal struggles of the characters. The chapter sets the stage for the emotional and physical confrontations that will unfold in the subsequent chapters.

 

Chapter 15

 

In Chapter 15 of The Sun Also Rises, the narrative continues with the group’s stay in Pamplona, where they are preparing for the upcoming bullfights. The chapter revolves around the tension and drama among the central characters, particularly Jake Barnes, his former lover Brett Ashley, and the others in their circle. Brett is emotionally entangled with Robert Cohn, while Jake remains distant and troubled by his impotence, which complicates his relationship with Brett. The chapter highlights the strained dynamics between the characters, as their relationships are often defined by jealousy, unspoken feelings, and personal dissatisfaction. Brett’s attraction to Cohn causes further friction, and her inability to reconcile her desires with her reality weighs heavily on her. The chapter underscores the themes of disillusionment, the quest for meaning in a post-war world, and the emotional and psychological wounds that the characters carry with them. Hemingway’s sparse, direct prose captures the tension subtly.

 

Chapter 16

 

In Chapter 16 of The Sun Also Rises, the narrative continues to delve into the complexities of the characters’ relationships, particularly focusing on the strained connection between Jake Barnes and Brett Ashley. The chapter takes place during the group’s time in Spain, where Brett’s emotional turmoil over her relationships with men is laid bare. She confides in Jake, revealing her continued attraction to him, despite the physical distance created by his war injury. The tension in their relationship, which has been building throughout the novel, is brought to the forefront. Brett, unable to resist her desires, expresses regret over her inability to be with Jake as she once was. Jake, on the other hand, remains stoic, grappling with his own feelings of impotence and frustration. This chapter highlights the central themes of disillusionment and the struggle for meaning in the post-World War I “Lost Generation,” as the characters face emotional and existential challenges.

 

Chapter 17

 

In Chapter 17 of The Sun Also Rises, the group of expatriates in Spain begins to experience the emotional toll of their relationships, particularly between Jake and Brett. The chapter takes place in a small hotel room where Jake and Brett have a tense and poignant conversation. Brett confesses that she is still deeply in love with Jake but cannot be with him because of his war injury that left him impotent. She believes she cannot live without sexual fulfillment and has been seeking it elsewhere, leading to Jake’s intense internal struggle.

This chapter highlights the central theme of disillusionment post-WWI, as the characters grapple with the emotional and physical scars of their pasts. Jake’s deep love for Brett contrasts with his acceptance of their situation, revealing his quiet suffering and resignation. The chapter emphasizes the sadness and complexity of love, and the tension between desire and the limitations of reality.

 

Chapter 18

 

In Chapter 18 of The Sun Also Rises, the narrative reaches a crucial point in the relationship between Jake Barnes and Brett Ashley. The chapter takes place in Pamplona, where the group is preparing for the bullfights. Tensions between Jake and Brett continue to simmer, as Brett struggles with her feelings for Jake, who she loves but cannot fully be with due to his war injury. Brett’s emotional turmoil is evident as she grapples with her desire for Jake and her need for physical intimacy, which he cannot offer her.

The chapter highlights the sense of disillusionment and frustration that pervades the lives of the expatriates, particularly Brett. Her interactions with Jake underscore the tragedy of their relationship, as they both yearn for something unattainable. The chapter also explores the themes of impotence, both literal and emotional, as Jake’s injury symbolizes the broader sense of loss and alienation experienced by the characters.

 

Book 3

 

Chapter 19

 

In Chapter 19 of The Sun Also Rises, the tension between the characters reaches a pivotal point during the fiesta in Pamplona. The chapter primarily focuses on Jake Barnes and his complicated feelings towards Brett Ashley. Throughout the novel, Jake has been portrayed as a man who is deeply in love with Brett, but their relationship is fraught with emotional distance due to his war injury, which makes him unable to be physically intimate with her. In this chapter, Jake observes Brett’s interactions with other men, including her romantic involvement with the matador, Pedro Romero. His internal conflict intensifies as he sees Brett with someone who can give her the physical connection that he cannot. This chapter underscores the themes of impotence, disillusionment, and the emotional scars caused by war. It highlights the profound disconnection between Jake and Brett, despite their deep emotional bond.

 

CHARACTERS OF THE SUN ALSO RISES

 

The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway features a cast of complex characters, each representing aspects of the “Lost Generation” and embodying themes of disillusionment, alienation, and the search for meaning. Here are the central characters:

1. Jake Barnes

The novel’s protagonist and narrator, Jake Barnes is an American expatriate living in Paris. A journalist and World War I veteran, Jake is physically and emotionally scarred by a war injury that leaves him impotent, which affects his relationship with Brett Ashley. His quiet, stoic demeanor reflects the disillusionment of the Lost Generation. Although deeply in love with Brett, Jake is forced to accept that their love can never be fully realized due to his injury.

2. Brett Ashley

Brett Ashley is a beautiful, independent, and sexually liberated woman, who is at the center of the novel’s complex relationships. She is deeply loved by Jake, but her inability to be with him physically leads her to have relationships with other men, including Robert Cohn and Pedro Romero. While Brett is free-spirited and outwardly confident, her internal struggles and search for fulfillment highlight the themes of love, loss, and unfulfilled desire.

3. Robert Cohn

An insecure, intellectual and somewhat passive man, Robert Cohn is a former boxer who feels disconnected from the expatriate community. Though he is wealthy, thanks to his background, he remains an outsider among the group. His unrequited love for Brett and his feelings of inadequacy contribute to his frustration and jealousy, especially in his rivalry with Jake. Cohn represents the disillusionment and confusion of a man struggling to find his place in the world.

4. Mike Campbell

Mike Campbell is a Scottish businessman and Brett’s fiancé, though their relationship is complicated and troubled. He is often portrayed as a heavy drinker, somewhat cynical, and insecure, particularly about his financial situation and Brett’s infidelity. Mike’s relationship with Brett highlights the theme of superficial relationships, as he is aware of her past affairs but still attempts to hold on to her. He shares a close friendship with Jake, but his behavior sometimes alienates the group.

5. Bill Gorton

Bill Gorton is a witty, charming, and likable American expatriate and Jake’s close friend. He serves as a counterpoint to the more serious characters in the novel, offering humor and perspective. Bill is portrayed as practical and grounded, and he accompanies Jake on the trip to Spain, where they participate in the bullfights. Bill’s character embodies the quest for adventure and distraction in a world that feels aimless and disillusioned.

6. Pedro Romero

Pedro Romero is a young, handsome, and talented Spanish bullfighter whom Brett becomes infatuated with during their time in Pamplona. Unlike many of the other characters, Romero represents purity and passion, and his relationship with Brett highlights her desire for something real and meaningful. Romero symbolizes the vitality and beauty that the expatriates, particularly Brett, seek but ultimately fail to fully grasp in their lives. He serves as a contrast to the disillusionment and emotional fragmentation of the main characters.

7. Frances Clyne

Frances Clyne is Robert Cohn’s girlfriend, a wealthy woman who is depicted as possessive and somewhat neurotic. While her character does not play a large role in the narrative, she serves as a catalyst in Cohn’s emotional turmoil, particularly his frustration with his relationship with Brett. Frances’ relationship with Cohn further illustrates his inner conflicts and his failure to meet societal expectations or find a stable identity.

8. Georgette

Georgette is a prostitute whom Jake meets during his time in Paris. Though her role in the novel is brief, she represents one of the characters’ attempts to escape emotional disillusionment through superficial or transactional relationships. Georgette’s interactions with Jake also provide insight into his internal struggles and emotional distance from the rest of society.

9. Ehrmann

Ehrmann is a minor character who is a part of the group that spends time in Pamplona. While he does not have a significant role in the plot, his presence adds to the complex network of individuals Jake and his friends encounter throughout their journey.

10. The Count

The Count is a wealthy, charming aristocrat with whom Brett has a brief affair during the time in Pamplona. He represents the type of transient relationships that characterize the lives of the expatriates in the novel. Like many of the characters, the Count is disillusioned and engaged in a quest for pleasure, but ultimately, his relationships are fleeting and unsatisfactory.

These characters, with their varying backgrounds, desires, and flaws, embody the emotional scars and existential crises of the “Lost Generation” in the aftermath of World War I, shaping The Sun Also Rises as a meditation on love, identity, and the search for meaning in a postwar world.

 

THEMES OF THE SUN ALSO RISES

 

The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway is rich with themes that reflect the disillusionment and confusion of the “Lost Generation” following World War I. Here are the central themes explored in the novel:

1. Disillusionment and the Lost Generation

The novel depicts the post-World War I generation, often referred to as the “Lost Generation,” who are disillusioned by the war and the societal upheavals that followed. The characters struggle to find meaning and purpose in a world that seems morally bankrupt and devoid of traditional values. They navigate life with a sense of aimlessness, grappling with a loss of faith in both themselves and the world around them.

2. Masculinity and Gender Roles

The theme of masculinity is explored through characters like Jake Barnes, Robert Cohn, and Mike Campbell, who each embody different aspects of manhood. Jake’s impotence, a result of a war injury, becomes a metaphor for the broader theme of emotional and physical disempowerment. Brett Ashley, on the other hand, represents a changing role for women, as she is independent, sexually liberated, and unbound by traditional gender expectations. The tension between these gender dynamics reflects a society in transition.

3. Love and Relationships

Love is a central theme, but the novel portrays it as complex, unfulfilling, and often painful. Jake’s unrequited love for Brett Ashley is one of the most poignant elements of the novel, as he desires her but cannot be with her physically. Brett’s relationships with other men, including her fleeting affair with the young matador, Pedro Romero, further emphasize the transient nature of romantic love in a post-war world. The novel suggests that love, while deeply desired, is often elusive and fraught with disappointment.

4. Exile and Alienation

The theme of alienation runs through the novel as many characters feel disconnected from society. Jake Barnes, the protagonist, experiences physical and emotional alienation due to his war injury and his inability to have a full relationship with Brett. The expatriates in the novel, including Jake, Brett, and their friends, live in a form of self-imposed exile, seeking escape and purpose in foreign places like Paris and Spain. This sense of being “outsiders” in their own lives mirrors the broader disillusionment of the era.

5. The Search for Meaning

In the aftermath of the war, the characters in The Sun Also Rises are searching for meaning in a chaotic, fractured world. They engage in hedonistic behaviors, such as drinking, partying, and pursuing transient pleasures, as they try to fill the emotional void left by the war. However, despite their efforts, they fail to find lasting fulfillment, often encountering feelings of emptiness and disillusionment. This search for meaning becomes a central theme, highlighting the existential crisis of the post-war generation.

6. War and Its Aftermath

Although the novel does not focus directly on the war itself, the effects of World War I are felt throughout the text. Jake’s war injury, which leaves him impotent, serves as a metaphor for the wider impact of the war on the “Lost Generation.” The characters, particularly Jake, are forever scarred by the trauma of the war, and this shapes their views on life, relationships, and their place in the world. The novel illustrates how war creates lasting psychological and emotional damage.

7. The Futility of the Search for Fulfillment

In the novel, many characters attempt to find meaning, joy, and fulfillment through superficial or transient means—such as alcohol, travel, and casual relationships—but these pursuits often lead to disappointment. Brett, in particular, represents this futility, as her search for happiness through multiple relationships never satisfies her. This theme highlights the emptiness that comes from pursuing pleasure and material success without deeper personal or spiritual fulfillment.

These themes in The Sun Also Rises combine to offer a poignant portrait of a generation struggling to understand itself in the wake of war, grappling with fractured identities, broken relationships, and a loss of meaning in a rapidly changing world.