How is the relationship between Jake Barnes and Lady Brett?

Answer

How is the relationship between Jake Barnes and Lady Brett? [NU: 2016]

Love is powerful. Love can heal, but sometimes love can hurt. In “The Sun Also Rises” (1926) by Ernest Hemingway (1899-1961), Jake Barnes and Lady Brett Ashley show us a love that is deep but painful. Their story takes place in Paris, in taxis, in cafés, and in Spain. Their love is not simple. It is full of sadness, desire, and loss.

Deep Love and Attraction: Jake truly loves Brett. Brett also loves Jake. But they cannot be together. Jake says to Brett in the taxi, 

“Don’t you love me?” 

and Brett answers, 

“Love you? I simply turn all to jelly when you touch me.” 

This shows Brett’s strong love. But her love brings pain because Jake is wounded from the war. Their attraction is true, but it is blocked by reality.

Painful Barriers and Suffering: Jake’s war injury makes a normal relationship impossible. Brett feels helpless and cries because of this barrier. Jake also suffers deeply. He tries to stay strong on the outside, but inside, his heart breaks whenever he thinks of Brett. Their love is filled with pain, not joy. In the streets of Paris, in cafés like the Select, and in their late-night talks, this sadness and suffering keep growing.

Endless Bond and Tragic End: Even though Brett goes with men like Mike Campbell, Robert Cohn, and Count Mippipopolous, she always returns to Jake. At the end in Madrid, she says, 

“Oh, Jake, we could have had such a damned good time together.” 

Jake answers, 

“Yes. Isn’t it pretty to think so?” 

This shows their endless bond but also their tragic fate. Their love is real, but it can never find peace.

Jake and Brett’s relationship is love mixed with sorrow. In Paris cafés, Spanish streets, and in taxis, they show passion but also sadness. Their love is unforgettable, but