What kind of lifestyle Does Lady Brett Ashley Maintain?

Answer

What kind of lifestyle does Lady Brett Ashley maintain? 

Lady Brett Ashley in Ernest Hemingway’s (1899-1961) “The Sun Also Rises” (1926) leads a lifestyle that is both carefree and restless. She is a British woman who doesn’t conform to the traditional expectations of her social status.

Independence and Rebellion: Lady Brett lives a life marked by independence, spontaneity, and a disregard for conventional norms. She enjoys the attention of men and often has multiple romantic relationships. Her short, boyish haircut, and her open attitude towards sex are clear signs of her rebellion against the typical roles of women in her time.

Brett was damned good-looking…. her hair was brushed back like a boy’s.

Restlessness and Emptiness: Brett frequently moves from place to place, never staying long in one spot. It reflects her inner turmoil and dissatisfaction, typical for the post-war ‘lost generation’. She drinks heavily and attends parties in the social scenes of Paris and Spain. Despite the freedom and excitement of her lifestyle, Brett is often unhappy and feels empty. She complains about her misery, yet she continues her pattern of seeking out new lovers and experiences. She hopes to find something that will satisfy her.

Freedom and Loneliness: Her lifestyle is a mix of freedom and loneliness. While she can do as she pleases, her actions often leave her feeling isolated and unfulfilled. Her relationship with Jake, the novel’s male protagonist, is central to this. Brett says,

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

This quote illustrates a deep sense of regret and unfulfilled longing that Brett experiences. Brett knows she cannot stay with Jake despite loving him, because of a war injury which made him impotent (sexually disabled). 

In short, Brett’s lifestyle is one of constant movement and fleeting pleasures, but it lacks true happiness or fulfillment.