How can Jake Barnes be treated as a Hemingway Code Hero?

Answer

How can Jake Barnes be treated as a Hemingway Code Hero? [NU: 2016, 20] ★★★

Or, How does Hemingway define a Code Hero? Comment on how the writer makes use of his concept of the Code Hero in “The Sun Also Rises.” [NU: 2022]

Jake Barnes, the main character of Ernest Hemingway’s (1899–1961) novel “The Sun Also Rises” (1926), can be seen as a Hemingway Code Hero. A Hemingway Code Hero is a person who follows a set of values. He lives with honor, courage, and self-control in a world that is full of pain, confusion, and problems. This type of hero does not give up, even when life is hard. He faces suffering with dignity and strength. Jake Barnes shows these qualities again and again in the novel.

Suffering and Dignity: One of the most important features of a Hemingway Code Hero is the ability to suffer without losing dignity. Jake fought in World War I, and he got a terrible injury. His injury left him impotent (sexually disabled). This makes him unable to have a complete romantic life with Brett, the woman he deeply loves. Still, Jake does not complain all the time or fall into self-pity. Instead, he quietly accepts his pain and continues with his life. At one point, Jake asks Brett:

“Couldn’t we live together, Brett? Couldn’t we just live together?”

This line shows his sadness and longing. Nonetheless, Jake realizes that Brett cannot be happy with him. So, he accepts the truth with strength. He knows life is painful, yet he does not allow it to completely break him. His calm acceptance of suffering makes him fit the model of a Hemingway Code Hero.

Personal Code of Conduct: Hemingway’s heroes usually follow a personal code of behavior. Jake’s code is based on honesty, loyalty, dignity, and endurance. Even when he feels angry or jealous, he does not openly act with cruelty or hatred. For example, Jake dislikes Robert Cohn because of his actions with Brett. Still, Jake does