Differences Between Jake Barnes and Pedro Romero
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, to various questions of The Sun Also Rises.
Answer
Show the differences between Jake Barnes and Pedro Romero.
Jake Barnes and Pedro Romero are two contrasting characters in Hemingway’s (1899-1961) masterpiece “The Sun Also Rises” (1926). They represent different ideals of masculinity and life experiences.
Jake Barnes – A Disillusioned Veteran: Jake Barnes is a war veteran whose life has been deeply affected by his injury during World War I, which left him impotent. This injury symbolizes the loss of traditional masculine power and creates a barrier in his relationship with Lady Brett Ashley, whom he loves deeply. Jake is disillusioned, often finding solace in alcohol, socializing, and distracting pleasures. Jake says,
Under the wine I lost the disgusted feeling and was happy.
Jake escapes his emotions through drinking, like many other members of the ‘lost generation’ in a world shattered by war. Despite being intelligent and insightful, Jake is haunted by his war experience. It leads to a sense of detachment and a lack of purpose.
Pedro Romero – The Ideal of Traditional Masculinity: On the other hand, Pedro Romero, a young bullfighter, embodies the traditional, idealized form of masculinity. He is brave, confident, and skilled in the bullring, where he performs with grace and power. Unlike Jake, Romero represents the unbroken spirit, untouched by the horrors of war. Jake says,
Romero had the greatness. He loved bull-fighting, and I think he loved the bulls, and I think he loved Brett.
Romero’s relationship with Brett is also different; he is able to offer her the passionate connection that Jake cannot due to his physical limitations.
In summary, Jake Barnes and Pedro Romero differ in their life experiences, with Jake representing the damaged and disillusioned post-war generation, while Romero symbolizes the enduring, traditional masculine ideals.