The Sun Also Rises Essays (1102 words) - English-language Films

The Sun Also Rises THE SUN ALSO RISES 6. The Sun Also Rises is narrated by one of the characters, Jake Barnes. Discuss what difference that makes to the development of the novel and its theme. This novel takes on different characteristics with Jake Barnes narrating the story. Using him as a vehicle of information to tell the story adds many key twists and turns in the plot. Using Jake as the key character to revolve the book around is very important for a variety of reasons. Jake's insight to Brett, his approachability with others, and his World War I experiences create an atmosphere that keeps the reader involved. Even though there is tension between several characters in the novel, all of these people still seem to respect and enjoy Jacob Barnes. Robert Cohn had major points of contention with Jacob, Remero, and Michael, but Jake was the only character with whom Robert tried to make amends. Robert respected Jake enough to ask him along to South America. Even though Jake spit the idea back up to him, Robert revered Jake enough to ask his opinion and advice-as he did the night before he went to South America. Listen Jake, don't you ever get the feeling that all of your life is going by and you're not taking advantage of it? Do you realize you've lived nearly half the time you have to live already? Although Jake was not that fond of Robert, he still respected Robert enough to give him advice. Here is an example when Robert asked about going to South America. Listen Robert, going to another country doesn't make any difference. I've tried all that. You can't get away from yourself by moving from one place to another, there's nothing to that. Many of Jacob's friends were very fond of him, thus leading them all to feel very comfortable in his presence. Additionally, they asked for his advice and told him stories and personal details that they would not share with most people. This gave us a distinct advantage in this story. It allowed us to peel back the layers of the characters and see right into them through Jake's eyes. Another reason that Jacob is a key figure in telling the story is his relationship with Brett. In a sense, the whole novel revolves around Brett. Since Jacob is basically the only person that Brett is honest with, it gives the reader an insight to the evolution of her relationship and life experiences. Jacob starts to get irritated at Brett's casual confessions to him; his discomfort clearly shows that he does not like being her confidant. After all, his sex life with her is tender. His empathy towards Brett dissolved because he is repulsed that Robert Cohn is her lover. This created more conflict as days passed and Jacob realized that his affair with Brett was over. Everyone liked Brett and enjoyed her company. Jake's relationship with Brett is a treasured path through which we learn more about the characters. His love situation with Brett makes Jacob the ideal person to help the reader to understand Brett and to learn about the other characters. For example, when Brett sent the count away for champagne she opened up to Jake. Do you feel better, darling? Is the head any better? Brett said to Jake as she was nursing him back to health. ...It's my fault, Jake. It's the way I'm made. I know you are right. I'm just low, and when I'm low I talk like a fool. Other insights into the novel would never have occurred if Jake did not narrate the story. When Robert Cohn and Frances Clyne see Jake in Paris, Frances takes Jake aside and begins to unload her problems on him. Oh, he told everyone that we were going to be married, and I told my mother and everyone, and now he doesn't want to do it?I wouldn't marry him if he doesn't want to. Of course I wouldn't. I wouldn't marry him now for anything. But it does seem to me to be a little late now, after we've waited three years, and I've just gotten my divorce. Jacob also adds a compelling thickness to the plot with his thoughts about Robert