What conflicts do we find in “The Sun Also Rises?”
The Sun Also Rises is a notable literary work by Ernest Hemingway. A complete discussion of this literary work is given, which will help you enhance your literary skills and prepare for the exam. Read the Main texts, Key info, Summary, Themes, Characters, Literary devices, Quotations, Notes, and various study materials of The Sun Also Rises.
Answer
What conflicts do we find in “The Sun Also Rises?” [NU: 2015, 20, 22] ★★★
Ernest Hemingway’s (1899-1961) “The Sun Also Rises” (1926) shows the sadness and struggles of the “Lost Generation.” The story is full of pain, love, and broken dreams. Jake, Brett, Cohn, and Mike move to Paris and Spain, but carry deep conflicts inside.
Jake’s Inner Conflict: Jake Barnes suffers after the war. His wound makes him weak in love. Actually, he becomes impotent in war. He loves Brett deeply, but he cannot marry her. Brett says,
“Oh, darling, I’ve been so miserable”
But she cannot stay with him. This shows Jake’s heart against fate. His love is strong, but his body makes him helpless.
Love Conflict of Brett: Lady Brett Ashley brings conflict to all. She loves Jake but chooses Mike Campbell. At the same time, Robert Cohn falls in love with her. Brett says,
“Don’t touch me… I can’t stand it.”
She suffers between desire and pain. Brett also hurts Cohn. Her choices bring jealousy and fights.
Social and Moral Conflict: Robert Cohn and Mike Campbell fight over Brett. Cohn cannot accept rejection. Mike becomes angry and bitter. In Paris cafés and Pamplona streets, their quarrels grow. Jake watches all. He says,
“You can’t get away from yourself by moving from one place to another.”
This line shows the moral conflict of the Lost Generation. They drink, travel, and fight, but they cannot escape inner emptiness.
The conflicts in “The Sun Also Rises” are deep and sad. Jake’s wound, Brett’s choices, and the quarrels of Cohn and Mike create pain. Paris and Spain become stages of broken love, jealousy, and the lost hope of the generation.